Lady and the Tramp
The 1950s, while producing some of Disney's more interesting features (for most people), did not include a high number of them. Indeed, Disney had only 5 major animated releases in this decade. The last two, however, I consider among their best work. The first, Lady and the Tramp, is easily one of their most unabashedly romantic and charming works.
Yet, it differs from their previous 'romantic' works in that, while those were told by way of a fairy-tale, this story actually takes time to develop both of its protagonists and give them a relationship that goes through ups and downs, eventually bringing both characters to closure. This is especially important because, in those other fairy tales, there was little to no character development of the male protagonist and, as I have already mentioned, the female protagonists weren't treated much differently. Yet here, the relationship feels more sincere. Lady does not fall in love immediately with the Tramp, there are moments of conflict between them and the ultimate resolution, in which the relationship is mended, not only between Lady and the Tramp, but between other characters as well, feels more grounded.
Yet, I feel that Lady and the Tramp is largely overlooked any more and is mostly remembered for its songs. True, the few songs that it features are quite memorable, with 'Bella Notte' standing out as one of their best romantic songs (and features one of Disney's most iconic images). Also, the 'Siamese Cat Song', sung by the devious felines who try to make Lady's life miserable, is quite catchy, albeit potentially quite offensive in retrospect.
Yet, in spite of any short-falls, it remains one of Disney's most delightful pictures, winning audiences (or at least, me) over with its likable characters, creative storytelling (the film effectively uses a 'dog's eye view' perspective, especially when the human characters come into play) and all-around good feeling that the movie leaves me with.
Favorite line: Trusty, an old bloodhound, likes to begin to quote his 'grandpappy Ol' Reliable', but is always interrupted. Finally, when he gets the chance - "Well, as Ol' Reliable used to say... he'd say, uh... He'd say, uh... er... Doggone. You know, I clean forgot what it was he used to say!"
Sleeping Beauty
Disney ended the 1950s with what some consider to be one of the greatest animated films ever made: Sleeping Beauty. I find it hard to argue with them. This is one animated film that transcends most of Disney's other fairy tale films in many ways. But first, its problems. It does suffer a lot, in much the same way as the others, with the characterization of its main character. The Princess Aurora, while beautifully voiced and animated, isn't given a lot of development, although she is given some. Yet, she still comes across as somewhat uninteresting and stationary.
The prince, on the other hand, represents a huge step forward. This time, he is even given a name (Philip), a personality, even more than 10 minutes of screen time! He is also given the chance to confront the villain in a final battle (the film's most dramatic and engaging sequence), something which will become common in future Disney films, but was a new addition to the Disney fairy-tale plot pattern here.
Speaking of the villain. Disney manages to create one of their most fascinating characters in the evil Maleficent. Her devilish animation style, combined with her chilly voice (Eleanor Audley, who was also Cinderella's Stepmother), as well as the fact that she transforms into a fire-breathing dragon (still one of cinema's best dragons, in my opinion), make her a villain to contend with. Her counterparts, the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Meriwether, are equally memorable, in their own ways. Indeed, the antics of the well-meaning, but sometimes dotty, fairies, very nearly steal the show.
Sleeping Beauty also has a striking animation style. It is clear that great care was given to the scenery and the backgrounds. There is an attention to detail, from every leaf on every tree to every thorn, that it is easy to marvel at how much time and energy must have gone into every frame in the film. There is a beauty here that is rare for animated films, even Disney films, and it stands out.
The music also plays a significant part, being mostly adapted from Peter Tchaikovsky's ballet of the same name. Indeed, it almost seems like the music was written for this exact purpose, it fits in so well. And yet the characters are never overshadowed by the score or the scenery and the story, fairly faithful to the original, remains intact.
Sleeping Beauty was always one of my favorite Disney films, being a huge classical music fan (as well as of dragons!) and as an adult, I appreciate the movie even more. It remains one of my favorites, as well as a masterpiece of animation in general, to this day.
Favorite line: In response to his father's shock that his son wants to marry a peasant girl, Prince Philip - "Now, father, you're living in the past. This is the 14th century!"
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