The Devil and Daniel Mouse

I love animation from Nelvana Ltd., along with animation from Fleischer Studios, Disney Studios, Rankin/Bass, Studio Ghibli from Japan, and Hanna/Barbera. Nelvana has great series like "Redwall," "Class of the Titans," "Little Bear," etc. Yes, Nelvana is an awesome studio. Well anyway, I loved this special, "The Devil and Daniel Mouse," after I had watched it when I was in junior high. The special was broadcast as a Halloween special on October 22, 1978, on Canada's CBC and then released on VHS in the 80s. Of course, I did not know whether it was a Halloween special; I guess I had heard that Halloween can be the highest satanic holy day, right?

Well, anyway (again), this musical special is about two young mouse folk singers named Daniel and Jan who find themselves with a bleak future after finding their audience drying up in favor of rock music. Desperate for a better career and life, Jan vows that she would do anything to become a rock star. Instantly, the Devil arises to take advantage of that and offers to make her a star in exchange for her soul. She agrees, and she quickly becomes the star she's dreamed of, while Daniel is left behind. On the night of her greatest triumph, her concert, the devil comes to collect on her soul. In desperation, she turns to Daniel, who must attempt the impossible task of trying to find an escape loophole for his girl's release.

This special was also remade as the film "Rock & Rule," both about a couple in a musical group struggling in talent shows, the female member used in a diabolical scheme, and the heroines dressed in white tatters and their lovers vanquishing an evil with a song from the heart. So my last word is that I love this special, with excellent music and a top-notch cast.

I remember watching this cartoon as a kid growing up in Fairmont, West Virginia (the home of Mary Lou Retton). It is an excellent modern day adaptation of Benet's classic story told in animation. They do a wonderful job of bringing it into the 70's, in fact you could almost say that it is a cartoon for adults in some ways. The message is meaningful in so many ways that a song from your heart sets you free and beats the devil every time. I am so sorry but I still have that song stuck in my head from over twenty years ago......look where the music will take you when your getting low....a song from your heart sets you free and beats the devil every single time.

Cute songs, and an interesting story line. I remember this one from when I was little, and I loved watching the wolf, who is the Devil's helper but not heartless himself. Just be sure if you ever make a bargain with the Devil you read the fine print, because he certainly will!

In exchange for fame as a rock star, Jan Mouse unknowingly signs a contract for her soul with Bealzabub.

Yes, the story's been done to death (another commenter mentioned the very similar "Phantom of the Paradise"), but this has to be one of the most charming versions. Rooted in the '70s, the animation is truly dazzling at times, the music (by The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian) is diverse and infectious and the film itself is entertaining enough for both children and adults. Not too many '70s made-for-TV specials can boast all of that.

While Mrs. Daniel Mouse is the star, it's the Devil who steals the show, constantly morphing and contorting with ease as he subtly growls his dialog. One of the greatest villains to grace any screen, it's almost a shame that Beal didn't appear in a theatrical film where he had exposure to a wider audience.

It seems that "Daniel Mouse" is under-appreciated by fans of the much darker "Rock & Rule," the film that it inspired, but it appears on the 2-disc DVD set of "R&R" (where I first discovered it). Just a warning: the DVD version has been slightly trimmed, but it can be found in it's entirety for viewing online. While this is certainly more sugary and family-oriented than the later film, it's WAY above average fare for TV from that era... I'd certainly liken it to a good Disney production.

The song Look Where the Music Can Take You is the best song that John Sebastian & Valerie Carter sung! Nelvana's iconic polar bear logo made its first appearance at the end of the film. The polar bear was eventually used as a in-credit logo later in their specials from 1979 to 1980 and from after 1980 to 1988. It is generally considered as the precursor to Rock & Rule. And is the best Nelvana movie ever! And there was a storybook First published by Avon/Camelot in 1979, the storybook was written by screenwriter Ken Sobol and features music and lyrics for three John Sebastian penned songs (I've Got a Song, Can You Help Me Find My Song? And Look Where the Music Can Take You). Simplified for younger readers, many of the visual gags and a few scenes were omitted from the book.