Les malheurs de Heidi

Much under-rated animated feature film from the people behind the classic film "Charlotte's Web" (and most notably Fred Flintstone, Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo, and Tom and Jerry). Unlike the limited animation they developed for television, H-B Studios' "Heidi's Song" features rich, gorgeous, and colorful scenery, a beloved classic story, and wonderful songs. This one will never go out of style.

Cute animation based on the beloved Johanna Spyri novel ('Heidi', 1881) about the little Swiss girl who leaves her grandfather's cabin in the woods to go to the big city to help care for a young crippled girl named Claire. This is a faithful adaptation and can be enjoyed on its own terms in cartoon form.

One of the movies I remember most fondly from my childhood. Although both fairly simplistic and in a way more real life-like compared to Disney standards, the animation serves the story wonderfully and adds much to the overall charm. Director Robert Taylor had previously made the twisted 'Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat', which reflects itself in 'Heidi's Song' in some really trippy dream sequences. In some cases it even seems like a throwback to the psychedelic animation of the 60's. And the songs are all instant hummable classics that could work just as well in a stage production. One stand out is for example the beautiful and melancholy 'Prince Charming' number with the wheelchair bound Clara.

This movie didn't fare well with the cinema audience at the time of it's release and was soon forgotten, even though produced by the famous Hanna-Barbera studio in an attempt to follow up their previous success with 'Charlotte's Web'. Unfortunately it hasn't gained much of a reputation on the home video market either. One reason of course being there are so many other adaptations of the Heidi story available. Still, this animated version for me remains one of the most entertaining. For many of us who saw the movie on it's original release, it's considerable charm and appeal still linger, so hopefully a future DVD release can manage to bring 'Heidi's Song' out to an even wider audience.

Straight off the bat, I'm not really a kid's cartoon fan, as being an adult. Suffice to say, after watching this beautifully, rewarding animation movie, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I'd like it. You'll absolutely fall in love with Heidi, and the characters, good or bad.. The film has loud and impressively great animation, one of the film's standout features. Bonanza's Lorne Green, provides the awesome V.0 for the chief role, of the cranky, but deep down, nice hearted, Grandpa, who Heidi, comes to live with, and of course, has a positive effect, but negative, when Heid's taken away. This nice film has great structured characters, who you really get to know, as well as great music soundtracks. Heidi's Song is a gem of a find, and a wonderful 92 minutes of entertainment. Young or old, you'll absolutely fall in love with Heidi. She'll grow on you.

Everyone I know loved this film when they were little...I must admit that it's not for adults, but all kids should love this! The key is that it is a good sing-along, but along with that you laugh, cry and generally have a great time!! If you ever get the chance to show this film to your kids then do it...they'll thank you for it. Afterall it's by the same people who did the Flinstones.