Patriotic Pals: Disney’s “Ben & Me”

By Michael Lyons

“Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them and up my spine is growing this red, white and blue stripe.” - Walt Disney

It’s not surprising that Walt Disney supposedly once said this.  The Studio’s work during his time is filled with examples of patriotism, from short subjects made in support of the war effort during World War II, to TV shows like “Davy Crockett” (1954), live-action films like “Johnny Tremain” (1957) and even theme park attractions like “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

However, possibly the most Americana-filled effort to come out of the studio during Walt’s tenure is a seldom seen animated featurette entitled “Ben & Me” from 1953.  Based on a children’s book by author Robert Lawson, the short film tells the story of an unsung American figure, Amos the mouse, who befriends Benjamin Franklin.  Amos becomes a pivotal, influential partner in all of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions and contributions to American history.

With Independence Day approaching, coupled with the 65th anniversary of “Ben & Me,” it’s the perfect time to celebrate this Disney “Mini Classic!”

The film opens in “present day,” as a tour group is passing a statue of Benjamin Franklin.  The camera pans up to the top of the statue to find another tour group (this one made up of mice) who are near a statue of a mouse perched on Franklin’s hat.  The tour group leader is regaling the group about Amos Mouse, who we learn is “really responsible for the great deeds attributed to Benjamin Franklin.”

What then follows is Amos’ story.  In 1745, we see him leave his family, setting out to see the world.  On a snowy night, he arrives at a printing shop run by Ben Franklin.  They befriend each other and Amos assists Ben with printing his Almanac and then goes on to significantly influence Ben’s discoveries of the bifocals, the Franklin stove and even the famous kite-flying lightning encounter of electricity.

Amos even plays a hand in assisting Ben with drafting the Declaration of Independence.

“Ben and Me” is pure Disney charm.  While no where near as emotional or compelling as one of the studio’s animated features, it still does a solid job of creating a world and sense of time and place.

The scale of Amos’ “mouse world” is ingeniously used.  He kicks out the lenses to create Ben’s bifocals, skitters throughout the printing press and rides atop Ben’s tricorner hat to offer advice.

Directed by Studio veteran Hamilton Luske (“Pinocchio” and “Peter Pan” just to name a few), “Ben and Me” features the trademark full animation and great looking character design.  Additionally, the featurette is filled with stalwart Disney voices.

Sterling Holloway, who would have a thirty year career at the studio voicing such characters as the Cheshire Cat, Winnie the Pooh and Kaa the snake, lends his familiar tones to Amos.

Character actor Charles Ruggles is Ben Franklin and Hans Conried (Captain Hook) plays Thomas Jefferson

The scenes drafting the Declaration of Independence have a nice, respectful tone.  In fact all of “Ben and Me” serves as an extremely entertaining way to introduce younger viewers to American History, while not coming across as a “textbook adaptation.”  For the rest of us, this film is a nice little reminder

“Ben & Me” is to Independence Day what “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is to Halloween.  Both are perfect for each day.  So, over this July 4th week, amid the fireworks and bar-b-q’s, carve out 30 minutes for some perfect patriotism, Disney-style, with “Ben & Me.”

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

Sources:

Wikipedia

It’s Still “Raptor”-ous!: The 25th Anniversary of “Jurassic Park”

By Michael Lyons

“It’s a white knuckle thrill ride!”

How many times have we seen that quote from a critic splashed across a movie poster?  Usually it’s hyperbole. Few movies truly are a “white knuckle thrill ride.”

“Jurassic Park” is.

Director Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of author Michael Crichton’s novel is the beloved blockbuster it deserved to be.  The story, of course, centers on a billionaire who joins forces with scientists to create a theme park where genetically re-created dinosaurs are on display...until something goes wrong.

“Jurassic Park” perfectly captures the feeling of actually being there with the characters, through efficient storytelling and (then) cutting edge technology that recreates the feeling of being on a theme park attraction.  The audience is “strapped in” when the opening Universal logo appears and we exit, weary, but giddy from the ride, when the closing credits role.

