Song of the South
Movies Preview
Share or Embed This Item
movies
Song of the South
- Publication date
- 1946
- Topics
- Song of the South, Remus, Disney, Br'er Rabiit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear, Aunt Tempy
Song of the South is a 1946 American live-action/animated musical film produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures, based on the Uncle Remus stories collected by Joel Chandler Harris. It was Disney's first film to feature live actors, who provide a sentimental frame story for the animated segments. The film depicts the character Uncle Remus, cheerfully relating to several children, including the film's protagonist, the folk tales of the adventures of anthropomorphic Br'er Rabbit and his enemies, Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. The film's song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Song,
- Addeddate
- 2016-02-06 22:49:40
- Identifier
- SongOfTheSouth_Disney
- Scanner
- Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1.6.3
comment
Reviews
Reviewer:
Chip Goodson
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 31, 2022
Subject: ReRelease
Subject: ReRelease
This is a great movie and they need to rerelease it.
Reviewer:
The Spanman
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 12, 2022
Subject: Innocence Lost
Subject: Innocence Lost
A priceless memory from the childhoods of those of us who were raised in the late 40’s to late 50’s. No hatred. We were separate, different but equal. That evil hatred was just seeping in from the “element” in Hollywood, who claimed to be the victims of hatred and yet, cry out as they strike you!
Reviewer:
BE FILMS
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 26, 2022
Subject: amazing
Subject: amazing
these comments is first disgusting and the conspiracy theories are just out of space it says alot i watch all the brer rabbit grew up on it the funny thing i can tell you what my mama told me what her mama told and what her mama told her were im from we been in that same town since 1867 and we past down the history thats rare population 832 the same amount in 1867 so again these cooments is amazing and utterly insane i ask my 108 year old aunt what was the worse thing black folks ever did she said one word (integration)
Reviewer:
outwbang1
-
-
June 25, 2022
Subject: Decent Human Being
Subject: Decent Human Being
I am a 58-year-old black male and I just have to say that after viewing this film for the first time in 30 years I am so glad we are beginning to challenge and dismantle some of the old and very strong black stereotypes that were used commercially to support fluff such as this.
Reviewer:
UseWordsWisely
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 20, 2022
Subject: Stories for the ages
Subject: Stories for the ages
If there was ever a film with "heart"... this is it.
The children sincerely love Uncle Remus... and teaching them right from wrong is his great mission in life.
There are many lessons to be learned about the divide between people (then and now)... but censorship is not one of them. This is a film that is worthy of viewing by all... followed by conversations that are centered around the gains that are still yet to come. Unlike so many of the depressing stories produced on film today, this one is golden and is filled with virtue.
I still believe in the moment when Johnny takes Uncle Remus' hand near the end of the film. That is the message of this film. It has earned the right to be heard... and it deserves its place in the history of cinema.
Just as Uncle Remus said... "So dem what can't learn from a tale about critters... just ain't got their ears tuned for listening."
The children sincerely love Uncle Remus... and teaching them right from wrong is his great mission in life.
There are many lessons to be learned about the divide between people (then and now)... but censorship is not one of them. This is a film that is worthy of viewing by all... followed by conversations that are centered around the gains that are still yet to come. Unlike so many of the depressing stories produced on film today, this one is golden and is filled with virtue.
I still believe in the moment when Johnny takes Uncle Remus' hand near the end of the film. That is the message of this film. It has earned the right to be heard... and it deserves its place in the history of cinema.
Just as Uncle Remus said... "So dem what can't learn from a tale about critters... just ain't got their ears tuned for listening."
Reviewer:
DNRS
-
-
June 15, 2022
Subject: Context is everything, and culture changes
Subject: Context is everything, and culture changes
Obviously both White and Black people share in levying massive bigotry and disadvantages upon Black people as a group, and White people as a group obviously have benefited from it. That didn't end with emancipation or with now-weakened civil rights legislation or ever.
"Cancel culture" is right not to erect monuments to, and teach admiration for, what US principles condemn and always condemned. Some reviewers need to be sure they have relevant facts and to give more thought to what they're saying. We're all biased about this movie.
I believe everybody meant well at the time, but elements of the movie teach stereotypes and disrespect in the contexts of that time and this time. It's complicated, not yay or nay.
"Cancel culture" is right not to erect monuments to, and teach admiration for, what US principles condemn and always condemned. Some reviewers need to be sure they have relevant facts and to give more thought to what they're saying. We're all biased about this movie.
I believe everybody meant well at the time, but elements of the movie teach stereotypes and disrespect in the contexts of that time and this time. It's complicated, not yay or nay.
Reviewer:
william_yowell
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 2, 2022
Subject: Read the introduction to the book!
Subject: Read the introduction to the book!
I watched the film for the first time in the early 1950s. I saw it at least once more on television in the 1950s. I have never associated it with slavery. My focus was on the stories and how they were used as lessons for the children. To criticize the story for the dialect the people and animals use would be the same as criticizing books because the characters use a French, German, Irish, Scottish, etc. accent that the authors spell out phonetically.
Various versions of the Uncle Remus book are available to download in the Internet Archive.
As explained by the author in the introduction:
My purpose has been to preserve the legends themselves in their original simplicity, and to wed them permanently to the quaint dialect—if, indeed, it can be called a dialect—through the medium of which they have become a part of the domestic history of every Southern family ; and I have endeavoured to give to the whole a genuine flavour of the old plantation.
Each legend has its variants, but in every instance I have retained that particular version which seemed to me to be the most characteristic, and have given it without embellishment and without exaggeration. The dialect, it will be observed, is wholly different from that of the Hon. Pompey Smash and his literary descendants, and different also from, the intolerable misrepresentations of the minstrel stage, but it is at least phonetically genuine. Nevertheless, if the language of Uncle Remus fail to give vivid hints of the really poetic imagination of the negro ; if it fail to embody the quaint and homely humour which was his most prominent characteristic ; if it do not suggest a certain picturesque sensitiveness—a curious exaltation of mind and temperament not to be defined by words—then I have reproduced the form of the dialect merely, and not the essence, and my attempt may be accounted a failure. At any rate, I trust I have been successful in presenting what must be, at least to a large portion of my readers, a new and by no means unattractive phase of negro character . . .
Various versions of the Uncle Remus book are available to download in the Internet Archive.
As explained by the author in the introduction:
My purpose has been to preserve the legends themselves in their original simplicity, and to wed them permanently to the quaint dialect—if, indeed, it can be called a dialect—through the medium of which they have become a part of the domestic history of every Southern family ; and I have endeavoured to give to the whole a genuine flavour of the old plantation.
