The makers of family films learned long ago that you can’t go wrong with dogs – whether it’s live action or animation, their cuteness, combined with man’s long-standing affinity for pooches, has made a big hit of Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, the pups of 101 Dalmatians and many more. And in the case of this classic 1961 animated Disney feature, the canine crew seems more real and infinitely more likeable than the humans.
The story is set in London, England, where Roger and Anita are the happy owners of two Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. In typical 1961 movie fashion, we don’t see much evidence that Perdita is pregnant until the little ones arrive – 15 of them. Everyone’s excited about the new arrivals, although Roger and Anita don’t quite understand why Anita’s old friend, the arrogant Cruella De Vil, takes such an interest in the dogs. It’s only when all 15 puppies disappear that they figure out her plans to turn their spotted coats into human apparel. While the humans vainly try to find their lost pets, Pongo and Perdita take things into their own hands – using the doggie network to try to rescue the little ones and bring them safely home.
The 15 puppies aren’t the only dognapping victims, as De Vil’s henchmen have snagged a total of 99 puppies – every one of them a cute little Dalmatian. When the mutts make a run for it French-underground-style, with the help of various dogs, it’s an exciting and dangerous journey home. Cruella De Vil is one of the scarier Disney villains, partly because of her striking, nasty look and partly because she seems awfully close to a real person. She’s bound to remind you of someone you’ve known – vain, self-centred, greedy and happy to manipulate anyone to get her way.
The dogs, of course, are delightful. They also prove to be far more resourceful than the humans, including both the scheming De Vil gang and the bland Roger and Anita. The ‘masters look just like their pooches’ gimmick has become a cliché since the film was made, but it’s still good fun too see here in the Disney animation style.
This is an enjoyable Disney classic – one that focuses mainly on the cute puppies and their tense journey home. Apparently, this was one of the last films with which Walt Disney got directly involved, and it strikes a good balance between sweetness and the distinctive dark side for which Disney isn’t always remembered.
This movie is funny and exciting. Rod Taylor (Pongo) and Betty Lou Gerson (Cruella De Vil) lead the cast, with De Vil by far the most memorable character. Music isn’t a major part of this film, although the classic “Cruella De Vil” is one of the more memorable Disney songs.
Ultimately, 101 Dalmatians reaffirms the traditional Disney values about home and family, and does it in a thrilling and enjoyable way. This is one of the better Disney animated features, and one that has stood the test of time.
Brian Webster
1. Overture
2. Beautiful Spring Day, A
3. What's All The Hurry / Perfect Situation, A / Stir Things Up
4. Cruella De Vil
5. Don't Worry, Perdy / Puppies Are Here, The / Lucky / How Marvelous / Not One / Bloomin' Hero, A
6. Ol' Thunder Always Wins
7. Kanine Krunchies
8. Bedtime / An Evening Constitutional / Job To Do, A / They're Gone!
9. Dognapped! / Anita Darling / What'll We Do?
10. All Dog Alert
11. Sergeant Tibs' Recon / Cat Casserole
12. Can You Leave Tonight? / Arduous Trek / Any News, Colonel? / I Want The Job Done
13. Pulling A Snitch / Big Hullabaloo / Battling The Baduns
14. My Darlings / 99 / Better Be Off / Fire One / All Clear
15. Medley Through The Snow / Shelter
16. I'm Hungry / Get Some Rest / Back On The Road / Spotted!
17. Dinsford / Cruella / Roll In The Soot, A / To The Van / It Can't Be / Crazed / You Fools!
18. Puppies Everywhere
19. Dalmatian Plantation / Finale
20. Cruella De Vil - (Nonsense Version Demo)
101 Dalmations
