21/12/2022
"Song of the South" (1946) is a live-action animated musical produced by Walt Disney, who restricted the film from streaming services and home media releases in the United States. The movie features the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," composed by Allie Wrubel and sung by James Baskett in the film. Baskett received an Academy Honorary Award for his performance as Uncle Remus, his last career role. Uncle Remus is the fictional character and narrator of a collection of African American folktales compiled and adapted by Joel Chandler Harris and published in book form in 1881.
While the film was a huge success, it drew intense criticism for the depiction of black people in the movie. Many say the film portrays black people as singing and dancing enslaved folks. However, others consider that people are misinterpreting the settings as the film takes place during Reconstruction after the Civil War. Regardless of the movie's background, the negative and racist stereotypical characterization of black people during the 1940s was textbook. To understand these characteristics, one must look into Hollywood's portrayal of black people in the 20s and 30s movies. For example, the Black dialect ("Whar we figgerin' on goin"), the mammy character (Hattie Mae McDaniel), the singing, the dancing, and the submissive mindset towards white people. Because of these portrayals, Disney re-edited parts of the movie and sporadically released it in the U.S. before shelving it. However, foreign countries still have access to the film, and there have been a few releases over the last couple of decades.
The film features three stories of Br'er Rabbit (voice by Johnny Lee):
* Br'er Rabbit Runs Away: Based on "Br'er Rabbit Earns a Dollar a Minute."
* Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby: Based on "Tar-Baby."
* Br'er Rabbit's Laughing Place: Based on "The Laughing Place."
Each story features Br'er Bear (voiced by Nick Stwart), Br'er Fox (voiced by James Baskett), and Br'er Frog (voiced by Roy Glenn). All the tales have lessons for the youthful characters to learn from, and Johnny (Bobby Driscoll) employs some of these lessons to navigate the different situations he faces.
The film also features the Hall Johnson Choir. Many films featured this choir for their excellent harmonizing and spiritual lyrics. Notable films such as "The Green Pastures" (1936) and "Cabin in the Sky" (1943) also featured this choir, and each film was terrific for them.
Nevertheless, there is a wealth of information that you can research about Uncle Remus, Br'er Rabbit tales, the actors, Walt Disney's resistance to release the movie, the animation, production, and so much more. I enjoyed the film—a lot. I try to look past the portrayals and focus on the movie. I like James Baskett. He's an outstanding actor with a distinct voice; his voice is in the same class as Rex Ingram and Morgan Freeman. Hattie Mae McDaniels is always a delight because when you see her, you know how much of a pioneer she was. I like Br'er rabbit and the tales. I understand those that feel indifferent about the movie. It's challenging to ignore some of the ignorance. However, as a black film historian, I do not believe Disney should restrict this movie. Everyone should have a chance to watch it in contemporary society.
Directors: Harve Foster (photoplay director), Wilfred Jackson (cartoon director)
Writers: Dalton S. Reymond (original story, screenplay), Morton Grant (screenplay), Maurice Rapf (screenplay), Joel Chandler Harris (book), Bill Peet (cartoon story), Ralph Wright (cartoon story), Vernon Stallings (cartoon story)
Starring James Baskett, Bobby Driscoll, Ruth Warrick, Hattie McDaniel, Lucile Watson, Glenn Leedy, Luana Patten, Erik Rolf, Nick Stewart, Johnny Lee
Storyline
Based on the Uncle Remus stories about the ingenious bunny Brer Rabbit using live action and animation. Following his parent's separation, a young boy lives in the American South. There he meets Uncle Remus, who gives the boy valuable insights into his problems via the stories he tells about Br'er Rabbit.
https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2022/12/song-of-south-1946.html
As mentioned, Disney restricted the movie's release in the United States. So there may be some challenges to viewing it.