Each legend has its variants, but in every instance I have retained that particular version which seemed to me to be the most characteristic, and have given it without embellishment and without exaggeration. The dialect, it will be observed, is wholly different from that of the Hon. Pompey Smash and his literary descendants, and different also from, the intolerable misrepresentations of the minstrel stage, but it is at least phonetically genuine. Nevertheless, if the language of Uncle Remus fail to give vivid hints of the really poetic imagination of the negro ; if it fail to embody the quaint and homely humour which was his most prominent characteristic ; if it do not suggest a certain picturesque sensitiveness—a curious exaltation of mind and temperament not to be defined by words—then I have reproduced the form of the dialect merely, and not the essence, and my attempt may be accounted a failure. At any rate, I trust I have been successful in presenting what must be, at least to a large portion of my readers, a new and by no means unattractive phase of negro character . . .
Reviewer:
oldogre2
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 26, 2022
Subject: Millions of Black American Slaves... HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Subject: Millions of Black American Slaves... HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I keep reading on here about the MILLIONS of Poor AMERICAN slaves this movie insults... I have to wonder if those statements are made from ignorance or from a place of greed and malice?
If you tally up every single slave brought to the New World (Includes North America, SOUTH AMERICA and ALL the Islands around & in between starting from 1525 and ending in 1866
I Quote Verbatim:
in the entire history of the slave trade to the New World, according to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, 12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World. 10.7 million survived the dreaded Middle Passage, disembarking in North America, the Caribbean and South America.
And how many of these 10.7 million Africans were shipped directly to North America? Only about 388,000. That’s right: a tiny percentage. In fact, the overwhelming percentage of the African slaves were shipped directly to the Caribbean and South America; Brazil received 4.86 million Africans alone! Some scholars estimate that another 60,000 to 70,000 Africans ended up in the United States after touching down in the Caribbean first, so that would bring the total to approximately 450,000 Africans who arrived in the United States over the course of the slave trade.
THE ONE THING MISSING HERE IS HOW MANY OF THOSE SLAVES WERE SENT TO AMERICA BEFORE WE BECAME A COUNTRY in 1776? How many slaves were actually the responsibility of the CITIZENS of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and how many were property of Great Britain
If you tally up every single slave brought to the New World (Includes North America, SOUTH AMERICA and ALL the Islands around & in between starting from 1525 and ending in 1866
I Quote Verbatim:
in the entire history of the slave trade to the New World, according to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, 12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World. 10.7 million survived the dreaded Middle Passage, disembarking in North America, the Caribbean and South America.
And how many of these 10.7 million Africans were shipped directly to North America? Only about 388,000. That’s right: a tiny percentage. In fact, the overwhelming percentage of the African slaves were shipped directly to the Caribbean and South America; Brazil received 4.86 million Africans alone! Some scholars estimate that another 60,000 to 70,000 Africans ended up in the United States after touching down in the Caribbean first, so that would bring the total to approximately 450,000 Africans who arrived in the United States over the course of the slave trade.
THE ONE THING MISSING HERE IS HOW MANY OF THOSE SLAVES WERE SENT TO AMERICA BEFORE WE BECAME A COUNTRY in 1776? How many slaves were actually the responsibility of the CITIZENS of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and how many were property of Great Britain
Reviewer:
RedFoxxed
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 5, 2022
Subject: Excellent film being allowed to slip into oblivion...
Subject: Excellent film being allowed to slip into oblivion...
I'll forgo the long, ranting, cancel culture review that preceded me by saying that it's a shame this film may never be released in a remastered version for digital download or on Blu-ray. I grew up in the 90's watching songs like Zippity Doo Dah on Sing-Along-Song tapes but with none of the context of the actual film. Here on Archive.org was the first time I've actually had the opportunity to watch the film in its entirety. It's an excellent piece of film history. Amazing that this was Walt Disney's first live-action film. Let's not forget, this is NOT a documentary, it was a fictional film and a musical. Obviously it was going to depict things in an artificially rosy light. As all musicals do. Do you honestly thing that chimney sweeps in Edwardian England went around dancing and singing happily as they toiled away on the roof tops at night? Most of them were child laborers working for pennies a day. The Music Man was a happy little film about a man committing felony fraud on an entire town's population.
As has already been stated in prior reviews, this film was based on existing content, a collection of stories - most of which were from African American families living in the south during Reconstruction. The stories, the way people are speaking, the depiction of conditions are all directly taken from those stories. This was not Disney's attempt to gloss over the past in the 40's. This was Disney bringing a series of classic stories and novels to the big screen just as he did with virtually ALL of his early films. I'm honestly pleased he included American folk tales along with the litany of European ones represented in all his other works.
As has already been stated in prior reviews, this film was based on existing content, a collection of stories - most of which were from African American families living in the south during Reconstruction. The stories, the way people are speaking, the depiction of conditions are all directly taken from those stories. This was not Disney's attempt to gloss over the past in the 40's. This was Disney bringing a series of classic stories and novels to the big screen just as he did with virtually ALL of his early films. I'm honestly pleased he included American folk tales along with the litany of European ones represented in all his other works.
Reviewer:
alxalxnet
-
-
January 9, 2022
Subject: A LITTLE ANIMATED JEWEL THAT TEACHES KIDS A BIG LIE ABOUT OUR PAST
Subject: A LITTLE ANIMATED JEWEL THAT TEACHES KIDS A BIG LIE ABOUT OUR PAST
It shouldn't be that difficult to see how this little classic jewel of animation, with its memorable characters and their simple morals is ALSO a slap in the face to the memory of millions of black slaves who were not as happy, cheerful and well treated by the white plantation owners as this film portrays them—they spent 12 hours a day working without pay, whipped at the slightest mistake or delay, and spent the remaining time captive in crowded shacks, unable to leave, forbidden to learn how to read and write, and deprived of the most basic rights and freedom.
Appreciating the work of countless Disney animators, musicians, and artists that worked on the this film and being aware of the fact that this film sanitizes a horrific reality to turn it into a musical fantasy are not mutually exclusive.
The problem is that their combination can be quite successful in creating the false narrative of a plantation as an ideal place to live (whether before the Civil War or during the Reconstruction era) for blacks and whites alike, where everybody was gentle, respectful, and benevolent—both the blacks who happen to be poor and ignorant for some unspecified reason and the wealthy, intelligent, well-mannered whites who treat everyone with respect.
Judging from the majority of comments on this thread, SONG OF THE SOUTH was successful in using the power of Disney magic to make you forget all the horrors of chattel slavery, and pass the lie that life in the good old South was nothing short of a paradise, where blacks and whites lived in perfect harmony.
Fooled by this sanitized portrayal of a segregated and yet magic, cheerful world, most of the comments embrace the idea that "this film is innocent" or that there's "absolutely nothing wrong with it." Somebody even promotes this film as something that kids should watch for its educational value. "We can't cover our history with a thumb [...] We should learn from it" says a father who watched SONG OF THE SOUTH with his young children for the first time—completely oblivious of the fact that, in order to teach his kids such valuable lesson about history, he picked a film that actually "covers our history" and replaces it with a gigantic lie. A lie so successful in distorting history and manipulating viewers, to convince a student that this film can be used as a learning tool in her history class: "I will use this film to help me with my slavery test in History class."
