Dumbo (1941)

Directed by Ben Sharpsteen. Starring (voices) Edward Brophy, Cliff Edwards, Verna Felton, Noreen Gammill, Sarah Selby, Dorothy Scott, The Hall Johnson Choir, Sterling Holloway, Herman Bing. [G]

You’ve seen a front porch swing, you’ve heard a diamond ring, and now you’ll believe an elephant can fly. Wonderfully charming Disney fable mixes sweet tenderness, cartoon-y expressiveness, poignant heartbreak, streamlined yet stylized visuals, adult-oriented humor, and soaring triumph at a towering level the animation studio hasn’t quite been able to match since. Episodic story concerns a pint-sized circus elephant born with enormous ears only a mother could love. The poor little thing is separated from mommy dearest, and he becomes a pariah among his fellow pachyderms, with a mouse named Timothy as his only friend. Not without its share of problematic elements—racial stereotyping and cruel circus practices chief among them—but there are far too many colorful and moving moments in between to do irreparable damage; besides, we’re privy to the industry’s dark side (callous ringleader, animal abuse, etc.), and although the lyrics to “Song of the Roustabouts” leave an ugly mark, the much-derided minstrel show-inspired crows who show up in the final act get to be sharp, hip, good-natured, lively and supportive, and who wouldn’t want friends like those? That scenario with the crows (voiced by Cliff Edwards and the Hall Johnson Choir), along with the touching “Baby Mine” lullaby and the stylish parade of pink elephants, are among the most indelible sequences to be found in classic Hollywood feature animation. Oscar winner for Best Scoring for a Musical. A fruitlessly expanded live-action/CGI hybrid remake came in 2019.

92/100