Jim on Film
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Hearing Voices
Recently, I was watching some of the bonus features on the special edition DVD of Atlantis: The Lost Empire. James Garner is such perfect casting in the role of Rourke, and I remember thinking that as I sat in the theater the first time, not knowing whose voice it was. James Garner seems like an usual choice in that, as far as celebrity casting goes, he’s no longer a hot name that is flashed before your eyes likes Albert Brooks, David Hyde Pierce, or Michael J. Fox. But he brought to the role a rustic air of command, and he’s perfect for it.
Sometimes, I hear voices in my head. In fact, I’ve often thought of people I would like to cast in animated films, those voices that have yet to be immortalized in Disney Feature Animation. Some of them are very unique voices that would help define a character, like Phyllis Diller did in A Bug’s Life, but others are simply very talented people.
Carolee Carmello--While her voice is probably more mature than the average Disney female character, Carolee Carmello’s voice possesses an amazing level of power and beauty. After having appeared in such Broadway shows as The Scarlet Pimpernel, Parade, and Kiss Me, Kate, Carmello is currently appearing in Urinetown: The Musical. Hearing that voice belt out of a theater equipped for THX sound . . . I’m getting chills.
Carol Channing--Just as seeing Oliver & Company in 1988 was a major influence on my love of Disney, seeing Carol Channing in 1994 in a pre-Broadway tour of Hello, Dolly! was a major influence on my love of musical theatre. Ms. Channing has performed as voices before, including in Don Bluth’s Thumbelina and for Disney as Collie Channing for Chip and Dale’s Rescue Ranger (where she sang “Hello, Doggy!�?). It has often been said that Ms. Channing’s talent is too big for the silver screen, but that’s the exact kind of talent needed for voicing animation. With her unique voice, she could bring to life a grandmother, a caterpillar, or a wicked witch. It would truly be a shame if this living legend never got the opportunity to make her mark on the world as a Disney animated character.
Dean Jones--While his Disney body of work may not always show it, Dean Jones is a very versatile actor. He’s best known to Disney fans for appearing in such Disney classics as That Darn Cat!, The Ugly Dachshund, and The Love Bug, but he’s also done work on the stage, including in Stephen Sondheim’s classic Company.
Cloris Leachman--I first saw Cloris Leachman on The Facts of Life, but as I grew older, I came to know her for her several roles in Disney live-action films, my favorite being The North Avenue Irregulars. She always has such great comedic timing, and judging from her various roles, she’s probably a great improviser.
Jerry Lewis--Over the years, Disney has hired many a comic to voice characters, including some unusual ones, such as Matt Frewer, Bobcat Goldthwait, Eddie Murphy, and David Spade. Besides possibly ensuring high box office turnout in France, Jerry Lewis’ trademark nasal goofiness would make him an ideal candidate for a great comedic character. And to top it off, he can still sell a tune.
Audra McDonald--Audra McDonald is best known to Disney fans as Daddy Warbuck’s secretary Grace in the television remake of Annie. A three-time Tony Award winner and Broadway star of such Broadway shows as Marie Christine, Ragtime, and Master Class, Ms. McDonald possesses a powerful, spine-tingling singing voice that can be innocent, manipulating, passionate, or whatever she calls on it to be. As an actress, she is equally talented. Her speaking performances on recordings of Ragtime and Marie Christine and her roles in various filmed performances displays a commanding versatility. She would play any part excellently, but her voice screams out to be a Disney princess.
Mandy Patinkin--Patinkin, who appeared in Disney’s Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale, has had a varied career on stage, in film, on television, and in recording. While I’ve never been too knowledgeable of his work, I was struck by his vocal range on the CD of Michael John LaChiusa’s musical The Wild Party. Vocally, he can go very high, slinking to the lower range, creating a devilishly sinister voice. Cast in the right role, he could be the ultimate Disney villain--kind and loving on the outside but evil and plotting on the inside.
Betty White--Who doesn’t adore Betty White? From the wicked happy homemaker/homewrecker on The Mary Tyler Moore Show to the ditz from St. Olaf on Golden Girls to the nasty old woman in Lake Placid, Betty White is a hoot. Now that she is older, she does have a certain older quality to her voice, but she would be great in any number of roles.
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-- Jim Miles
Jim On Film is published every other Thursday.
The opinions expressed by our guest columnists, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted June 5, 2003