October Rewind - Unsheathing the Magic

Disney's Sword in the Stone Celebrates its Sixtieth Birthday.

Every Wednesday throughout October, I do an October Rewind, where I re-publish pieces for readers who may have yet to see them or would like another read. I hope you enjoy the ones that I have chosen.

As part of celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary, I will look at The Sword in the Stone this week. It, too, marks a big birthday this year.

Released in 1963, Disney's The Sword in the Stone is a charming animated adaptation of T.H. White's classic novel The Once and Future King. Wolfgang Reitherman directed the eighteenth Disney animated movie, which takes viewers on a journey through Arthurian legend and offers a unique take on the early years of King Arthur's life.

The Sword in the Stone was developed solely by veteran story artist Bill Peet. After Disney saw the 1960 Broadway production of Camelot, he approved the project for production. 

Disney first acquired the film rights to the novel in 1939, and various attempts were made to develop the film over the next twenty years before production officially began. Bill Peet wrote the story for the film, while the Sherman Brothers wrote the songs. While the film is often overshadowed by other Disney classics, its heartwarming narrative, memorable characters, and lessons on leadership and self-discovery make it a hidden gem in the Disney canon.

Plotline

Young Arthur, known as Wart, becomes an unlikely hero on a transformative journey. Under the guidance of the eccentric wizard Merlin and his talking owl Archimedes, Wart discovers his destiny when he pulls a mysterious sword from a stone -an act that propels him into a world of kingship.

Through magical lessons disguised as adventures, Wart learns invaluable life lessons, shapes his character, and develops wisdom beyond his years.

As he grapples with challenges and obstacles, including a comical encounter with the enchantress Madame Mim, Wart matures into the legendary King Arthur. 

The heartwarming tale blends humour, enchantment, and the power of self-discovery, showcasing that true strength arises from within. 

Ultimately, the once ordinary boy evolves into a noble leader, uniting a kingdom through bravery, compassion, and wisdom gained from his remarkable journey. This illustrates the importance of knowledge over strength.

The film received mixed reviews but became a box-office success.

The Voice Actors

One of the film's standout features is the captivating voice acting, bringing the characters to life with depth and charm. Rickie Sorensen voiced the young Arthur, or Wart, infusing him with a sense of innocence and curiosity that makes him easy to root for. Sebastian Cabot portrayed the wise wizard Merlin, and his performance adds a delightful enchantment to the film.

Karl Swenson voiced Sir Ector, Wart's guardian, while Martha Wentworth delivered a memorable performance as Madam Mim, the film's mischievous antagonist. These actors’ vocal talents contribute to the film's enduring appeal.

Rickie Sorensen begins as Arthur (Wart), later replaced by Richard and Robert Reitherman. Sorensen's puberty during production led director Wolfgang Reitherman to cast his sons, resulting in Arthur's voice fluctuation, marked by an American accent amidst the English setting and other character accents. This transformation embodies Arthur's growth, echoing his journey's changes and challenges as he evolves into the fabled King Arthur, uniting a kingdom through resilience and wisdom gleaned from whimsical yet impactful adventures with Merlin and Archimedes.

Animation Challenges

Continuing the Xerox method from One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), the film innovated touch-up animation during production. This new technique replaced the tedious clean-up process by having assistants directly draw on animators' sketches. Although streamlining the process, it induced anxiety among Milt Kahl's assistants, fearing they might compromise his linework while adapting to this innovative approach.

The Sword in the Stone presented unique animation challenges, from creating a believable medieval setting to depicting magical transformations. The Disney animators had to masterfully capture the essence of Merlyn's fantastical spells, particularly during the memorable duel between Merlyn and Madam Mim. This sequence showcases Disney's animation innovation at the time.

In addition to the magical elements, the film also features various animals, including Archimedes, a wise owl with a distinct personality, and a comical, shape-shifting squirrel. These animals brought a sense of humour and warmth to the film, and their animation required careful attention to detail.

Fun Facts

The film incorporates live-action footage of a falcon in flight to depict the movements of Archimedes, the owl, realistically. This blend of live-action and animation was an innovative technique at the time.

At the box office, the film made $4.75m and gained a further $2.5m on re-release in 1972 and $12m in its 1983 release.

Despite being somewhat underrated, The Sword in the Stone is a charming Disney classic that will always have a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its whimsical take on the legendary King Arthur. With its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and innovative animation, this film is a testament to Disney's ability to bring timeless stories to life magically.