Conference bookie::movies

411.0. "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" by DSSDEV::RUST () Tue Dec 28 1993 20:39

    Despite a long (and growing) list of Movies I Really Want To See, the
    only viewing I did over the Christmas weekend was "101 Dalmations" (by
    the unanimous vote of my niece and nephew). It had been a long time
    since I'd seen it, and I found it quite enjoyable, although it seems
    I'd completely forgotten how over the top was Cruella deVille's
    performance as the maniacal coat-maker who's so intent on puppy-fur
    coats that she's willing to risk her own life, that of her henchmen,
    and - what's even more significant, given her obvious priorities - her
    car, which would seem to be worth quite a few dog-skin coats.
    
    I'd also forgotten the "doggie underground" subplot, in which various
    dogs lend surreptitious paws to the bereft Dalmation parents. When the
    heroic collie appears out of the gloom and tells them, "I know a
    Labrador in the village who might be able to help," it evoked images of
    intrepid locals from France to China risking their all to help downed
    airmen or fleeing prisoners. (The kids didn't seem terribly impressed
    by this part; ah, well, perhaps it'll give 'em something to "discover"
    someday.)
    
    The dairy-barn scene was manipulative to the max. I sniffled. I loved
    it.
    
    The film aired with a variety of short subjects (we watched it three or
    four times), including "Horton Hatches an Egg" and "Piggy Toes" (from
    the legendary anthology film "Baby Songs"). I thought "Horton" was a
    very good match for "Dalmations," as both dealt with dutiful creatures
    putting up with a lot for the sake of youngsters who weren't their own,
    and being (ah, fantasy!) rewarded for it in the end. ["Piggy Toes" was,
    I thought, unnecessarily provocative, what with those naked wriggling
    toes and the toenail polish and all, but perhaps I'm reading too much
    into it. ;-)]
    
    If you choose to view "101 Dalmations" with your family, a word of
    warning: it touches in all sorts of hot topics, such as reckless
    driving, the wearing of fur, irresponsible pet ownership, and people
    who wake up the neighbors at all hours. Be prepared to answer some
    tough questions from your kids. [The toughest being, "Can we watch it
    again?"]
    
    Aunt -b

    While mostly animated in the "classic Disney" fashion (cells over
    a background painting), parts of 101 Dalmations look like heavily
    processed real film--the clearest example is the snow Cruella's car
    gets stuck in towards the end of the film.  Whatever it is, it's
    used for moving textured objects in other places.
    
    My kids have watched it _many_ times.  I agree with Beth that it
    stands up better to multiple viewings than many another film.
    
    		-John Bishop

    
    Nit alert.
    
    Beth et al - please correct the title spelling.
    It's a pet peeve of mine, so I'm particularly annoyed by it, but
    also others who might look for this film by name might not find it.
    
    It's 101 DALMATIANS not Dalmations!
    
    AHHH, that feels better....
    
    Now, back to your regularly scheduled program.
    
    
    Marilyn

    Actually, I believe the *real* correct title is:
    
      "One Hundred and One Dalmatians"
    
    It is spelled out rather than using numerals.  This is according to
    Maltin who specifically notes this title as correct.
    
    - Dave
     

    Okey-doke. And my apologies to natives of Dalmatia everywhere. ;-)
    
    -b

    Dalmatia being the coastal part of Croatia, said natives have
    other worries these days.
    
    		-John Bishop