“Dumbo” is a Disney animated film released in 1941. It tells the story of a young circus elephant named Dumbo, who is born with oversized ears. Initially ridiculed for his appearance, Dumbo discovers that his large ears allow him to fly, and with the help of his friend Timothy Q. Mouse, he becomes the star of the circus.
Background Information:
- “Dumbo” was produced as a relatively low-budget film by Disney, following the financial setbacks experienced with “Fantasia” and “Pinocchio” at the time.
- The film was based on a story by Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl, which had originally been adapted into a children’s book.
- “Dumbo” was notable for its shorter runtime compared to other Disney animated films, running at approximately 64 minutes.
Voice Cast:
- The film primarily relies on visual storytelling, with minimal dialogue. As a result, many characters don’t have speaking roles. However, the voice cast includes:
- Edward Brophy as Timothy Q. Mouse, Dumbo’s loyal friend and mentor.
- Verna Felton as Mrs. Jumbo, Dumbo’s mother.
- Sterling Holloway as Mr. Stork, who delivers baby animals to the circus.
- Cliff Edwards as Jim Crow, the leader of a group of crows who befriend Dumbo.
Revenue:
- “Dumbo” was released during a challenging period for Disney due to the impact of World War II. Despite the challenges, the film was a financial success.
- It grossed approximately $1.6 million during its initial release, exceeding its modest production budget.
- The film’s success provided a much-needed boost to Disney’s finances at the time.
Fun/Interesting Facts:
- “Dumbo” introduced the popular song “Baby Mine,” which became an emotional centerpiece of the film. The lullaby, sung by Mrs. Jumbo, resonated with audiences and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
- The character of Dumbo has become one of Disney’s most iconic and endearing characters, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.
- The film was recognized for its innovative animation techniques, particularly in sequences such as Dumbo’s dream sequence, “Pink Elephants on Parade.”
- Due to its shorter runtime, “Dumbo” was often paired with other Disney shorts when it was originally released in theaters.
- In 2019, Disney released a live-action adaptation of “Dumbo,” directed by Tim Burton, which expanded upon the original story and featured a mix of live-action and CGI.
“Dumbo” remains a beloved classic in the Disney animated film canon, touching hearts with its messages of self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.
