That's What Makes the World Go 'Round

Author's Rating:

Pros: Merlin and Archimedes provide constant fun

Cons: very simplified version of story

Author's Review
This Disney animated classic tackles the legendary story of how King Arthur got to be King. Loosely based on "The Sword in the Stone," the first book in the four-book volume "The Once and Future King," this Disnified version of the young Arthur's ascension to the throne of England is simple and enjoyable.

It begins with a narrator singing the history of the Sword in the Stone. After the old king died, he had no one to replace him and, just as war was about to break out, a mysterious sword appears in an anvil in a churchyard with the inscription, "Who so pulleth out this sword from this anvil is rightful King of all England." Unfortunately, no one can accomplish the feat, and England is plunged into the Dark Ages.

It is here that we meet Merlin, the eccentric old wizard who is to turn the clumsy "Wart" into a young man worthy of being king. The boy falls through the roof of Merlin's house, where the long-bearded old man is waiting for him with his ornery owl, Archimedes. He tells Arthur of his plans to educate him, but the boy insists that he must get back to the castle. Undaunted, Merlin packs up the entire contents of his shack and heads to the castle with Arthur.

Sir Ector, Arthur's adopted father, is anxiously waiting for the boy with his brutish son, Kay. Angry with Arthur and annoyed with Merlin for presuming to take the boy away from his squire studies and chores, Ector refuses Merlin a room. However, Merlin's magic frightens Ector into giving him a room in the leaky old tower.

It's time for Arthur's education to begin. He is first turned into a fish, and he and Merlin must survive as fish in the moat, relying on intellect to outsmart the vicious pike which is lurking in its murky depths. Even Archimedes gets into the game to provide assistance when it looks like the monster is about to eat the inexperienced fish.

Their next adventure turns them into squirrels, and Arthur learns to look before you leap. He also gets an early lesson in the power of love as a pretty young squirrel takes a liking to him and is heartbroken to discover his true identity.

Arthur's last morph is into a bird. Merlin sits this one out and lets Archimedes be the teacher. Arthur doesn't need much advice, though; he takes to the skies like a natural. He still has to worry, however, as a huge hawk descends upon him to make him his dinner. He ducks for safety in the chimney of Madam Mim, a grouchy witch who delights in using her magic for vile purposes. Merlin arrives just in time to challenge her to a wizard's duel, during which they must change into different animals in order to defeat one another.

After Merlin's cleverness manages to get the better of the old hag who barely qualifies as a villain, Arthur returns to the castle to receive the good news the he will be Kay's squire at the big Christmas jousting tournament. If Kay wins this big match, he will be crowned King. Merlin is furious that Arthur is lowering himself to squiredom, and he blows himself to Bermuda. Archimedes accompanies Arthur to the tournament, and in his excitement Arthur leaves Kay's sword at the inn. He goes to look for a sword for his adopted brother, and the rest, as they say, is history.

While not one of Disney's most famous movies, it is one of the best. Comedic moments abound with the kindly wizard and his cantankerous bird. The animation is whimsical and delightful, especially during the scenes in which the humans change into animals. The songs are not particularly memorable, but they are certainly enjoyable. "Higgitus Figgitus," Merlin's packing-up song consisting entirely of magical incantations, is particularly entertaining.

One of Disney's shortest animated films, this is an easy movie to sit through and is certain to be enjoyed by Disney fans of all ages. And while it greatly simplifies this first chapter of Arthur's legend, it may pique an interest in this fascinating piece of English history.