This evening I was surprised by a television special that I had heard
absolutely no advertising or promotion for. I wanted to share it with
y'all in case you missed it and so you can look for a rebroadcast. The
title of the program was:
.        Disney's Most Unlikely Heros
Hosted by Roy E. Disney, this 30 minute program was dropped into the ABC
prime time lineup without a ripple. Indeed, if it were not for "Inside
Out" being preempted on the Disney Channel, we would have missed it
entirely. The title is an intriguing one, bringing to mind previous
specials on Disney Heroines and Disney Villians. In this case, however,
the title was not so accurate.
Our host, Roy E. Disney, is a vice-president with the Company, but had
kept mostly to the sidelines before this--now we know why. While he has
much of his famous uncle's looks (even the mustache), his on-camera
style is much less engaging. I don't want to use the term "wooden", but
imaging a cross between Al Gore and Pinocchio. An occasional smile might
help, too. Roy does know--and love--his animation, though, and that
showed through even in this limited environment.
A number of well-remembered Disney animated heros were ... (sorry) ...
remembered, by a variety of celebrities, some who have voiced Disney
characters, and some who just love them. From Joan Riversd' fondness for
Cinderella's Fairy Godmother to Robby Benson's unremarkable affection
for the Beast, they provide as good a reflection of the characters'
impact on their viewers as one might ask.
This special dissapointed me in two ways, however. First, many of the
best of Disney's animated heros were left out. Pinoccio and Mufasa, who
died trying to save members of their family are naturally included, but
too many characters *I* consider both heroic and unlikely were left out,
such as: Pedro, Tinker Bell, Roquefort, Gurgi, and of course
Bernard--probably the most unlikely hero of them all.
The main reason for these many unjust omissions is that nearly half of
the animated footage was from a film none of us has yet seen, "The
Hunchback of Notre Dame". Lest any of you think this just coincidence,
note that Roy was wearing a "Hunchback" shirt during the taping. Oh, I'm
looking forward to the film as much of any of us who didn't win tickets
to the New Orleans premier. (I hate you, Rich and Carol--but only until
I get to see it on Friday). I think, however, that truth in titling
would have required a different name.
Watch it? Of course, unless you're one of those who don't want to see
any part of a new movie until you can see it all in one piece. Is it the
final word on unlikely heros? Not on your life--or theirs. Disney has
published a book on the Disney Villians, perhaps it's time for one on
Disney Unsung Heros as well.
()_()
 (_)  Bruce (*I'm* unlikely) Metcalf
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 þ OLX 2.1 TD þ For every action there's an equal and opposite criticism.
--- GEcho/32 1.20/Pro
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