It wouldn't be fair to blame the victims of an artful work of manipulation for being incapable to see something that the film has erased. True, the manipulation works best with people that have no empathy and are indifferent to the life experiences of somebody unrelated to themselves. However, lack of empathy is not the same as racism, which is why I would argue that such comments are simply the results of a despicable but successful work of manipulation, that only a master of the film medium like Walt Disney could have pulled off so smoothly. And it shouldn't come as surprise the fact that Disney created a film that, 80 years later, still makes people believe something that is unbelievable and untrue. That's what happens a magician that enchants us with beautifully animated fictional fairy tales and talking animals uses the same tricks to portray a reality involving slaves, work camps, exploitation, and abuses that were not fictional at all. In order to create the same type fairy tale, the unpleasant reality needs to be treated as if it never happened.
A.P.
Appreciating the work of countless Disney animators, musicians, and artists that worked on the this film and being aware of the fact that this film sanitizes a horrific reality to turn it into a musical fantasy are not mutually exclusive.
The problem is that their combination can be quite successful in creating the false narrative of a plantation as an ideal place to live (whether before the Civil War or during the Reconstruction era) for blacks and whites alike, where everybody was gentle, respectful, and benevolent—both the blacks who happen to be poor and ignorant for some unspecified reason and the wealthy, intelligent, well-mannered whites who treat everyone with respect.
Judging from the majority of comments on this thread, SONG OF THE SOUTH was successful in using the power of Disney magic to make you forget all the horrors of chattel slavery, and pass the lie that life in the good old South was nothing short of a paradise, where blacks and whites lived in perfect harmony.
Fooled by this sanitized portrayal of a segregated and yet magic, cheerful world, most of the comments embrace the idea that "this film is innocent" or that there's "absolutely nothing wrong with it." Somebody even promotes this film as something that kids should watch for its educational value. "We can't cover our history with a thumb [...] We should learn from it" says a father who watched SONG OF THE SOUTH with his young children for the first time—completely oblivious of the fact that, in order to teach his kids such valuable lesson about history, he picked a film that actually "covers our history" and replaces it with a gigantic lie. A lie so successful in distorting history and manipulating viewers, to convince a student that this film can be used as a learning tool in her history class: "I will use this film to help me with my slavery test in History class."
It wouldn't be fair to blame the victims of an artful work of manipulation for being incapable to see something that the film has erased. True, the manipulation works best with people that have no empathy and are indifferent to the life experiences of somebody unrelated to themselves. However, lack of empathy is not the same as racism, which is why I would argue that such comments are simply the results of a despicable but successful work of manipulation, that only a master of the film medium like Walt Disney could have pulled off so smoothly. And it shouldn't come as surprise the fact that Disney created a film that, 80 years later, still makes people believe something that is unbelievable and untrue. That's what happens a magician that enchants us with beautifully animated fictional fairy tales and talking animals uses the same tricks to portray a reality involving slaves, work camps, exploitation, and abuses that were not fictional at all. In order to create the same type fairy tale, the unpleasant reality needs to be treated as if it never happened.
A.P.
Reviewer:
Giant Peach
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 26, 2021
Subject: Will not be seen in high quality resolution and sound anytime soon that it deserves
Subject: Will not be seen in high quality resolution and sound anytime soon that it deserves
While people watching other classic movies in the same era have enjoyed the benefit of modern digital restoration, It's sad that a movie of this quality has been deemed racist by it's copyright owner and won't be distributed, shown or sold anytime in the future in high quality format. So fans will have to settle for watching unauthorized low grade copies like this one. Hopefully Disney has at least preserved it in maximum quality. Maybe some time in the future when the landscape of sociopolitical policies will have change enough for whomever owns the rights to this movie will allow it to officially be seen again in it's beautiful original form and to take its rightful place back as a great classic academy award winning movie. But I won't hold my breath.
Reviewer:
Stoneyone
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 22, 2021
Subject: Nothing racist
Subject: Nothing racist
Just because they talk like that don't make it racist the only thing making it racist are the white people thinking they are saving the blacks from being offended over they way they talk and seem happy but just think if they had not stayed on the farm and worked they wouldn't have had a place to live or food to eat how would they have survived with no job or money coming in they stayed because they were better off it was their choice to stay or go just think they could have still been in africa throwing spears and eating monkeys people need to realize even though they had ancestors they were slaves that they are better off here in America than they were in Africa in the 1800's
Reviewer:
Wendy W3
-
-
November 7, 2021
Subject: The music is great
Subject: The music is great
I loved the music in this as a child, and it was also on a record of Disney music. Yes, we went to see this in the theater in the 80's when I was about in the third or fith grade, so probably around '80? Looked forward to it, too. The Hattie McDaniel song has stuck with me throughout my years.
Reviewer:
chukbekr
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 30, 2021
Subject: Post slavery these people are not slaves.
Subject: Post slavery these people are not slaves.
Post slavery, book written 1881. Slavery ended 1865. Many freedmen chose to work on plantations , that is the one's that survived reconstruction. This is a parable, a moral story for children and adults.
Reviewer:
sethhalp52@aol.com
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 16, 2021
Subject: What exactly was that chatter Daddy was raising in Atlanta?
And why did he have to send little Johnny away to Grandma's? Was he expecting a mob to show up at his townhouse?
Anyway, it's an acceptable film for children on condition that the context is explained to them. Of course the animation is charming.
Subject: What exactly was that chatter Daddy was raising in Atlanta?
And why did he have to send little Johnny away to Grandma's? Was he expecting a mob to show up at his townhouse?
Anyway, it's an acceptable film for children on condition that the context is explained to them. Of course the animation is charming.
Reviewer:
King_Maven
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 12, 2021
Subject: GREAT
Subject: GREAT
"better than youtube"
Reviewer:
Tridentine
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 21, 2021
Subject: Brings back memories
Subject: Brings back memories
My mother took me to see this movie in 1970 at least 2 times. I’m 58 years old now. At the beginning I thought of my mother and I sitting the theater watching the movie. Such a good memory and an enjoyable movie.
Times were much different in 1881 when the author Joel Chandler Harris wrote the book the Tales of Uncle Remus where he represented the struggles in the Southern U.S. at that time, specifically in the plantations. The way the words were pronounced in the movie were just as they were written in the book.
Times were much different in 1881 when the author Joel Chandler Harris wrote the book the Tales of Uncle Remus where he represented the struggles in the Southern U.S. at that time, specifically in the plantations. The way the words were pronounced in the movie were just as they were written in the book.
