Animation Celebration Extra - Charlotte's Web (1973)

Paramount, 1973
Voices of Henry Gibson, Debbie Reynolds, Agnes Moorehead, and Paul Lynde
Directed by Charles A. Nichols and Iwoa Takamota
Music by Richard and Robert Sherman

Our last review before my vacation hiatus begins is this tale of an unusual friendship between a pig and a spider. The book by E.B White remains a beloved favorite of many - including me - to this day. Is the first film version as touching and enjoyable as the book, or does it smell of rotten eggs? Let's head to the Arable farm at the first flush of springtime and find out...

The Story: Fern Arable (Pamela Ferdyn) rescues a pig who is the runt of the litter before her father can kill it. She names it Wilbur (Gibson) and raises it as her pet. Eventually, Wilbur becomes large enough to be sold to Fern's uncle Home Zuckerman (Bob Holt). He's lonely in his new surroundings at first, and then frightened when a snooty ram (Dave Madden) tells him Zuckerman intends to turn him into bacon and ham in the fall.

Wilbur's life takes a turn for the special when he's befriended by Charlotte (Reynolds), a spider who lives in her web over his pen. With the help of Templeton, the disagreeable rat (Lynde), she weaves words into her web that make the Zuckermans and everyone in the area think that Wilbur is "Some Pig." Charlotte and Wilbur are inseparable, but Charlotte is an arachnid, and she's not going to live forever. Wilbur learns the true meaning of friendship when Charlotte makes a major sacrifice for him..and he helps carry on her legacy.

The Animation: Generally par for the course for Hanna-Barbara in this time, but it does have some nice effects. Some of the slower numbers in particular, such as Charlotte's first version of "Mother Earth and Father Time" and Fern's "There Must Be Something More to Us" have some nice effects and glowing colors. The animals are a little more realistic than usual for Hanna-Barbara while still being cartoony enough to appeal to kids.

The Song and Dance: While not a 100 percent accurate retelling of the book, this is still a very charming adaptation. I'm especially fond of the terrific cast. Reynolds is a wonderful, warm, comforting Charlotte, and Gibson is adorable as Wilbur. Lynde is perfectly obnoxious as the scheming, ever-eating Templeton. Agnes Moorehead is a hoot as the Goose with a habit of repeating her words. The score is gorgeous and atmospheric, possibly the Sherman Brothers' best from a non-Disney animated film.

Favorite Number: Gibson and Reynolds leads the farm animals through the rousing "We've Got Lots In Common," a chorus number on being friends despite our differences. "Zuckerman's Famous Pig" is the big number at the fair with a brass band saluting Wilbur and everyone marching along. Lynde and Moorehead have a great time celebrating the delights and edibles of the fair in "A Fair Is a Veritable Smorgasbord"

The film's best numbers are three gorgeous ballads, ably representing the Sherman Brothers' ability to write slow numbers for musicals without traditional girl-meets-boy plots. The dreamy title number accompanies Charlotte writing the words that will make Wilbur famous. Fern's opening song is a lovely lullaby for Wilbur when she first rescues him, "There Must Be Something More to Us." Charlotte describes the passing of time - and how wonderful life and the changing seasons are - in "Mother Earth and Father Time." She sings a touching reprise towards the end as she recalls how she helped Wilbur in a montage.

Trivia: This took a few years to make it to the big screen. It was originally announced in 1967, but it passed to a few animation studios before Hanna-Barbara took it over.

The movie itself did all right on first release, but was never a major blockbuster...until it made it to video. It was one of the best-selling videos of 1994, and was popular on cable as well. Like All Dogs Go to Heaven, it was so popular, it got a (direct to video) sequel, Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Adventure.

What I Don't Like: E.B White hated this movie - he wanted more drama and fewer musical numbers. I love the music, but other things don't fare as well. As mentioned, the animation isn't great, especially compared to Disney's finest, and yes, some things were changed from the book.

The Big Finale: If you've already read the book to your young ones or are about to, this is a charming introduction with wonderful songs and some great performances.

Home Media: Easily found on DVD and streaming, often for under 5 dollars.

DVD
DVD - Charlotte's Web movie 3-pack
Amazon Prime