The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

"If you were to choose the most fabulous character in English literature, who would it be?"

Who is the best character in English literature?
First is the story of J. Thaddeus Toad (Blore).  Toad lives at the prestigious Toad Hall, but squanders his family's wealth.  He loves an adventure and is always chasing the latest fads.  His latest obsession is a new motorcar and is willing to do anything to get one.  His friends Angus MacBadger (Grant), Rat (Allister), and Mole (Campbell) try to keep him out of trouble, but can they save Rat before things get too dangerous?

The second story is about Ichabod Crane (Crosby).  Crane is the new schoolteacher in the small town of Sleepy Hollow, NY.  He is superstitious and quirky, but manages to win over the women of the town.  Ichabod only has eyes for Katrina van Tassel, the beautiful daughter of the wealthiest man in town.  Katrina's other suitor is Brom Bones, the roughest man in town.  With the big party at the van Tassel's who will get Katrina's love?

This was the sixth package film made by Walt Disney Studios (following Saludos Amigos, Three Caballeros, Make Mine Music, Fun and Fancy Free, and Melody Time).  Disney originally planned to make both stories as individual films, but due to World War II they decided to save money and combine the stories.

The Story of Mr. Toad is based on the 1908 Kenneth Grahame children's novel "The Wind in the Willows."  The story is a classic and has been reprinted many times.  It has also been adapted on the stage, screen, and radio, and other authors have written sequels to the story.  Actor Basil Rathbone serves as the narrator in this adaptation.  It stays true to the book, while adding some fun animation and slapstick to keep the story moving.  While these characters aren't well-known in the Disney canon, but they appear in other projects: Rat and Mole appear in Mickey's Christmas Carol, the weasels are in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.  Toad also has his own ride at Disneyland, "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride."

The Story of Ichabod Crane is based on Washington Irving's 1820 novel "Sleepy Hollow."  Irving's novel has survived and become a part of popular culture, especially around Halloween.  The story has been adapted numerous times in film (Sleepy Hollow), television, stage and music.  This adaptation is narrated by Bing Crosby, who voices all of the characters and sings 3 songs alongside The Rhythmaires ("Ichabod", "Katrina", and "The Headless Horseman").  It is a dark story and the animation doesn't shy away from that... while also adding some funny moments.

Of the 2 stories, I think Ichabod Crane's is the one people remember... but Toad is also a great character and is performed with glee by Eric Blore.  I don't remember the songs from the Ichabod Crane sequence, but I love Toad and Cyril singing "Merrily On Our Way."  It is infectious and was featured in one of the Disney Sing-Along videos.

Both sequences are well-drawn and fascinating.  It isn't my favorite Disney film, but both are still worth checking out.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) 68 minutes
Director: James Algar, Clyde Geronimi, & Jack Kinney
Starring: Bing Crosby as Narrator for the Story of Ichabod Crane
Basil Rathbone as Narrator for the Story of Mr. Toad
Eric Blore as Mr. Toad
Pat O'Malley as Cyril Proudbottom
John McLeish as Prosecutor
Colin Campbell as Mole
Campbell Grant as Angus MacBadger
Claud Allister as Rat