‘The Aristocats’ (1970) is a beloved yet controversial Disney classic. While it has been adored by generations since its release, it has faced criticism in recent years for its portrayal of racial stereotypes, particularly in the song ‘Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat.’ Disney now includes a sensitivity warning on its platform, Disney+, addressing these issues and encouraging discussions about creating a more inclusive future.
The film was released during a challenging time for Disney, just after the death of Walt Disney in 1966, which marked the beginning of what is known as the Disney Dark Ages. Despite a lengthy and troubled development process, ‘The Aristocats’ managed to be one of the few financial successes for the studio during this period.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
The project initially began in 1961 as a potential television special for ‘The Wonderful World of Color’. Harry Tytle, who was involved in early development, suggested relocating the story from New York to Paris, inspired by the success of ‘101 Dalmatians’. After several rewrites and creative changes, Walt Disney decided to turn it into a feature film. However, after Walt’s death, director Wolfgang Reitherman shifted the movie’s focus from an emotionally driven storyline to a more lighthearted, adventurous comedy, which eventually became its final form.
The film featured well-known Disney voice actors, including Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, and Sterling Holloway. Notably, Scatman Crothers replaced Louis Armstrong as Scat Cat due to Armstrong’s health issues. The Sherman Brothers contributed two songs, but the iconic ‘Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat’ was written by Floyd Huddleston and Al Rinker.
Image Courtesy: Disney Plus
Despite its problematic elements, ‘The Aristocats’ remains a cultural favourite, performing well at the box office and maintaining its appeal through re-releases. Its enduring popularity speaks to its charm, even as it serves as a reflection of changing times.
–Farheen Ali