Reviewer:
Urban Dyer
-
-
September 17, 2021
Subject: Racist white people
Subject: Racist white people
I bet all the people who love this movie are white folk who don’t care about the racist shit smh 🤦🏾♂️ So ignorant
Reviewer:
The random entertainment
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 26, 2021
Subject: Seeing the differences
Subject: Seeing the differences
Now I know we were all upset heck even me, but even if we don't see anything wrong with the movie other people do One thing that's on my mind is giving the animated trio a second chance.
Reviewer:
Jcmojo
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 29, 2021
Subject: John Cobb
Subject: John Cobb
In my estimation this is probably the best Disney film of all time very heartwarming I cried and I hadn't seen this since I was a small child I'm 55 years old and I think I saw it when I was about 8 years old. It brought back a lot of childhood memories are singing that song and I walked along the road of small child in a small town in West Virginia. Uncle Remus is it true caring loving man I can't see anything racist about this movie whatsoever maybe I'm just stupid yeah I do see that the the black people in this movie were portrayed as slaves. And I don't condone that in any way whatsoever and it is a smear on our past here in America however it's been over for over a hundred and fifty years. They might could have left the tar baby scene out and put something else in but the movie was made in a different era way before the Civil Rights Movement. However the movie to me is wonderful!
Reviewer:
Brer_Kaden
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 5, 2021
Subject: BEST MOVIE ALL TIME!!!
Subject: BEST MOVIE ALL TIME!!!
I don't care what the racists who hate this movie say. It's the BEST movie ever to be made. Whenever I watch the movie, it just brings a big smile to my face. I love the Brer Characters even more! (#SAVESPLASHMOUNTAIN) The Brer Characters are very important to black history. You see, they have been a down for HUNDREDS of years by black people. Way before slavery. Joel Chandler Harris didn't CREATE the stories himself. He gathered what he had heard and wanted to preserve the stories. Walt Disney wasn't trying to be racist. Nor did he ever claim the movie is realistic and it actually happened. It's ignorant white people who want this movie removed not knowing what it means to black people. I for one would LOVE to see this released so Disney can finally prove that it's not as bad as people say it is.
Reviewer:
Jen Dawson
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 2, 2021
Subject: Great movie
Subject: Great movie
This movie was my favorite movie as a child. I learned so many great lessons from it.
Reviewer:
RobsAly
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 9, 2021
Subject: At Last
Subject: At Last
This was a childhood favourite and beings back many memories. I know its not PC anymore because of the stereotyping. But I just loved rhe stories and songs and uncle Remus. 💗
Reviewer:
Journeyman58
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 23, 2021
Subject: Song of the south.
Subject: Song of the south.
What a sweet story for the time it was made. For those that unfairly call it racist who was the hero and main character?
Uncle Remus showed everyone how to be a kind and thoughtful person.
This deserves to be looked at for what it is, the beginning of blacks accepted into the mainstream at that point in time.
Tears were rolling down my face when Uncle Remus got the Dad.
A well written sweet story everyone can feel good about.
Uncle Remus showed everyone how to be a kind and thoughtful person.
This deserves to be looked at for what it is, the beginning of blacks accepted into the mainstream at that point in time.
Tears were rolling down my face when Uncle Remus got the Dad.
A well written sweet story everyone can feel good about.
Reviewer:
lucpucbuc
-
favoritefavorite -
May 20, 2021
Subject: First time watching, can definitely see why it's problematic
Subject: First time watching, can definitely see why it's problematic
For context, I am white, in my 20s, European and not from an English-speaking country. I had seen, heard and read many bad things about it, justifyably so, but I wished to see it for myself. I'm glad it is available here for free.
I am concerned by the people in these comments trying to say it doesn't have any problems and slinging insults or assumptions at one another. Everything I have to say about this film has been said by others before me.
The location of the film is clearly a plantation mansion, all the black people working on the land or serving the white mansion owners. Yet the master-slave relation is never named outright, instead the black people are portrayed as happy-to-serve, carefree, sing-songy faux-equals, such as the little boys. The black characters are also very stereotypical.
Without spoiling too much, I enjoyed the animation, the acting was fine and the ending pleasantly surprised me.
Disney shouldn't outright bury this piece of work, but show it with disclaimers of what is wrong about it and let the people learn their past and watch if they so wish.
I am concerned by the people in these comments trying to say it doesn't have any problems and slinging insults or assumptions at one another. Everything I have to say about this film has been said by others before me.
The location of the film is clearly a plantation mansion, all the black people working on the land or serving the white mansion owners. Yet the master-slave relation is never named outright, instead the black people are portrayed as happy-to-serve, carefree, sing-songy faux-equals, such as the little boys. The black characters are also very stereotypical.
Without spoiling too much, I enjoyed the animation, the acting was fine and the ending pleasantly surprised me.
Disney shouldn't outright bury this piece of work, but show it with disclaimers of what is wrong about it and let the people learn their past and watch if they so wish.
Reviewer:
twr1260
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 27, 2021
Subject: A product of its time
Subject: A product of its time
I saw this movie as a child and found it entertaining then. I'm 60 years old and still find it entertaining today. Most people wont find this movie offensive.
Reviewer:
Michael Gardner404
-
-
March 13, 2021
Subject: America isn't good at looking in the mirror
Subject: America isn't good at looking in the mirror
Yup, just a bigoted as I remembered. So glad Disney is making an attempt to right historic wrongs and updating that ride at the parks.
Reviewer:
bebe23
-
-
February 23, 2021
Subject: Song of the South should not have been made
Subject: Song of the South should not have been made
I saw the movie as a racist travesty after I saw it in the theater as a young girl. In fact, I learned a few years ago that the actor who played Uncle Remus was banned from the 1946 premiere of Song of the South because of the Atlanta, Georgia theater's negative views on Black people. Before the movie was made, Walt Disney asked Black organizations their opinions on what a movie about a Black person should entail. However he ignored their advice and did the film his way. Typical Walt Disney. Disappointing to say the least!
Reviewer:
NanaNOLA
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 30, 2021
Subject: Who banned it?
Subject: Who banned it?
I’m a proud liberal and I love this movie. Joel Chandler Harris set this story during Reconstruction in the 1880’s, 2 decades after the Civil War had ended. The Black characters are not slaves but free men and women.
As a southerner, I grew up hearing Uncle Remus’ fables and loved reading them.
This movie is a warm, fuzzy comfort for some of us. It does gloss over the social upheaval, bitterness and devastation that slavery imposed on all of us forever. But the movie is not about history. It’s a series of morality tales depicted so well through animation, live acting and music.
My question is this: who or what banned this movie? The answer is: nobody. It’s available to purchase online in its entirety and available on this website since presumably we’ve all watched it.
As a southerner, I grew up hearing Uncle Remus’ fables and loved reading them.
This movie is a warm, fuzzy comfort for some of us. It does gloss over the social upheaval, bitterness and devastation that slavery imposed on all of us forever. But the movie is not about history. It’s a series of morality tales depicted so well through animation, live acting and music.
My question is this: who or what banned this movie? The answer is: nobody. It’s available to purchase online in its entirety and available on this website since presumably we’ve all watched it.