It’s no wonder that many count “Jurassic Park” as one of their favorite films and its become one of maestro Spielberg’s most talked about movies.

With the film marking its 25th anniversary this month and the fifth entry in the franchise, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” poised to stomp competition at the box-office this weekend, it’s the perfect time to look back and celebrate “Jurassic Park.”

One of the things that makes the film so memorable and re-watchable is just how “Spielberg” this Steven Spielberg film is.  There are countless scenes in “Jurassic Park” that could’ve only been crafted by him.  From the ominous opening scene, where a Park employee is attacked by an unseen, caged Raptor to Paleontologist Allen Grant’s awed reaction upon seeing a dinosaur for the first time to the ripple in a cup of water from the impact of an approaching T-Rex , this is moviemaking at its finest, crafted by someone who loves movies.

Bringing all of this to life is a Cast who have now become so immediately associated with their roles, it’s difficult to see anyone else in them.  As Dr. Grant, Sam Neill is a perfect, socially awkward hero; Jeff Goldblum brings so much of himself to the role of Dr. Ian Malcom that the “rock star” scientist has become one of movie’s most unique characters; as Ellie Sattler, Laura Dean brings strength to this resourceful heroine; Richard Attenborough as the kindly John Hammond is the most likable, misguided philanthropist ever and as his grandkids, Lex and Tim, Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello deliver powerhouse performances (their reactions during the T-Rex attack sequence make it even more frightening).  Rounding out the cast in supporting roles is a parade of reliable character actors like B.D. Wong, Wayne Knight, Martin Ferraro, Bob Peck and none other than Samuel L. Jackson in one of his first major films.

The real stars of “Jurassic Park” are, without a doubt, the dinosaurs.  Combining practical puppet and animatronic effects, alongside side what was an emerging technology of computer animation, dinosaurs came alive on screen as they had never before.  Effects wizards Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett and Stan Winston are just a few responsible for such scenes as the jaw-dropping first shot of a brachiosaurus stomping through an open field; the heart pounding (and seemingly never ending) T-Rex attack and the chilling confrontation with Raptors in the kitchen.

“Jurassic Park” opened on June 11, 1993 amid incredible excitement and anticipation.  The film shattered box-office records, going on to gross over $900 million dollars in its initial run.

It was also a landmark film.  Just as Spielberg’s own “Jaws” was the flashpoint for the summer blockbuster, “Jurassic World” became the template for the summer “event film” (a movie so heavily marketed and hyped beforehand that seeing it was much more than going to the movie theater, it was an “event”).  Similar “event films” followed for the rest of the ‘90’s, but few matched “Jurassic Park” as an unforgettable movie going experience.

The legacy of the film continues like an “impact tremor” to this day.  In addition to all of the adrenaline in the film, Michael Chrichton, who adapted his own novel with David Koepp, crafted a screenplay that also manages to express messages around man vs. nature and the dangers of technology.

One of the many reasons why “Jurassic Park” is still watched, discussed, reminisced about and remembered 25 years later.  Oh, and don’t forget...it’s a while knuckle thrill ride!

Sources:

Wikipedia 

Father’s Day Gets a C...”Mr. C,” that is! Mr. Cunningham’s Best “Happy Days” Episodes

By Michael Lyons

“I wonder if Robert Young ever had these problems?”

This line of dialogue is from an an episode of the beloved sitcom “Happy Days.” which centered on life during the innocent, “Rock Around the Clock” decade of the ‘50’s.  It was pondered by the patriarch of the Cunningham household, Howard Cunningham (played so well by actor Tom Bosley).

“Mr. C.,” as he was called on the show, was reflecting on what the actor who played Jim Anderson, the epitome of the knowing, wise, soft spoken TV Dad on the hit ‘50’s sitcom “Father Knows Best” would do.

