Song of the South (1943) | Region-Free (DVD)

Note: Sourced from the same HD telecine but presented in DVD/480p format.

Title: Song of the South (1946)

Genre: Family, Animation

Plot Synopsis:
Set in the post-Civil War American South, a young boy named Johnny moves to his grandmother’s plantation. Feeling lonely after his parents’ separation, Johnny befriends Uncle Remus, a kind storyteller who shares tales of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. These animated stories impart life lessons that help Johnny navigate his challenges.

Cast and Crew:

• Directors: Harve Foster, Wilfred Jackson
• Producers: Walt Disney, Perce Pearce
• Writers: Dalton S. Reymond, Morton Grant, Maurice Rapf
• Cast:
  • James Baskett as Uncle Remus
  • Bobby Driscoll as Johnny
  • Ruth Warrick as Sally
  • Luana Patten as Ginny Favers
  • Hattie McDaniel as Aunt Tempe

YouTube Trailer:
Song of the South | Trailer

IMDb Link:
Song of the South (1946)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Sally Jane Black – ★★★☆☆
   “This is a film that is both fascinating and troubling. The animation is beautiful, and the performances are strong, but the portrayal of the South is deeply problematic. It’s a piece of history that should be viewed critically.”
2. Chris Evangelista – ★★☆☆☆
   “While the animated segments are charming and well-crafted, the live-action portions are uncomfortable to watch due to their romanticized depiction of plantation life. It’s a film that hasn’t aged well.”
3. Patrick Willems – ★★★★☆
   “Setting aside the controversies, the film is technically impressive. The integration of live-action and animation was groundbreaking at the time. However, it’s essential to approach it with an understanding of its historical context.”

Meta Description:
“Song of the South” (1946) is a Disney family film that blends live-action and animation to tell the story of a young boy who learns life lessons through the tales of Uncle Remus. The film is notable for its technical achievements and remains a subject of discussion regarding its portrayal of the American South.