The Jungle Book (1967 film)
The Jungle Book (1967 film)
Introduction
The Jungle Book (1967) is an American animated musical comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It was released on October 18, 1967, and is the 19th animated feature in the Disney Animated Canon. The film is based on Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, a collection of stories set in the Indian jungle. The film was directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and was the last film produced by Walt Disney, who died during its production.
Plot
The film follows the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy who has been raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. When the fearsome tiger Shere Khan returns to the jungle, Mowgli's animal friends decide to take him to the man-village for his safety. Along the way, Mowgli encounters various jungle creatures, including the friendly bear Baloo, the wise panther Bagheera, the hypnotic snake Kaa, and the ambitious orangutan King Louie.
Characters
- Mowgli: The protagonist, a human child raised by wolves. He is curious, brave, and determined to stay in the jungle.
- Baloo: A laid-back bear who becomes Mowgli's friend and protector. He teaches Mowgli about the "Bare Necessities" of life.
- Bagheera: A wise and protective black panther who acts as Mowgli's guardian.
- Shere Khan: A fearsome Bengal tiger who despises humans and seeks to kill Mowgli.
- Kaa: A python who hypnotizes Mowgli in an attempt to eat him.
- King Louie: An orangutan who desires to learn the secret of fire from Mowgli.
Production
The production of The Jungle Book began in 1963. Walt Disney chose to deviate significantly from Kipling's original stories, aiming for a more light-hearted and family-friendly tone. The screenplay was written by Larry Clemmons, Ralph Wright, Ken Anderson, and Vance Gerry. The animation was supervised by a team of Disney's "Nine Old Men," including Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, and Milt Kahl.
The music for the film was composed by the Sherman Brothers, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who created memorable songs such as "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wan'na Be Like You." George Bruns composed the film's score.
Animation Techniques
The Jungle Book utilized traditional hand-drawn animation techniques. The animators used live-action reference footage to ensure realistic movement and expressions for the characters. The backgrounds were painted in a lush, detailed style to evoke the dense Indian jungle.
The film also employed the Xerox process, which allowed animators to transfer their drawings directly onto cels, preserving the spontaneity and fluidity of the original sketches. This technique was particularly effective in creating the dynamic and expressive animal characters.
Voice Cast
- Bruce Reitherman: Mowgli
- Phil Harris: Baloo
- Sebastian Cabot: Bagheera
- George Sanders: Shere Khan
- Sterling Holloway: Kaa
- Louis Prima: King Louie
- J. Pat O'Malley: Colonel Hathi and Buzzie
- Verna Felton: Winifred
Reception
Upon its release, The Jungle Book was met with positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its animation, voice acting, and musical score. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $23.8 million during its initial release and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1967.
Legacy
The Jungle Book has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been re-released multiple times in theaters and on home video. It has inspired numerous adaptations, including a live-action/CGI hybrid film released by Disney in 2016. The characters and songs from the film remain iconic and are frequently referenced in various media.