Tito may have had the more flamboyant role, but it is the super-cool Dodger (voiced and sung by New York rocker Billy Joel in his film debut) who is, like the Artful Dodger in the original Dickens story, the backbone for this movie. Why should he worry? The street smarts of this charismatic mutt will always save the day … “absitively, posolutely�?.

Would you trust this creature, this whiny, hypochondriac python with a noticeable lisp and dishonorable intentions? Sterling Holloway, who obviously relished the chance to sink his teeth (fangs?) into a villainous role like this one, fully embodied this sniveling serpent’s selfishly self-centered persona, all the way down to his coiled sacroiliac.

Sure, the Genie is the very definition of the term ‘scene-stealer’ … but with Robin Williams performing the role, what would you expect? Let’s take a look at the lowly Carpet … with the personality of a playful puppy, this timid tapestry proves just how heroic and loyal an animated inanimate object can be. Give it up for the Rug-Man!

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HONORABLE MENTIONS
Not all of the ‘Most Valuable Players’ are found in the animated features …

With just one feature appearance on his resume, Donald Duck’s eccentric uncle was primarily seen on the various Disney anthology programs in a series of educational programs. Such dry topics as history, science and psychology were always enlivened by his unique approach and voluminous knowledge. Brought to life by voice actor Paul Frees, Von Drake soon became one of the most popular Disney characters of the 60s.

Although he appeared in only six shorts (usually co-starring with Donald Duck and Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore), Humphrey the Bear is still a beloved favorite among long-time Disney fans. Lazy and often perplexed, Humphrey yearns for the simple pleasures of life … you know: picnic baskets, long hibernations. He was immortalized in the classic song-and-dance number “The Humphrey Hop�? in the 1956 short In the Bag.

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Coming Soon:

• Toon in for Part 2 of DISNEY’S MVPs: The 50 MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS in Disney Animated Films, a Toon Talk Special.
• Experiment 626 is back … with the 625 other experiments hot on his tail … in Stitch! The Movie, debuting on home video and DVD August 26^th.
• A Disney Channel favorite hits DVD with Kim Possible: The Secret Files, on sale September 2^nd.
• Also on September 2^nd, three live action favorites from the 70s are released in Special DVD Editions: The Apple Dumpling Gang, Escape to Witch Mountain and Return from Witch Mountain.