Celebrating its 70th anniversary this 2019, Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) is perhaps one of the most bizarre pairings of stories ever to hit movie theatres. . .
Coupling Kenneth Grahame’s iconic children’s novel “The Wind In the Willows” with Washington Irving’s gothic horror story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, you may be wondering what these two tales have in common. . . in short, absolutely nothing (it was actually due to reduced manpower during World War 2 that six movies – this being the last, were released in these combined and shortened formats). Woven together by a narrated battle of the greatest characters ever to grace British and American shores, English narrator Basil Rathbone (most famous for playing Sherlock Holmes) selects the former story, while Washingtonian Bing Crosby (singer/actor) highlights the latter. . . two more rich, melodious voices you will not find.
It is not surprising that just six years later the two stories would be separated by Disney, shown as stand alones. . . though, as this is the original format, I will be reviewing both here.
Opening with the British tale, the narrative follows J. Thaddeus Toad, Esq. (Eric Blore), a wealthy socialite who, with a lack of planning and foresight (and a manic obsession for expensive gizmos), is leaning on his wise friend, Angus MacBadger (Campbell Grant), to balance the budgets so that he may maintain, in its entirety, the Toad Hall estate.
Also friends with Ratey (Claud Allister) and Moley (Colin Campbell), not one of them has any luck convincing the extravagant Mr. Toad in changing his ways. Preoccupied by speed, it is lust at first sight when he sees the first ever automobile drive by. . . his penchant for getting what he wants immediately leading him into a sticky situation.
With the help of his ever loyal friends, they must prove Mr. Toad’s innocence. . . after a weaselly plot finds Thaddeus placed in jail for stealing said car.
Followed by the Washington Irving fable, this was one of my favourites as a child. Introducing school teacher Ichabod Crane (Pinto Colvig), the rangy individual, who looks quite a bit like a gangly scarecrow, is new to Sleepy Hollow, New York. A lover of food, despite his slender frame, and women, the charming dandy is smitten with Katrina van Tassel (the daughter of the richest man in the area), a lovely young woman who is being courted by nearly every eligible bachelor in the county.
Brom Bones (Mel Blanc) is Ichabod’s biggest competition, for even though the mannered teacher is slick, smooth and wiry (and man can he dance), Brom is a hulking hero – a strong, fear nothing powerhouse. And, if there is one weakness Ichabod has, it is that he is a scaredy cat (as is his loyal steed). So, when Brom begins to tell the tall tales of the county’s infamous headless horseman, the story more than spooks the chickenhearted educator.
Mr. Toad’s tale is whimsical fun – a conquest that sees the team of friends attempt to recover a deed from a scheming bartender and his gargantuan group of weasel henchmen. . . and it is its eccentric characters that make it so. The animation is playful, the narration – poshly charming, the comedy – satirical, the action – engaging.
Onto the Washington Irving story which is perfect viewing for families this Halloween season. With one of the darkest songs ever to grace the Disney screen (it was almost cut due to fear of it being too scary), Bing Crosby’s relaxing voice helps ease the tension somewhat. Yet, it is all there, the midnight ride, the dark country setting (the forest shadows seemingly closing in around Ichabod), the unnerving sounds (that are even more frightening at night), and that fearless foe – The Headless Horseman. Wielding a flaming pumpkin, it is Disney animation at its best – with prime pacing, the woodsy claustrophobia, the popping autumn colours and the deadly harbinger of never-ending pursuit coming together to form a truly frightful sequence. Though, there is also comedy throughout. . . some interwoven amongst the horror (like Ichabod over- peppering his egg whilst he listens to the song in fright), while other moments are just pure laughs – you can’t help but fall for heavy-set Tilda. . . who takes advantage of a sullen Brom – getting the most out of their dancing together.
By today’s standards, some might find it all a bit comical. . . yet Disney still receives letters to this day – parents complaining about The Headless Horseman scaring their children. And, rather intriguingly, the ending is left ambiguous, it is up to the viewer to decide what has happened (it is even possible that the villain may have won. . . a very rare thing for a Disney movie).
Running at the perfect length to keep both stories snappy and entertaining (they come in at just over thirty minutes), The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a must watch for families this Halloween season. Featuring that classic Disney charm, the animation is warm, endearing, and comedically playful. . . and, its mostly narrated format is a unique change from your typical Disney fare. Also, here is an interesting sidenote – the character of Brom was the inspiration for Gaston in 1991’s Beauty and the Beast. So, don’t get spirited away by some other feature, instead, ride into these fabulous adventures. . . and, it is your choice as to whether you’d prefer to do that by way of automobile or horseback.