Fun and Fancy Free opens up on the legendary Jiminy Cricket serenading us with the infectious song, "I'm a Happy-Go-Lucky Fellow." The lyrics to this song are not only catchy, but also rather powerful. Jiminy begins like this: "I'm a happy-go-lucky fellow, full of fun and fancy free. You can make the whole world seem mellow if you take it in your stride like me." These words are so simple, and yet what an incredible message it proclaims in the process of setting the tone for the entire film. The purpose behind the creation of Fun and Fancy Free, as evidenced by this song, is to entertain us to the utmost in efforts to help us forget the troubles of this world if only for a little over an hour. Jiminy further explains, "Now, some folks like the heavy stuff with titles five feet wide. Not me, I'm always out for fun. I like the lighter side, yes sir!" Through these two superb shorts, that is exactly what Fun and Fancy Free does. It focuses on fun, and let's be honest: we can all use a little more fun in our lives especially given the turmoil around our world today.
The first short, Bongo, is an underrated Disney gem. Telling the story of a circus who longs to see life beyond the circus tent, Bongo is genuinely hilarious with some excellent psychical comedy at play. Upon finally escaping the circus, Bongo encounters something he never anticipated discovering: another bear named Lulubelle. As you might expect, they fall in love and Bongo is awestruck by her. Then, one day, Lulubelle slaps Bongo, an act Bongo perceives as absurd, prompting him to leave, but according to Lulubelle (and yet another catchy song you can watch here), slapping someone is a bear's way of showing them that they love you. A hilarious scene follows as Bongo tries to win Lulubelle back after a little miscommunication occurs among the other bears. This short is just extremely fun and absolutely delightful.
The second short, Mickey and the Beanstalk, is one of the finest shorts the studio has ever produced. Starring everyone's favorite trio of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, Disney successfully tells the story of the legendary giant at the top of the beanstalk with hilarity and spectacular animation to spare. First of all, the narration provided by ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his two dummies, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snead, is simply amazing. The wittiness of the dialogue among the three men is second to none. Furthermore, the story itself is told expertly with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at the center of it all, excelling at everything around every corner. Anytime I have the privilege of watching these three classic characters, I am beyond honored, and Mickey and the Beanstalk is a highlight for each one of them.
Fun and Fancy Free accomplishes what Make Mine Music usually failed to do. Instead of allowing the songs to overpower the story, in this case, the story is the reason we keep coming back for more. That is why this film just works. This is a package film for the diehard and casual Disney fans alike.
Rating: 8/10
Historical Significance: The song "I'm a Happy-Go-Lucky Fellow" was originally written for Pinocchio, but was cut after being deemed unnecessary for the story of that film. Besides Jiminy's popularity, this was the main driving force behind Disney's decision to include him as the emcee for Fun and Fancy Free. This film was also the final time Walt Disney personally provided the voice for Mickey Mouse. He recorded most of the dialogue for the short in the early forties, and when the film was issued to production for a package film at a later date, they kept Walt's voice instead of redoing the process.
Behind the Scenes: Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen was reportedly disappointed with his performance in the live action sequences of the film because when he was voicing the two dummies, his mouth was moving too much according to his own critique. Bergen, along with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snead, were popular on the radio so Bergen did not have to worry about his mouth moving too often. Bergen, though, was satisfied with the film as a whole though.
Favorite Character: I said this when I reviewed Fantasia, but I'll say it again anyway. If Mickey Mouse is a character in a film, he will undoubtedly be my favorite, and Fun and Fancy Free is no different. His heroism is on full display here as Mickey is always looking out for others, whether it be Donald, Goofy, or even the magic golden harp that Willie the Giant stole. Mickey has a mission, but he never allows his mission to interfere with his personal priorities. That is one of the countless reasons Mickey will forever be my favorite character.
Favorite Scene: While both shorts are awesome, I have to go with Mickey and the Beanstalk. There is just something extra magical about watching the classic trio at work. Bongo is great and one of my favorite short films from Disney, but it is Mickey, Donald, and Goofy we're talking about here. They simply cannot be beat. Plus, the story is classic. Classic characters with a classic story is difficult to defeat in my book.
Updated Ranking: Thus far, Fun and Fancy Free is my favorite package film. With two more package films remaining, we'll see if that opinion holds up.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Pinocchio
- Dumbo
- Bambi
- Fantasia
- Fun and Fancy Free
- The Three Caballeros
- Saludos Amigos
- Make Mine Music
This review is currently being written on the eve of my vacation to Walt Disney World. Therefore, there will be no reviews for the next week. In the meantime, catch up on these nine films I have watched thus far and tell me what you think about them! The Summer of Magic will be back before you know it!
-Cody Fleenor
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