Aye. Lady and the Tramp indeed. Now technically the idea for this film comes from Disney story man, Joe Grant, who owned a English Springer Spaniel named Lady who got shoved aside when Joe and his wife had a baby. So pretty much, this is also the first Disney film to be based on a true story. So how well does Lady and the Tramp keep it's title as a romantic classic? Let's find out.
Story
The film is set in 1909 and we are greeted to a heart-warming beginning at Christmas time. We are then introduced to a married couple, both named Jim Dear and Darling (we don't know they're actual names but I assume they are called that based on the dogs' perspective). Jim gives his wife a female Cocker Spaniel puppy as a present (fun fact: this scene is based on how Walt gave his wife a puppy for Christmas) who they name Lady. As Lady grows up, she starts out living a happy, satisfied life with her owners until Darling becomes pregnant with a baby. It's then we meet our main man of the film, Tramp, who is a stray mutt who lives surviving on the streets. He warns Lady that the baby will replace her or as he puts it: "when the baby moves in, the dog moves out" However, when the baby is born, Lady realises it's not a threat and she decides to become it's protector.
When Jim Dear and Darling go on a trip, they bring over their Aunt Sarah to babysit and because this person despises dogs, she would not let Lady walk an inch near the baby. After getting in trouble with Aunt Sarah's pet Siamese cats, she is taken to the pet shop to get a muzzle. She then escapes and meets up with Tramp again. And it's from that point on where our two protagonists develop a relationship between one and other and fall in love. On top of that, Lady also has to worry about a rat sneaking around the couple's house.
I have to say, before Beauty and the Beast came along, Disney had finally nailed a romance story that's much more realistic and doesn't have the two characters immediately fall in love on first sight. Not only that, this movie also deals with a lot more mature themes than a lot of other Disney films. In fact, you could argue that while the film is about talking dogs, it was much more adults than kids. The characters act more adult like and deal with issues that adult face like depression and such and they are no characters that bring in goofy, comic relief to cater to the kids. But the good stuff doesn't just end there.
Characters
As much as I really like the story, it is nothing without a wonderful cast of characters.
Lady - As the main heroine of the film, I find her much more interesting than most of the Disney princesses that they like to market (with some exceptions). Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against them but when you think about it, Lady sticks out as her own. Her motivation comes from the instinct that she's a dog and wants to be there for her owners in every step of the way and not just wanting Prince Charming. That being said, I love her personality as she is cute, shy, fun-loving and just lovable.
Tramp - Man, I love this guy! He is one smooth playa! ;) But yeah, despite his cool attitude, he's still a caring figure with a lot of experience to help those out on streets. Think of him as Disney's original "street-rat" before Aladdin. He helps out dogs getting caught by the pound and always finds a way to outsmart his foes in the end. You go Tramp! ;) One thing though is that I would at least like a bit more backstory on Tramp's life on the streets. Perhaps the animators couldn't think of anything but I personally would've liked to know (although I think this is more explained in the direct-to-video sequel).
Jock and Trusty - Two of Lady's neighbourhood friends. You'd think they are the ones who provide some silly comic relief but nope. They behave just as adult like as the main protagonists. Jock is a Scottish Terrier who has a thing for collecting bones and act as a protective friend for Lady. It may be bias that I like this character just because of the fact I'm Scottish as well lol. Trusty on the other hand comes off as a sympathetic figure due to the fact that he as a bloodhound, he lost his sense of smell. And being unaware of that makes it more depressing for him.
Jim Dear and Darling - A pretty typical husband and wife relationship. But they do serve as Lady's beloved owners and they do provide some of the mature themes of the movie like how they are stressed out about the new baby coming and so forth. But apart from that, they really just serve as the owners which certainly isn't a bad point.
Aunt Sarah - Although not really a villain, she really is an annoying bitch. I mean, I know she is just trying to keep the baby from harm but Lady did absolutely nothing threatening towards it. And considering her hatred towards dogs, she pretty much blames any mess on them, like how her Siamese cats, Si and Am caused chaos in the house and Lady was blamed for it. Kinda reminds you of Lady Tremaine from Cinderella in a way.
The Rat - The actual villain of the movie. And let me say now. You guys can say what you want on Chernabog. You can say what you want about Monstro. Hell, you can go on about how Maleficent is scary. But this rat freaking horrified me as a child. Why? The way it sneaks around near the climax of the film. It's dark look and creepy image and how it sneaks into the room of the baby, it leaves you with scary thoughts on what it could do to it. I know rats in real life aren't really evil but the way it's portrayed here makes it all the more frightening. Granted, it doesn't have the much of a personality but I think this is the case with a villain where actions speak louder than words.
