Dumbo (1941)

 

This is probably it: my favourite Disney feature of all time. Granted, this has a lot to do with the fact that this was the first Disney feature I ever saw and I had it on continuous reruns at home during the glorydays of VCR, but still.

It is really light on story and lasts only a mere 60 minutes, but it still manages to have impact and songs you will never get out of your head.

Oh, and one of the most trippy as all hell sequences ever. 

The plot revolves around Dumbo, a very young elephant who gets ostracized in the circus because he has massive ears. A circus mouse named Timothy takes pity on the little tyke and takes him under his wing, but after some mishaps they discover Dumbo can actually fly, after which he becomes a massive star. 

That's it. That's the whole film. 

So why watch it then? Because the animation is pretty spot on? Because you have a silent protagonist with more charm than a lot of talking heroes? Because this film can make you cry during the 'Baby Mine' sequence? 

Well, sure. And even with the very sparse dialogue, the story it tells can appeal to everyone. It really is an absolute crowdpleaser, but doesn't veer away from some heavy emotion. 

But let's discuss the elephant (pun intended) in the room: the crows. Yes, it is undoubtedly true that the way they are portrayed is racist to a degree, no discussion there. The jivespeak that sounds as white people impersonating black people (which is what they actually did) really feels a bit uncomfortable. 

BUT!

For all its racial insensitivities, there's a point I'd like to make here, and that is that the crows are actually the only characters in the entire film (apart from Timothy and Dumbo's mom) who are actually willing and able to help him and they are smart, whereas almost everyone else is horrible towards the little elephant and not blessed with the most smarts. As a kid, I got it and I always loved the crows for that. So take that any way you want. Maybe someone of colour could elaborate on how it all looks and feels, but the crows still rule.

You will not have a chance to get bored with this one and every scene is a showstopper. But the one that takes the cake is the absolutely bizarre (and sometimes terrifying) Pink Elephant scene. Not only does it feature a very elaborate musical piece that is haunting and brilliant, it also has some of the most innovative and inventive animation Disney has ever produced. No wonder it has stood the test of time. They took a risk and it paid off!

This is absolutely a beloved classic and few films can do so little and yet feel so big. It is heartwarming, fun, emotional and entertaining and rightfully ranks as one of the best ever.