Reviewer:
TheArtisanPhotographer
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 27, 2021
Subject: Great Movie! It's not Racist At All!
Subject: Great Movie! It's not Racist At All!
This is a great movie, it is a very historical movie not just in terms of Disney History, but Cinema History and Black Cinema History as well.
The first Black actor and actress to win Oscars are playing opposite each other in this film, being James Baskett and Hattie McDaniel.
THERE ARE NO SLAVES IN THIS FILM. The style of dresses of the actresses in the film comes from the post North-South War era, and in a turning point of the film, Uncle Remus decides he is going to pack his bags and leave without letting anyone know and arranging a coach for himself.
As Floyd Norman, the first Black animation artists to work at Disney, or any of the major animation studios for that matter has said time and time again, and you can read his intro to "Whose afraid of the The Song of the South?" by Jim Korkis, "The film sealed the deal for me to want to be a animator for Disney, it's not a Documentary about the American South, but a sweet and gentle tale about a kind old gentleman who helps a young child out during difficult times that his mother (Ms. Sally the antagonist) puts him through.
Uncle Remus helps Johnny out with the Brer Rabbit stories whose roots go all the way back to the Gambia/Senegal region. And through these stories, Johnny learns a kind of love that transcends both race and class. His best friend is Toby, a poor country black kid. His feels closer to uncle Remus and Aunt Tempe than his own mother, both are whom are black and humble employers of the family. Although Uncle Remus is just a retired old man. His other friend is Jennie a poor white girl, (Incidentally no one seems to take notice that movie contains ugly white trash bullies -- which makes it way ahead of it's time. And if there is anyone who is depicted negatively in this film it's red necks.) Of course Johnny's laughing place the place where he is happiest isn't his grandmother's luxury posh home, but Uncle Remus' humble cabin.
A love that transcends both race and class.
People who call this movie racist are PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MOVIE, OR HAVE NOT SEEN IT FROM START TO FINISH.
And the people who have seen this movie and still like to make false assertions that it's racist are people who watch it, with chips already planted in their shoulders and are trying to look for anything they can find to point to and say "it's racist". When it isn't. They don't realize that the NAACP 9 (An organization founded by white leftists, which has had a lot of crooked history - including giving Donald Sterling of all people 2 lifetime achievement awards.) made the declaration they made with ANY OF THEM HAVING SEEN THE FILM. To this day, the people who object the most about Disney releasing this film are people who have not seen this film.
Lastly, this is a fantasy film like anything else Disney produced. The very fact that the live action sections of the film were shot in Phoenix, Arizona about a make believe Georgia Plantation goes to show this is entirely fantasy fiction.
Joel Chandler Harris is one of the preservers or Black Heritage, and I thank Disney for making this film. Whatever short comings people feel this sweet and gentle film may have, is not and was never due to malice but perhaps to due to incompetence.
It was Walt's first live action film, and if you read Jim Korkis' book, you will learn about what I mean when I say 'incompetence' and rookie film school mistakes. To his credit, during production, Walt did ask people from the NAACP and the Urban League for consultation and input on how this film can be made and invited them to the set and they turned his offer down.
Fortunately after the ugly scandal regarding Dalton Raymond and his real motivations in why he wanted to be part of the production team surfaced, Walt did let go of him, and when he look at the script he wrote, he didn't like it and felt it needed a lot of clean up, and a black guy did join the productions, as well as inputs from the Hall Johnson Choir (who sing the spirituals in this film) and The Black Actors (both on screen and voice) who starred in the film, to help Walt clean the script up a bit before being shot.
Demand Disney to FIRE BOB IGER and release this Film.
Sign the Petition to release this film.
Sign the Petition and call and write Disney and demand they leave Splash Mountain alone.
Call the National Film Registry and Demand this film be preserved.
Lastly, A Black Best Friend of mine introduced me to this film, and his father told me how much the Uncle Remus stories where historically important to Black Culture and History in North America.
The first Black actor and actress to win Oscars are playing opposite each other in this film, being James Baskett and Hattie McDaniel.
THERE ARE NO SLAVES IN THIS FILM. The style of dresses of the actresses in the film comes from the post North-South War era, and in a turning point of the film, Uncle Remus decides he is going to pack his bags and leave without letting anyone know and arranging a coach for himself.
As Floyd Norman, the first Black animation artists to work at Disney, or any of the major animation studios for that matter has said time and time again, and you can read his intro to "Whose afraid of the The Song of the South?" by Jim Korkis, "The film sealed the deal for me to want to be a animator for Disney, it's not a Documentary about the American South, but a sweet and gentle tale about a kind old gentleman who helps a young child out during difficult times that his mother (Ms. Sally the antagonist) puts him through.
Uncle Remus helps Johnny out with the Brer Rabbit stories whose roots go all the way back to the Gambia/Senegal region. And through these stories, Johnny learns a kind of love that transcends both race and class. His best friend is Toby, a poor country black kid. His feels closer to uncle Remus and Aunt Tempe than his own mother, both are whom are black and humble employers of the family. Although Uncle Remus is just a retired old man. His other friend is Jennie a poor white girl, (Incidentally no one seems to take notice that movie contains ugly white trash bullies -- which makes it way ahead of it's time. And if there is anyone who is depicted negatively in this film it's red necks.) Of course Johnny's laughing place the place where he is happiest isn't his grandmother's luxury posh home, but Uncle Remus' humble cabin.
A love that transcends both race and class.
People who call this movie racist are PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MOVIE, OR HAVE NOT SEEN IT FROM START TO FINISH.
And the people who have seen this movie and still like to make false assertions that it's racist are people who watch it, with chips already planted in their shoulders and are trying to look for anything they can find to point to and say "it's racist". When it isn't. They don't realize that the NAACP 9 (An organization founded by white leftists, which has had a lot of crooked history - including giving Donald Sterling of all people 2 lifetime achievement awards.) made the declaration they made with ANY OF THEM HAVING SEEN THE FILM. To this day, the people who object the most about Disney releasing this film are people who have not seen this film.
Lastly, this is a fantasy film like anything else Disney produced. The very fact that the live action sections of the film were shot in Phoenix, Arizona about a make believe Georgia Plantation goes to show this is entirely fantasy fiction.
Joel Chandler Harris is one of the preservers or Black Heritage, and I thank Disney for making this film. Whatever short comings people feel this sweet and gentle film may have, is not and was never due to malice but perhaps to due to incompetence.
It was Walt's first live action film, and if you read Jim Korkis' book, you will learn about what I mean when I say 'incompetence' and rookie film school mistakes. To his credit, during production, Walt did ask people from the NAACP and the Urban League for consultation and input on how this film can be made and invited them to the set and they turned his offer down.
