Rascal

I have read the original book 'Rascal-a memoir of a better era' by Sterling North. My younger brother, Sunil, who passed away at an early age loved this book and had translated it into Marathi, the regional language of Maharashtra, India.

I had heard about the Walt Disney movie on this story but did not know where and how to get to see it although I enjoyed the picturesque story and lived with the life of small Sterling and the Raccoon while reading this book. This is the great thing about such great writers as Sterling North who impact readers even from an entirely different environment and culture.

May I mention here about a writer from the 19th century, Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote 'Little House in the Big Woods' followed by the 'Little House series'. I have been reading these books ever since my childhood and have enjoyed the freshness at every repeat reading.

I would love to watch this movie 'Rascal' which I already rate Ten out of Ten in advance because the very idea of making a movie on such a book is adorable.

The year was 1969 and everything was groovy. Even Disney released "The Love Bug" which became the biggest domestic hit of that year. Squashed into uniplexes somewhere between "The Love Bug" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" kids were treated to a quiet little bit of Americana called "Rascal." About as Disney as you can get, "Rascal" is the story about a boy and his raccoon. We've seen it before and after, a boy domesticates a wild animal, animal causes mischief, neighbors blame for every mishap in the area, and by the end of the film the boy must release the animal back into the wild. No computer generated whales, talking pigs, or alien visitors, just the Disney crew doing what they did best. Disney has made a ton of these and they work. "Rascal" is one of the best. Considering the Sterling North classic novel is still popular and in print I wonder why it hasn't been released on video and/or remade. At the time of this writing odds of seeing this film at all are very rare and that is a shame considering the inferior product being released direct-to-video for kids today. Considering the Disney label it would seem this would be ripe for a release on video. Add to that the cult following of star Bill Mumy ("Lost in Space," "Babylon 5") and you have a winner.

I was so happy to have finally found this movie on DVD. This movie was always a favorite of mine and it was the impetus for me to read many of Sterling North's books. This movie spoke to me on a level no other did or has since. However, watching it as an adult is a completely different experience. I see the flaws in it and why it was never a big blockbuster. The action is a bit draggy and the narration is lackluster except to maybe those who know Walter Pidgeon from his earlier years as a movie star. The soundtrack is also a bit overly sweet, but I didn't pay any attention to those things when I was a child. The movie is still enjoyable and I am sure that many children will love it. What I found that I like about it is the scenery and the idyllic presentation of a time that lives only in memory. This movie is filled with actors from a previous era: Steve Forrest and Elsa Lanchester to begin with. But there are also character actors whose names you may not recognize, but whose faces or voices you certainly will. (Think Piglet from Winnie the Pooh!) I wish Disney would release this with extras - like reminisces from the actors themselves. I still like this movie and found it is not diminished with time. It is still beautiful.

Hearty tale.

'Rascal' is nothing absolutely incredible, the cast et al. aren't anything to shout about. That doesn't, however, stop it leaving a heartfelt impression due to its story. It's cool following Sterling & Rascal's journey.

As for the cast, Steve Forrest gives a solid display as Willard while Bill Mumy is suitable for the role of Sterling; who is voiced, for narration, by Walter Pidgeon, he does a grand job in truth. The other members are OK.

It might not delve too deeply into the actual lives of Sterling & family, but everything featuring the adorable raccoon and his story is pleasant. At 85 minutes, it's nice and short too.

This was my first time watching Disney's Rascal. I am not 100% sure I understand the reason for the movie, although I do know that it based off the book. Overall, I thought the movie had its humorous moments, especially the scene involving Rascal in the general store. I am glad that I was able to mark a "new" Disney movie off my list, but I am not sure I will have a desire or need to re-watch the film in the future. Rascal was an enjoyable way to kill some time on a rainy day.