Little did “Mr. C” himself realize that he himself was also the epitome of the knowing, wise, soft spoken TV Dad, who helped bring love, caring and perspective to his wife Marion, children Richie and Joanie and, yes, even their “Coolamundo” upstairs neighbor Fonzie.

As we prepare to celebrate Dads with Father’s Day approaching this weekend, it’s the perfect time to look at this “cooler than cool” TV Dad, in some of Mr. C’s best episodes of “Happy Days”:

“Richie’s Cup Runneth Over” (Originally aired: January 29, 1974)

In this episode, Richie (Ron Howard) learns what in today’s world seems like a very innocent hard lesson, when he gets drunk while attending a bachelor party

When he comes home, late at night, noticeably intoxicated, the ever understanding Mr. C asks what he had to dink.  “All we had was beer in teeny weeny little glasses,” says Richie.  “How many of these teeny weeny little glasses did you have?”  Asks Howard.  “Seventy two,” responds Richie.

Mr C then attempts to sober Richie up and it becomes an episode less about his son being in trouble and more about Howard understanding that a tough lesson has to be learned.

In fact, when Richie asks his dad if he is going to be punished, Mr C hints that how Richie feels in the morning will be punishment enough.

“The Other Richie Cunningham” (Originally Aired: October 7, 1975)

Howard asks Richie to take a prospective customer’s daughter on a blind date, but when Richie realizes that he’s double booked with dates, a plan is devised to have Potsie (Anson Williams) pose as Richie on the blind date.

You guessed it, things don’t go well and begin to unravel, ruining a potential business opportunity for ol’ Cunningham Hardware.  But, when Mr. C learns that the business partner was not all he seems, he comes to the defense of Richie and his pals.

Bosley’s performance at the end of this episode is filled with the effortless comic timing that became the actor’s trademark...and the fact that Mr. C sticks up for his son and his friends gets a big thumbs up from Fonzie!

“Howard’s 45th Fiasco (Originally Aired: October 28, 1975)

The Cunningham family decides to celebrate Howard’s 45th Birthday by re-enacting a popular TV show, at the time, “This is Your Life.”  They reflect back on people and events in Howard’s life, but instead of making Mr. C feel warm and nostalgic, he begins to feel regret for all that he was never able to accomplish in life.

He then suffers a brief, mid-life crisis and considers running away and leaving his family, before a conversation with The Fonz gives him perspective, in a nice moment of acting from both Bosley and Henry Winkler.

A poignant and somewhat dramatic episode of “Happy Days,” it’s a refreshing focus on Mr C, at a time when the show was seemingly all about Fonzie.

“A Shot in the Dark’ (Originally Aired: January 25, 1977)

An episode that really revolves around Richie, actually features an ending filled with memorable, sage advice from Howard.

Richie finds himself quite the local celebrity when he leads his high school basketball team to victory.  While basking in the glory, Richie lets it all go right to his head and learns a hard lesson.

The episode ends with Richie finding out that fame can indeed be fleeting, until Mr. C provides perspective, letting Richie know that while he was only “famous” for one week, some people in life don’t even get that.

Things then conclude with a take-off of a popular commercial from the ‘70’s, making this episode a nice little “time capsule” as well.

These episode of “Happy Days,” like so many, show how Howard Cunningham did just as well as Jim Anderson on “Father Knows Best,” and why Mr C still remains one of our favorite TV Dads.

Here’s hoping that all the Dads out there find their Father’s Days today and always to truly be “Happy Days!”

Sources:

IMDb

A Top Toon...Um...Top Ten List: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” Fun Facts!

By Michael Lyons

In summer of 1988, noted film critic Roger Ebert wrote a four star review of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” that began:

“I stopped off a hot dog stand before the screening of ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit,’ and ran into a couple of the other local movie critics.  They said that they were going to the same screening.  I asked them what they had heard about the film.  They said that they were going to see it for the second time in two days.  That’s the kind of word of mouth that money can’t buy.”