Fortunately after the ugly scandal regarding Dalton Raymond and his real motivations in why he wanted to be part of the production team surfaced, Walt did let go of him, and when he look at the script he wrote, he didn't like it and felt it needed a lot of clean up, and a black guy did join the productions, as well as inputs from the Hall Johnson Choir (who sing the spirituals in this film) and The Black Actors (both on screen and voice) who starred in the film, to help Walt clean the script up a bit before being shot.
Demand Disney to FIRE BOB IGER and release this Film.
Sign the Petition to release this film.
Sign the Petition and call and write Disney and demand they leave Splash Mountain alone.
Call the National Film Registry and Demand this film be preserved.
Lastly, A Black Best Friend of mine introduced me to this film, and his father told me how much the Uncle Remus stories where historically important to Black Culture and History in North America.
Reviewer:
Eric Hunting
-
favoritefavoritefavorite -
January 15, 2021
Subject: A pleasant film, but a sugar-coated past.
Subject: A pleasant film, but a sugar-coated past.
This film is considered racist, not because of anything said outright, but because it gives the impression that the slaves were happy to be slaves and that they were treated like everyone else.
Considering the anger, paranoia, and ignorance in many of the comments listed on this page, it's understandable why they would be uncomfortable with leaving that impression.
Otherwise it is a very pleasant film and should be released.
Considering the anger, paranoia, and ignorance in many of the comments listed on this page, it's understandable why they would be uncomfortable with leaving that impression.
Otherwise it is a very pleasant film and should be released.
Reviewer:
rfhendrix
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 29, 2020
Subject: Wonderful family movie
Subject: Wonderful family movie
This is a great movie for the whole family. They certainly do not make them like this anymore. This a a part of our history and there is no reason why we should not be allowed to see the good, bad and the ugly for ourselves. But I assure you that there is nothing here that you need to censor for your kids. Just healthy family values but seen from another time.
At this present time there seems to be an obsession with eliminating parts of our history that does not reflect positively on our past. This movie should be widely available to fight that censorship. People have a right to see both sides of an argument without leftists canceling everything that does not fit their agenda. This movie is fun, entertaining and also teaches valuable lessons that should be a part of any child's upbringing.
BTW, you can still buy copies of this movie on Ebay.
At this present time there seems to be an obsession with eliminating parts of our history that does not reflect positively on our past. This movie should be widely available to fight that censorship. People have a right to see both sides of an argument without leftists canceling everything that does not fit their agenda. This movie is fun, entertaining and also teaches valuable lessons that should be a part of any child's upbringing.
BTW, you can still buy copies of this movie on Ebay.
Reviewer:
Brother Malachi
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 26, 2020
Subject: Snowflakes....Snowflakes.....
Subject: Snowflakes....Snowflakes.....
The idiot below (Jcr11101 - favorite - September 3, 2020) tells us not to read the comments - while making a comment. YES retard there is such a thing as Cultural Marxism. It has been forced down our throats in increasing intensity since the end of WW2. Read "None Dare Call It Treason". The Hippies and Commie street agitators of the 60s cut their hair...took a bath....put on a business suit and infiltrated the Political/Educational/Entertainment infrastructure of our Nation. EVERYTHING is Racist now...from a can of black beans to the American Flag. You thought 2020 was bad? Stay tuned for the Big Reset of 2021.
Reviewer:
Jcr11101
-
favorite -
September 3, 2020
Subject: Don't bother looking at these reviews. Full of idiotic crypto fash garbage
Subject: Don't bother looking at these reviews. Full of idiotic crypto fash garbage
Title. People using big boy words they don't know the meaning of (cultural marxism? lmao)
Reviewer:
Eastern Heavenly Vehicle
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 11, 2020
Subject: Only Racists think this Movie is Racist....
Subject: Only Racists think this Movie is Racist....
ONLY losers, the uneducated, the brainwashed, the stupid, the unemployed Soros drones, and the pre-programed zombies of the Marxist Leftist occupational government who run our nation will think this is Racist. I remember when I was in school (1980s) and the rap songs the black guys were playing in the locker room had ever other word as "N--gger". NOBODY is screaming RACISM over that. You lying hypocrites! You label things as racist to fit your radical, pre-programed spin you spew out to the American people. Go do something useful losers instead of obsessing over a 75 year old, barely watch movie. Idiots.
Reviewer:
johnahoyle
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 22, 2020
Subject: A Look Back and Reassessment of a Childhood Favorite
Subject: A Look Back and Reassessment of a Childhood Favorite
When I was a small child back in the 1950s, I first saw this movie and "Dumbo" and loved them both. I would have never imagined that both would be essentially banned from a majority of TV and film outlets later in my life. Looking at it now I can see both sides of the argument: (1) It was racist in context, (2) and the lives of the slaves were hard, but (3) they were mostly happy and cared for, and (4) that uncle Remus was exceptionally wise compared to others of his race, (5) and that all white landowners were self-centered and lived in big white houses. Looking back at the history of my own family -Tennesee farmers- who had a few slaves that lived and worked on their land - I really doubt that any part of this movie was representative of the actual conditions of black slaves. I love the music and the humor - and Uncle Remus is a fine fellow. For those who love the movie - good for you. For those who hate it - I can certainly understand and mostly agree with why you do.
Reviewer:
Grechen
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 20, 2020
Subject: I love this movie!
Subject: I love this movie!
The only scene I think is racist is the tar baby scene but the book that inspires this film was written in 1880 and slavery was ok back then and they talk differently back then. I will use this film to help me with my slavery test in History class. I always laugh watching this movie. I suggest this movie should be for older kids because of young kids say lines from films.
Reviewer:
Diogenes Unbound
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 13, 2020
Subject: Why we need to keep our movie history intact
Subject: Why we need to keep our movie history intact
Just a nice little piece of fluff that has you smiling from beginning to end. Under the capable hands of Hattie McDaniel as aunt Tempy, James Basket as uncle Remus, Ernestine Wade as the maid and voice overs.
Much like the fifties when McCarthyism was finding a communist under every bed, today's liberals find racism in everything and anything without considering the merits of its time.
Yes, this was a time of segregation, of racism in america but the talents of these fine actors and actresses shows us the fallacy of such actions in greater detail than words or politics could.
This movie gave us "zip-a-dee-doo-dah" which I can still hear in my ears today and thankfully, both Hattie and James became the first male and female black Americans to be honored with oscars for their talents. This alone should make this required watching.
Much like the fifties when McCarthyism was finding a communist under every bed, today's liberals find racism in everything and anything without considering the merits of its time.
Yes, this was a time of segregation, of racism in america but the talents of these fine actors and actresses shows us the fallacy of such actions in greater detail than words or politics could.
This movie gave us "zip-a-dee-doo-dah" which I can still hear in my ears today and thankfully, both Hattie and James became the first male and female black Americans to be honored with oscars for their talents. This alone should make this required watching.