There are other characters like the dogs from the pound who are the English Bulldog, Toughy, Boris, Pedro and the Peggy Lee modelled dog, Peg. Though they don't get as much screentime as the main characters, they all have unique personalities which makes them just as memorable. Especially Peg, who has a classy and stylish attitude. Overall, I LOVE the characters in this movie. They are memorable, lovable and unique altogether.
Animation
The animation has been given pretty mixed views by many. Some people will say they love the art style of the film (hell, even Pixar animator and director John Lasseter say it's Disney's pinnacle) and others will say it's pretty underwhelming compared to Walt's previous films. I'm sort of in between but mostly towards the former. While I can definetly agree it's sort of a step backwards from Bambi and especially Alice in Wonderland, I believe the film has it's own unique art style to make up for it. Personally I do prefer the beauty of Nature feel that Bambi had, but the urban environment here really is appealing, especially the Bella Notte scene. Plus, when it comes to city/urban environments, I'm a pretty big sucker for classy and cultured themes (which is why I love the art style in the Sly Cooper franchise) so this is definetly a plus for me here. Once again, they brought in dogs to study their movements for the animation of the dog characters and they never cease to impress. And let's not forget the iconic spaghetti scene that has now been referenced to death in many other movies. Some environments can be bland, I will admit but overall I think the animation was greatly done, even if it doesn't level up to the other Disney films.
Sound
There aren't many songs in this film, but for what they did, they actually did a decent job.
Peace on Earth - Sort of a "Silent Night" song that opens the movie since it starts out at Christmas. Not really memorable but it is a heart-warming piece.
What is a Baby? and La La Lu - The reason I put these songs together is because they are both played in the same scene. Although, I don't know if I can call What is a Baby? a song since it's just Lady talking about what a baby is in song-talking (if that's even a word). La La Lu on the other hand, is just like Baby Mine from Dumbo which is a song between a mother and a child. Although it isn't a sad song this time it still just brings me to tears ALL THE FREAKING TIME!!! D'X
The Siamese Cat Song - A song sung by the two mischievous Siamese Cats, Si and Am. A pretty catchy tune and one remembered by many, but *sigh* once again, it got criticised for being somewhat racist. Again, it is completely opinionated on whether you think it's racist or not, I can't stress that enough.
Bella Notte - What is perhaps the most memorable song in the entire movie and probably one of the most romantic songs Disney has ever produced. Granted, when you hear the song, you can tell it is material from the 1950s, but I feel it's a beautiful to play while you are with your loved one.
He's A Tramp - The most catchiest piece. Peggy Lee is a pretty wonderful singer and she did a splendid job with this piece. You could call this "the 1900s song of the playa". ;)
The songs are perhaps the least memorable of the movie (except for the two I mentioned) but they are pretty decent to listen to. That is, if you're not sensitive enough to songs like La La Lu. :'( But then there's also the Dog Pound scene, with shows all the caged dogs suffering with fear of their fate. I can honestly say it breaks me down as fast as Mufasa's death from The Lion King.
Voice-acting is spot on. They do well to capture the emotions and personalities of each character. And I might as well bring it up right now. The Hyena laugh from the zoo scene was actually used for Ripper Roo's laugh in Crash Bandicoot voiced by the late Dallas McKennon.
Conclusion
I can honestly say that, despite some hiccups, I adore this movie. It is one of Disney's most developed love stories with lovable and memorable characters, an appealing art style, some catchy songs and a mature storyline. Part of that may be bias since like I said, I'm quite a sucker for the style that was taken for this movie but that's how I feel. But I feel that, as a romance film by Disney, more development went into the relationship between the characters more than the Disney princess films (though again, I don't have anything against them). Though many people still praise the living hell out of Beauty and the Beast and never cut Lady and the Tramp some slack for also having a long developed relationship. However, I do know that there are some people out there who don't think Lady and the Tramp aged as well and that's fine. But for me, it's recently now become a part of my Top 10 Favourite Disney Movies. Though just like The Lion King, there are some parts I'm extremely sensitive too like the La La Lu song and the Dog Pound scene. :''( But overall, I feel Lady and the Tramp to be one of Disney's best films when he was still alive. It's a charming, heart-warming, sweet film for everyone (even if some themes may be more for adults). I've always been more a cat lover myself, but this movie shows how dogs definitely are man's best friend. Whenever I go to my sister's house to look after her dog for the night, I always pick this film out and watch it with him. I'd give it a 4/5. As much as I would love to give it a higher score, I still feel there were some things needed like Tramp's backstory. But that's really all I have to say in terms of negatives.
Now, when I get to the direct-to-video sequels, I will also talk about the sequel to the film Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp's Adventure since I have some interesting things to say about that one. But for now, let's move on to the next movie which is another dog movie by the Mouse House:
