The Devil and Daniel Mouse

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.

I can remember it like yesterday. Christmas Eve 1978 or 9, and I'd been out helping Dad at work. It was cold, we'd had a lot of snow, and we came in at teatime. Whilst Dad got our tea, I sat and put the telly on, a big wooden box with the big clunky channel knobs. This cartoon came on and I was transfixed. Thirty one years later and it's one of my most fond and vivid memories of being with my Dad. Cold 1970's winters, helping out on the farm, and being a child again. It's funny what you latch on to for childhood memories, but this rates pretty highly up there for me. Just reading about it has started tears running down my face with fond nostalgia, and wishing back to a time when things were so much simpler.

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.

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!

This 22 minute short, short of a precursor to the later much better "Rock and Rule", features two folk singer mice who are going nowhere. The female mouse, Jan, signs a deal with the devil to become a hit rock star. So it's up to Daniel Mouse to save her soul. Made in the late '70's this has all the trappings of said decade (crap music, crap clothing and hair style, awful folk tunes) This cartoon is featured on the Second disc of the 2-Disk Collector's Edition of "Rock and Rule", it also comes with a Making of that runs almost as long as the show itself.

My Grade: D+