Reviewer:
KeatontheZoomerKoopa
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 26, 2020
Subject: Milleanals and other Gen Zs can say it boring and racist
Subject: Milleanals and other Gen Zs can say it boring and racist
But it is entertaining and I bet Splash Mountain was fun for people who rode it. B'rer Rabbit is basically the best part of the movie alongside B'rer Fox and B'rer Bear and the songs are too Twitter needs to shur half the time about movies like this.
Reviewer:
Edward Aveyard
-
favoritefavoritefavorite -
June 21, 2020
Subject: It's not banned
Subject: It's not banned
There seems to have been a large increase in traffic for this film, given the recent media discussions around #BlackLivesMatter
A lot of people are saying on here that this film is banned. That is not true. We had it on VHS when I was a child in the UK.
It seems as if Disney has decided that they don't want to be associated with it any more, as they don't think that it's appropriate for children. That's their decision. It's absolutely nothing to do with "woke" censorship. I challenge anyone to find a single case of a politician condemning the film.
A lot of people are saying on here that this film is banned. That is not true. We had it on VHS when I was a child in the UK.
It seems as if Disney has decided that they don't want to be associated with it any more, as they don't think that it's appropriate for children. That's their decision. It's absolutely nothing to do with "woke" censorship. I challenge anyone to find a single case of a politician condemning the film.
Reviewer:
Image-EYE-Nation
-
-
June 16, 2020
Subject: Have not seen since I was a kid.
Subject: Have not seen since I was a kid.
The title should not be banned as it is history, just as Gone with the Wind, and Birth of A Nation..All of these film are a reminder of our countries racist past, and can be used as a study to aid in our improvement as a country. I believe that parental guidance should be provided, as this film shows a whitewashed, and idealized vision of slavery and plantations.
Reviewer:
Classical Kosmos
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 15, 2020
Subject: Only idiots thing S of the S is Racist....
Subject: Only idiots thing S of the S is Racist....
Who are these self appointed know it all's that tell us we cannot watch Song of the South? The Evil forces of Cultural Marxism and Socialist authoritarianism are trying to destroy our History, our Past and our collective Culture. Covid 19 is just the thin edge of the wedge. These Illuminati/Globalist/Luciferian tyrants will soon tell us WHAT to wear, WHAT to eat, WHERE to work, WHAT to think, WHAT to watch, and WHO to slavishly obey as our "leaders". You pinheads are being punked by these Illuminati elite. You are nothing but a bunch of conditioned, controlled, Pavlov's dogs. The Illuminati ring the bell (via News clips and sound bites on TV) and you go out and burn your cites and commit violent acts against others.
Nobody is gong to tell me I cannot watch a Movie. F$#^ YOU!
Nobody is gong to tell me I cannot watch a Movie. F$#^ YOU!
Reviewer:
mstamper
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 11, 2020
Subject: Thank you so much for offering this beautiful film
Subject: Thank you so much for offering this beautiful film
The forces of "woke" censorship are working hard to obliterate all knowledge of this film. It is NOT available on DVD, at least officially. We are entering an age where it will soon be a crime to distribute, possess, or view politically incorrect media. My advice is: secure physical copies (or permanent downloads like this) of the books, films and videos you love. They may not be available anymore soon. Fahrenheit 451 is coming.
Reviewer:
Avocado7395
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 6, 2020
Subject: Thank you so much Mr. Dingle
Subject: Thank you so much Mr. Dingle
I was born 02/09/1944. These characters are a part of my childhood. I still own and treasure the Disney record set from Song of the South. There was a black man that walked up my street and I believed him to be B'rer Bear. I never thought that I would ever be able to view this film. I am so happy that I found it tonight. I just hate that this remarkable film should be banned. I am so glad to have been able to enjoy this tonight. Every body needs a laughing place, like me. I enjoyed singing these songs and knowing them by heart.
Reviewer:
Biggs0513
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 20, 2020
Subject: First time
Subject: First time
This was the first time seeing the movie. I was surprised by how it ended. I thought it was a wonderful movie full of compassion.
Some people will always be bre’r fox......
Some people will always be bre’r fox......
Reviewer:
racistamerica
-
-
March 30, 2020
Subject: white folks
Subject: white folks
You lost me at "plantation"...which was probably the 10th word of the movie.
Reviewer:
acanto1
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 12, 2020
Subject: One of my favorite movies
Subject: One of my favorite movies
I absolutely love this movie! I rarely see much racism in this at all. This was portrayed in a different time period, with different values. People should really check history books. It's hard to compare time periods with the current values we hold today. It isn't fair or right to do so.
The animation for 1946 is AMAZING. And how they figured how to do an overlay with people and cartoon is beyond me.
I wish Disney would reconsider and add this historical piece of art.
The animation for 1946 is AMAZING. And how they figured how to do an overlay with people and cartoon is beyond me.
I wish Disney would reconsider and add this historical piece of art.
Reviewer:
Galadrail
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 9, 2020
Subject: I still love this movie
Subject: I still love this movie
I agree with some other reviewers, it is a gentle portrait of unseemly times. It is also a sweet story of one person helping another find comfort and balance in his troubles. And ... well...Uncle Remus at least had respect and freedom or he wouldn't have been able to just pack up and leave.
Reviewer:
Jimmyjames537565?! (@)
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 22, 2020
Subject: Song of the south
Subject: Song of the south
Best film I ever saw. will never understand why this film got banned. its the most gentle film ever
Reviewer:
Kizzie_90
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 1, 2020
Subject: Exactly as I remember it!
Subject: Exactly as I remember it!
Amazing copy of an amazing film. I'm gutted it was banned, I find it ridiculous! Yes it shows white people owning black people as slaves but guess what....... it was set in a time where lots of white people owned black people as slaves (check your history books! It's not just Disney being racist!) Yes it had a tar baby in, but it was a blob of tar wearing a coat and had a pair of buttons for eyes and a cork for a nose.... no resemblance to an actual person and more importantly NOT PORTRAYED TO BE AN ACTUAL PERSON!!....Poor uncle Remus should have got an Oscar as I believe he was more Oscar worthy than a lot of actors then and now! Uncle Remus I ❤ you and your stories of br'er rabbit!! I was brought up with this film, taught to give a smile to everyone and be grateful with what you've got......
Reviewer:
Vasantnelson
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 14, 2020
Subject: Love this movie!
Subject: Love this movie!
