The world has changed since Song of South was released in 1946 (YEAH!!!). But to this film's credit, everyone still knows "Zippity Do Dah". I too, knew the song and am now far to wise and schooled in movies to not recognize the reconstruction south racist overtones of the film. Let's be clear- this movie has class, gender, and regional stereotypes everywhere. -I'm not going to particularly dwell on the controversies.
But, I will harp on the plot, and applaud the technical wizardry it displays. Let me condense the plot into a short paragraph.
A small rich boy in horrible clothing is sad at having to live with his grandmother on the plantation when his father has to leave. He is comforted by an old and wise African American (Uncle Remus) who tells stories about cartoon animals to make the boy feel better. The boy is gored by a bull. The family is reunited in praying for the boy's safe recovery.
Seriously......That is the plot.
On a Zippity note, the movie is technical marvel. The sequences that combine live action and cartoon are hokey, but yet remarkable. Old school movie techniques can still be fun. -if not slightly psychadelic ish.
Ratings:
Kids: Skip it
Adults: Skip it ( or not depending on your flavor.)
Disney execs: Watch it yearly
Splash Mountain: Ride it as many times as you can
Zippity Do Dah: Sing it without irony: it is a happy song!
On a scale of Baseball to Rounders, I give Song of the South 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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