Mr. Ebert’s words perfectly sum up the excitement that surrounded the release of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” three decades ago.  It also sums up why this film is such a landmark, so remarkable, still highly regarded and, as the old saying goes, the kind of film they just don’t make any more...and sadly, may never make again.

Director Robert Zemeckis’ tale of “...a man, a woman and a rabbit in a triangle of trouble” (as the movie poster said) is still a wonder to behold.  In a 1947 world where cartoon characters and humans live side by side, Hollywood detective Eddie Valiant (the brilliant Bob Hoskins) has to help clear the name of a “‘Toon” (as cartoon characters are called in the film) named Roger Rabbit (the voice of Charles Fleischer), who finds himself framed for the murder of Marvin Acme, head of the Maroon Cartoon studio.

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” combined live-action and animation as never before. In the film, the “‘Toons” cast shadows, interact with the live-action sets and seemingly EXIST alongside the actors.  Even in our age where computers make anything possible, this movie is still astonishing.

With “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, it’s the perfect time to return to Toontown to celebrate this revolutionary piece of movie history with a Top Ten, or in this case “Top Toon” list of fun facts:

10-Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was based on a novel, “Who Censored Roger Rabbit” by Gary K. Wolf.  Published in 1981, the book actually takes place in a current day setting and centers on comic strips instead of animation, with cameos from such famous comic characters as Beetle Bailey, Blondie and even Snoopy.

9-When the film was in production at Disney, comedian Paul Reubens (a/k/a Pee-Wee Herman) was the original voice of Roger, in early test footage.

8-Bob Hoskins wasn’t the first choice for Eddie Valiant.  Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone, Chevy Chase and Eddie Murphy were all in contention for the role.  Today, its so strange to think of anyone but Hoskins as Eddie.

7- Charles Fleischer was a “method Toon.”  Not only did he voice Roger, but he was on set during filming of the live action scenes, wearing a Rabbit costume!

6-Richard Williams directed the animation sequences for the film.  At the time, Williams had been working on his own animated feature, “The Thief and the Cobbler.”  The film was a true passion project for Williams, but sadly had a troubled path, where it was in and out of production for almost thirty years.  The film was eventually released theatrically in 1995 as “Arabian Knight.”  A remastered (or “recobbled”) cut is available on DVD.

5- “Who framed Roger Rabbit” is a never before and never again “mash-up” of cartoon characters from competing studios like Disney, Warner Bros., Fleischer, MGM and Universal.  While landmark pairings like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny occur in the movie, there were plans for others, such as Superman, Popeye and Felix the Cat, but rights couldn’t be obtained in time. 

4-To play his role of villain Judge Doom with true menace, actor Christopher Lloyd made the decision not to blink in any of his scenes.  This also is a nod to the final reveal of who he really is (no spoilers here).

3-In the scene in which Eddie and Roger attempt to get out of handcuffs, a ceiling lamp is bumped, creating swirling light and shadow throughout the room.  This caused the animators to work extra hard on Roger’s animation in the scene, as the light and shadow had to have continuity.  For years after at the Disney Studio, the term “Bump the Lamp” was used to refer to providing detail, making things better and “plussing” something, even though many may not notice it.

2-Three Roger Rabbit short subjects followed the feature “Who Framed Roger Rabbit:” “Tummy Trouble” (1989, Released with “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”), “Roller Coaster Rabbit (1990, released with “Dick Tracy”) and “Trail Mix-up (1993, released with “A Far Off Place”).  The latter two were produced at Disney’s, now defunct, Florida Animation Studio.

1- “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was released on June 22, 1988 and went on to make $329 million at the box office.  The film also earned a Special Achievement Oscar, presented to Richard Williams and re-ignited an interest in classic animation that kicked off a Second Golden Age of animation at Disney and other Studios.  For a number of years, there was constant discussion of sequels and prequels, which now seem to have a slim chance of becoming a reality...but thirty years later, fans still hold out hope and, in the words of Roger himself say, “P-p-p-p-p lease?!?”

Sources:

IMDb

Robert Ebert.com

Wikipedia