The Jungle Book

Wolfgang Reitherman, USA, 1967, 78 minutes

The Jungle Book is a testament to Walt Disney's unique talent for combining flawless animation, great comedy, and catchy songs. The final film that Disney supervised and produced before he died, The Jungle Book, based on the series of stories by Rudyard Kipling was released post-humously to critical and public acclaim.

The film tells the story of a young boy (Mowgli), raised in the jungle by wolves, and his unwillingness to return to human civilisation. This situation arises when the evil tiger Shere Khan (voiced by a memorably suave George Sanders) arrives on the scene, inspired by a hatred of mankind. This forces Mowgli's surrogate family to help him leave the Jungle, and go to the man village. Mowgli's safe return is entrusted with Bagheera the panther, and the ensuing journey through the Jungle results in a series of adventures for Mowgli.

Wolfgang Reitherman directs a hand-picked cast, including Phil Harris as Baloo the bear, Sebastian Cabot as Bagheera, not to forget the vocal talents of Louis Prima as King Louie of the Apes. The main reason we love it, of course, are the sheer number of memorable songs (written by Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman). Everyone remembers "The Bear Necessities" and King Louie's "I Wanna be Like You". Added to this we have the Vultures paying a slightly too obvious homage to the Beatles with "That's What Friends Are For", and Kaa the Snake's insiduous "Trust in Me".

In short, instead of the requisite moral messages in some of todays Disney movies, we are treated to strong characterisation, wonderful animation, and some groovy songs. These qualities, for any good film, are the bare necessities.

Review by Neil Dawson
Written for EUFS Programme Spring 2001