An updated version of this post about The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad has moved to The Tomorrow Society, my blog that focuses on Disney and the world of theme parks. You can locate my article on this 1949 Disney movie at this new location.
An updated version of this post about The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad has moved to The Tomorrow Society, my blog that focuses on Disney and the world of theme parks. You can locate my article on this 1949 Disney movie at this new location.
It's been a while since I've seen the Sleepy Hollow cartoon, though the Headless Horseman conclusion remains pretty memorable. But I've seen the Mr. Toad cartoon many times over the years. Like you, I'm a big fan of the ride and it's too bad they've axed it from Florida. As you say, Toad isn't the household name he perhaps once. Which is a damn shame.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually as obsessed with Wind in the Willows (the book) as with Twin Peaks, and even devoted a 7-part series to the book on my blog (accompanied by images from all the different adaptations). The Disney version is a fascinating adaptation because it's very indicative of how people remember and often adapt the story - focusing on Toad's madcap adventures but ignoring the bulk of the Grahame's novel, which is suffused with mysticism, nostalgia, quiet reflection, social satire, comedy of manners, wanderlust, and natural lore. If Disney had crafted a feature they would probably have had to include many of these features but ultimately Willows is a more a world than a narrative and less suited to Disney's storytelling sensibility.
There was supposed to be a CGI version coming out a few years ago - there was even a trailer online for it - but somehow it never happened. Given some of the revisions they were proposing, maybe it's for the best...
Wow. I'll have to check out that series on your blog, though I haven't read the book. I did read that they originally intended to make it a feature and would have included more parts of the book, but it's hard to say how far they would have gone. The DVD didn't have much in terms of history (though it did have a really easy trivia game).
DeleteI have a feeling that CGI version would not have been good, though you never know. Regarding the ride, I do wonder if it's nostalgia that's clouding my memories. It was one of our favorites when we went as a kid.
It's pretty fun (there's even a part where they send you to hell) - I actually was able to revisit it recently with my sister in Disneyland. Though perhaps it's STILL nostalgia clouding it haha.
ReplyDeleteI did actually ride the Disneyland one in 2012, and it was fun. I think it was more abbreviated than the Florida one, but the hell scene is a great finish. It's probably both; nostalgia and still being fun too.
DeleteOhh I loved this as a kid as well. Used to watch it all the time. That was a cool story about your daughter, because I was definitely freaked out by this movie at her age. Glad she handled it like a champ!
ReplyDeleteShe's generally pretty brave on most things, but you never know for sure. It was during the day and bright out, so that might have helped too. I was definitely not so courageous as a kid!
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