Toon Talk Special: Go the Distance: Disney's 50 Greatest Heroes (Part 1 of 2) - May 1, 2007

Toon Talk Special: Go the Distance: Disney's 50 Greatest Heroes (Part 1 of 2)
Page 6 of 6

MATINEE IDOLS

These three he-men could just as easily have starred in the classic cliffhangers of yesteryear.

NED LAND

Film: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Actor: Kirk Douglas
Sidekicks: Stranded shipmates Conseil and Arronax
Heroic Anthem: “A whale of a tale and its all true, I swear by my tattoo …�?
Quote: “I do have a plan. Trouble is, it won’t work.�?
DVD: Available

A man’s man, this sailor by trade is all brawn - leave all that scientific stuff to the professor. His bravado at sea (and against sea serpents) is only matched by his way with the ladies, as he relates to his fellow seamen via his jaunty jig. Heck, he even flirts with the lone female aboard the Nautilus - a comely seal named Esmeralda.

ROBIN HOOD

Film: Robin Hood (1973)
Voice Actor: Brian Bedford
Sidekicks: Little John and the other Merry Men
Heroic Anthem: “Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a day …�?
Quote: “Faint hearts never won fair lady.�?
DVD: Available

This foxy knave, scourge of the Sheriff of Nottingham, is swift as the wind, sharp as a tack … and pretty darn good with a bow and arrow. Maidens young and old alike swoon at his gallantry - although he spends most of his time in Sherwood Forest with his merry men.

TARZAN

Film: Tarzan (1999)
Voice Actor: Tony Goldwyn
Supervising Animator: Glen Keane
Sidekicks: Terk and Tantor
Heroic Anthem: “Son of man, a man in time you’ll be …�?
Quote: “I was saved! I was saved by a flying wild man … in a loincloth.�? -- Jane Porter
DVD: Available

All sinew and muscle and dreadlocks, this ape man is man enough to sport only a skimpy loincloth. Adept at vine swinging and tree surfing and jungle bellowing, this future Lord of the Apes really just wants to fit in. But his destiny remains: to bridge the two worlds he inhabits, both man and ape.

•  •  •

Toon in soon for more of Disney’s greatest heroes in Part 2.

Discuss It

Related Links


-- Kirby C. Holt
-- Logos by William C. Searcy, Magic Bear Graphics, http://www.cafepress.com/MagicBear

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 May 1, 2007