Review by All Movie Guide
All Movie Guide
lost interest.
Originally part of an "anthology" film by the name of
Fun and Fancy Free, Mickey & the Beanstalk was later re-cut and revised for use on the Disney television program. In the process, the framing sequence and narration featuring ventriloquist
Edgar Bergen, dummies Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd and child actress Luann Patton were discarded and their chores undertaken by Disney's television "spokesduck," Ludwig von Drake and a small bug named Herman. The revisions are unfortunate, as the new sequences are strained and unamusing, and the editing chops up the flow of the story in a very clunky manner. Details important to establishing mood or setting up sequences have also been sacrificed to the story's detriment. The animation on the new sequences is fine, but its use of a ragged line is out of sync with the smooth seamlessness of the original. It is that original animation that is the piece's most engaging asset, displaying a sure command of both character and effects animation; indeed, the sequence involving the growth of the beanstalk, with its sinuous and hypnotic movements creating unknown havoc on Mickey, Goofy and Donald, is simply stunning. What remains of the script is quite enjoyable, and the handful of songs are diverting. The vocal talent from the original is very good, with
Billy Gilbert's Giant deserving special honors. While better in its original uncut form, Mickey & the Beanstalk is still sure to please its young audience. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide