ONE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS (1961)

Film of the Day #143

ONE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS
1961 • Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi

Screenplay: Bill Peet; Based on The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Producer: Walt Disney
Cast: Rod Taylor, J. Pat O'Malley, Betty Lou Gerson, Martha Wentworth, Ben Wright, Cate Bauer, David Frankham, Frederick Worlock
Music: George Bruns

Walt Disney Productions

My only true love, darling. I live for furs. I worship furs! After all, is there a woman in all this wretched world who doesn't?

In the heart of 1960s London, One Hundred and One Dalmatians unfolds as a Dalmatian named Pongo orchestrates a “chance” encounter between his owner, Roger, a young woman named Anita, and her own Dalmatian Perdita, resulting in a heartwarming human romance. But their happiness is swiftly overshadowed by the nefarious Cruella de Vil, a cinematic villain of legendary status, who harbors a twisted desire to turn their Dalmatian puppies' spots into fur coats. When Roger and Perdita refuse to sell Cruella the newborn puppies, she enlists two bumbling criminals to abduct them. With the aid of a network of colorful animal allies, Pongo and Perdita embark on a daring adventure to protect their pups from Cruella's sinister clutches. A timeless classic blending romance, suspense, and unforgettable characters, One Hundred and One Dalmatians showcases the enduring bonds of love and family in the face of villainous cruelty.

When it comes to classic Disney villains, few can match the sheer malevolence and iconic status of Cruella de Vil. Even though the film was released in the early 1960s, Cruella remains one of the all-time great villains in cinematic history. Cruella de Vil is a character who oozes wickedness. Her obsession with Dalmatian fur coats is both comically absurd and chillingly sinister. Her wild fashion sense and over-the-top personality make her an unforgettable antagonist. The sheer audacity of her evil plan to kidnap and skin innocent puppies for their fur is what makes her a classic villain. She's a character you love to hate, and her presence in the film elevates it to another level.

In 2021 the prequel/origin story Cruella was released by Disney, starring Emma Stone as a young Cruella and Emma Thompson. The movie was a success, winning an Oscar and receiving generally positive reviews. A sequel has been planned. In this version, Cruella, despite her name, isn’t nearly as Cruel as her animated counterpart. However, the original movie is more than just its villain. It's a timeless gem that continues to enchant audiences today.

At the time of its release, Disney had just given us the extravagant and spectacular Sleeping Beauty, a visually stunning masterpiece in the realm of 2D cell animation. Shockingly, it wasn't a financial success and put the film in a financial slump. However, Dalmatians, without the beautiful (and expensive) animation of Sleeping Beauty, became an enormous smash hit. In its theatrical run, it earned $144 Million in domestic tickets alone, which adjusted for inflation makes it the 12th highest-grossing film of all time with $914 Million.

Despite being over six decades old, One Hundred and One Dalmatians feels as fresh and captivating as ever. This is due, in large part, to the film's beautifully crafted 2D cell animation. In an era when 3D animation dominates, the artistry of traditional hand-drawn animation is all but lost. Watching Dalmatians reminds us of the painstaking artistry that goes into each frame. The crisp lines, vibrant colors, and attention to detail in every character and setting are a testament to the skill of Disney's animators.

Amidst the dognapping drama and villainy, One Hundred and One Dalmatians offers a heartwarming love story. The scene in the park where Pongo and Perdita's owners, Roger and Anita, fall in love is a touching moment that also sparks the love between the two dogs. It's a reminder that love can bloom in unexpected places, even for our four-legged friends. This connection between the humans and their canine companions adds depth and emotion to the story.

Dalmatians marked a departure from previous Disney animated films in terms of its art style. Instead of the soft pastels and fairy tale settings of earlier classics, the film features harder-edged drawings and a contemporary urban setting. This shift in style gave the film a unique and modern feel, making it more relatable to audiences of the time.

If you haven't watched it recently, now is the perfect time to revisit this classic and introduce it to a new generation of Disney fans.

- How are you?

- Miserable, darling, as usual, perfectly wretched.

Notable Accomplishments

• 12th Highest Grossing film of all time, ajdusted for inflation

• 100 Greatest Movie Villains - Ranked #64 (Cruella de Vil)

• Cruella de Vil ranked 39th on AFI's list of "100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains"

Streaming: Disney+
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD