Toon Talk Special: Favorite Disney Friendships - Part Two
Page 5 of 5
CHIP and DALE
Films/TV Series: Various shorts, beginning with Private Pluto (1943) and Chip ‘n Dale’s Rescue Rangers (1989-1992)
Original Voice Actors: James MacDonald and Dessie Flynn
Song of Friendship: “I’m Chip, I’m Dale�?
DVD: Walt Disney: On the Front Lines and others
Whether confounding Donald Duck or exasperating Pluto, these two clever chipmunks know how to have a good time together. They were joined by other crafty critters to become the Rescue Rangers, and their partnership continued.
DAVY CROCKETT and GEORGE RUSSEL
TV Series/Films: Davy Crockett (1954-1955) and two feature compilations, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier (1955) and Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (1956)
Actors: Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen
DVD: Available
Taming the wilderness side by side, the legendary mountain man and his faithful sidekick saw many adventures together, through the wilds of Tennessee to Washington, D.C. and the Mississippi River to that fateful day at the Alamo.
BAMBI and THUMPER
Film: Bambi (1942)
Voice Actors: Donnie Dunagan and Peter Behn
DVD: Available
The precocious little rabbit takes it upon himself to teach the young prince the ways of the forest, including what part of the clover tastes best and how to skate on “stiff�? water. As adults, their friendship survives a forest fire and “twitterpation�?.
(c) Disney
ALADDIN and GENIE
Film: Aladdin (1992)
Voice Actors: Scott Weinger and Robin Williams
Song of Friendship: “Friend Like Me�?
DVD: Available
The mighty Genie of the Lamp may be all-powerful - except in one respect: his own freedom. When the cock-sure Aladdin promises him just that, it is the start of a beautiful friendship. When the final wish is granted, Genie thanks Al by telling him “You’ll always be a prince to me.�?
DUMBO and TIMOTHY MOUSE
Film: Dumbo (1941)
Voice Actor: Edward Brophy as Timothy
DVD: Available
Pairing off “natural enemies�? is a classic comedic conceit, but this pair of circus misfits - an outcast baby elephant and a wise-cracking mouse - go deeper then such simplifications to create the heart and soul of this endearing, enduring tale. Sure, its funny to see an elephant walking behind a mouse, holding his tail, but it is also incredibly heart-warming.
(c) Disney
TIMON and PUMBAA
Film: The Lion King (1994)
Voice Actors: Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella
Song of Friendship: “Hakuna Matata�?
DVD: Available
There has never been such a fortuitous match up as that of a neurotic smarty pants meerkat and a flatulent wiser-then-he-looks warthog, compadres in life and all things “hakuna matata.�? Their Borscht Belt shtick and musical comedy tendencies set them apart from all wacky sidekicks before or since.
PINOCCHIO and JIMINY CRICKET
Film: Pinocchio (1940)
Voice Actors: Dickie Jones and Cliff Edwards
Song of Friendship: “Give a Little Whistle�?
DVD: Available
More than just a conscience, the street-wise cricket is the guiding force in the little woodenhead’s quest to become a real boy. And although Pinock often ignores his advice, skipping school and heading off to Pleasure Island, for example, Jiminy always sticks by him, trusting that the good he sees in him will prevail.
WOODY and BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
Films: Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999)
Voice Actors: Tom Hanks and Tim Allen
Song of Friendship: “You’ve Got a Friend in Me�?
DVDs: New special editions of both films available later this year
Andy’s favorite toy is none too pleased at the latest addition to the toy box, a high-tech Space Ranger doll. But, over the span of the two features, the duo grow to become loyal friends and companions, risking it all to help each other, sticking together to “infinity and beyond.�?
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Be sure to call up your best friend this Sunday (August 7th) and wish them a “Happy Friendship Day!�? And Toon in for the next edition of Toon Talk ...
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-- Kirby C. Holt
-- Logo by William C Searcy, Magic Bear Graphics
Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ...
Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.
The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, 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 plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted August 5, 2005