“The Aristocats” is a Disney animated film released in 1970. It is a musical comedy that tells the story of Duchess, a sophisticated cat, and her three kittens: Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz. After their wealthy owner, Madame Adelaide Bonfamille, decides to leave her fortune to her cats, they become the target of the villainous butler, Edgar. With the help of an alley cat named Thomas O’Malley, they embark on a journey to foil Edgar’s plans and find their way back home.
Voice Cast:
- Eva Gabor provides the voice of Duchess, the elegant and caring mother cat.
- Phil Harris lends his voice to Thomas O’Malley, the streetwise and charming alley cat who helps the Aristocats.
- Sterling Holloway voices Roquefort, a friendly mouse who aids the cats in their adventure.
- Other notable voice actors include Scatman Crothers as Scat Cat, Paul Winchell as Shun Gon, and Hermione Baddeley as Madame Adelaide Bonfamille.
Revenue:
- “The Aristocats” was a commercial success, grossing over $55 million worldwide during its initial release.
- It became the highest-grossing animated film of its time until the release of “Robin Hood” in 1973.
- The film’s success was supported by its memorable songs, including “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” and “Thomas O’Malley Cat.”
Interesting Facts:
- “The Aristocats” was the last film personally approved by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. It was dedicated to him in the film’s closing credits.
- The film was set in Paris, France, making it the first Disney animated feature to take place outside of the United States.
- The character of Thomas O’Malley was inspired by the performance of Phil Harris, who previously voiced Baloo in Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”
- The film was initially intended to be a live-action/animated hybrid, similar to “Mary Poppins,” but it was later decided to make it a fully animated feature.
- The voice of Duchess, Eva Gabor, was the sister of Zsa Zsa Gabor, a famous Hungarian-born actress.
“The Aristocats” continues to be cherished by audiences for its charming characters, delightful music, and colorful animation. While it may not have reached the same level of acclaim as some other Disney classics, it remains a beloved part of the Disney filmography.
If you are interested in the mistakes made in the movie “The Aristocats, click on this link: Movie Mistakes – The Aristocats (1970)