I agree with dee k. I don get why they did ban this film. There's nothing racist in it!!! And it was such a good movie! Why'd they have to ban it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reviewer:
dee k
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 13, 2019
Subject: A Grand Piece of Disney
Subject: A Grand Piece of Disney
Love this movie . it was made in a different time but there is so much to learn . would it not be better to have a conversation then ban a lovely piece of art work. Greatest song in a movie , original animation and a cast of wonderful characters
Reviewer:
LisaAJSkinner
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 23, 2019
Subject: Aesop's Fables Reminiscent
Subject: Aesop's Fables Reminiscent
Back in the 1990's, when the Disney legacy placed alot of the featured films of animation on VHS, this was one of the animation collection I wished for purchase. To me, Song Of The South featuring Uncle Remis....Is on the same level as Aesop's Fables. Extremely educational & I think Disney should do a updated version of these American Folklores. It can be done again without the theme of slavery & black stereotypes. All of Uncle Remis's Southern Folklores was simply "the learning curve" situations dealing with Briar Patch Rabbit. The lessons that were in this animation, are greatly in need for today's generation. I am a American-Black "young’ish" Woman born & nurtured from a well established American-Black legacy that came from slavery. I can't begin to tell how much I've enjoyed watching this Disney animation...I'll be writing this review all night long. Reminiscent of Aesop's Fables... that's all.💖💖💖
Reviewer:
austinmusician
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 16, 2019
Subject: I think this is important for people to see, but maybe not for the reason you would think
Subject: I think this is important for people to see, but maybe not for the reason you would think
I grew up in different parts of the south and as such am very familiar with race relations in the area. I'm not gonna try to step on toes, but maybe point some things out you weren't looking for if you think this is more about unity than separation.
Let's break down a few things here
*theres obvious whitewashing, things weren't really this tension free post slavery between jim crow and lots of other things, so let's not try to look at this as an accurate account in any way shape or form for the actual time period, but let's instead look at it in the context of the time the movie was filmed, as I'm sure most watching this are.
So I'll note that there are 3 social classes in the movie, much the same way that there still are in the south
1- The deep south aristocrats
2- the poor working whites (appalachian/subsistence)
3- Black people
The first two can be delineated by their living situation obviously, but lets look elsewhere
Look at their accents, deep south actors use middle atlantic speech, whereas the poor whites were some weird combo of that and actual southern speech, blacks spoke in a very stereotypical fashion of poor southern dialect
Theres some truth in the poorer accents and the "black" one was used by both races in reality, its notable here that that separation was made by the filmmakers though.
Next we can look at their clothing, the black family were all wearing dirty downtrodden clothing, even uncle remus's suit was not well taken care of.
The poor white family were much the same way, but of a middling quality, and the aristocratic southerners were nearly always portrayed as clean, even after something as absurd as being gored by a bull (I know its disney, but they could have smeared some dirt on him)
Notably as the poor whites start interacting with the rich ones, they are able to "clean up" as opposed to the blacks keeping their dirty clothes. Look at the little girl's dress and the lace as examples.
finally the easiest thing to spot is the disdain and treatment that uncle remus faced from the aristocratic family. This is an intelligent, caring, and respected man who is very much treated as a servant, whether he is a slave or not. Tell me any of those critical conversations dont look more like you criticizing your employee than asking your friend to act a little different around your kid.
Finally, the only people ever shown working (and it was frequent) are black. This is a plantation, that's not even subtle.
So finally to why I think this is important.....
This film accurately portrays the situation I have seen and experienced my entire life as the "middle class" here. Nothing has really changed, although the specific details vary a bit.
There are very much 3 classes here, poor whites arent exactly getting a seat at every table, but black people are getting a seat at none. This is a disney movie about families living in harmony, should there be 3 distinct definable classes?
Those living in poverty as white in the south need to see this and understand that their struggles are real, but so are the struggles of black people, and they can't really be compared as they are ground in something that has been going on for hundreds of years.
Let's break down a few things here
*theres obvious whitewashing, things weren't really this tension free post slavery between jim crow and lots of other things, so let's not try to look at this as an accurate account in any way shape or form for the actual time period, but let's instead look at it in the context of the time the movie was filmed, as I'm sure most watching this are.
So I'll note that there are 3 social classes in the movie, much the same way that there still are in the south
1- The deep south aristocrats
2- the poor working whites (appalachian/subsistence)
3- Black people
The first two can be delineated by their living situation obviously, but lets look elsewhere
Look at their accents, deep south actors use middle atlantic speech, whereas the poor whites were some weird combo of that and actual southern speech, blacks spoke in a very stereotypical fashion of poor southern dialect
Theres some truth in the poorer accents and the "black" one was used by both races in reality, its notable here that that separation was made by the filmmakers though.
Next we can look at their clothing, the black family were all wearing dirty downtrodden clothing, even uncle remus's suit was not well taken care of.
The poor white family were much the same way, but of a middling quality, and the aristocratic southerners were nearly always portrayed as clean, even after something as absurd as being gored by a bull (I know its disney, but they could have smeared some dirt on him)
Notably as the poor whites start interacting with the rich ones, they are able to "clean up" as opposed to the blacks keeping their dirty clothes. Look at the little girl's dress and the lace as examples.
finally the easiest thing to spot is the disdain and treatment that uncle remus faced from the aristocratic family. This is an intelligent, caring, and respected man who is very much treated as a servant, whether he is a slave or not. Tell me any of those critical conversations dont look more like you criticizing your employee than asking your friend to act a little different around your kid.
Finally, the only people ever shown working (and it was frequent) are black. This is a plantation, that's not even subtle.
So finally to why I think this is important.....
This film accurately portrays the situation I have seen and experienced my entire life as the "middle class" here. Nothing has really changed, although the specific details vary a bit.
There are very much 3 classes here, poor whites arent exactly getting a seat at every table, but black people are getting a seat at none. This is a disney movie about families living in harmony, should there be 3 distinct definable classes?
Those living in poverty as white in the south need to see this and understand that their struggles are real, but so are the struggles of black people, and they can't really be compared as they are ground in something that has been going on for hundreds of years.
Reviewer:
Gum8all
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 6, 2019
Subject: Thank you so so much and have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da-day!
Subject: Thank you so so much and have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da-day!
I've been LITTERALLY looking for this movie for ages and to finally beeing able to watch it is so great! I never understood why this was considered racist because back then the mindset of people was like this. I highly recommend the movie to anyone who considers him/herself as a true Disney fan! Have a nice day and greetings from germany! :-)
Reviewer:
judith41
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 29, 2019
Subject: I thought I would never see it again,
Subject: I thought I would never see it again,
Thank you, 😊 so much for making this available. I was born in 1941, so I was 5 years old when the movie was first shown. I was in love with it as a child and knew all the songs by heart. Zippity Doo Dah sounds just as good today,
Reviewer:
Moonreising
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 28, 2019
Subject: Uncle Ramus
Subject: Uncle Ramus
I have been looking most of my adult life for this movie. Thank you more than you know for uploading this! I need to let my grandson see this. He has been bullied at school and I know this movie will brighten his spirit as it did mine when I was very young. I am so thankful...more than words can say!
Reviewer:
Poohgirlg1969
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 28, 2018
Subject: Song of the South
Subject: Song of the South
I can't believe several generations will be deprived of this classic. I am 48 yrs old and this is the very first movie I saw in a theater. THANK YOU for uploading!! I had forgotten how much Uncle Remus meant to me :)