Nat, Cody, and Robert get animated as they discuss 1982’s THE SECRET OF NIMH.
Don Bluth challenged Disney animation in the 1980s. And arguably won that decade, before THE LITTLE MERMAID changed Disney’s animated fortunes and set up a decade of triumphs in the 1990s. But, Don Bluth’s success started with THE SECRET OF NIMH.
THE SECRET OF NIMH was based on Robert C. O’Brien’s children’s novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. In the film, the widowed Mrs. Brisby (voiced by Elizabeth Hartman), a field mouse, seeks assistance from the scientifically advanced rats of NIMH, who have taken up residence in the local farmer’s rose bush, and steal his electricity for their own ends, to get their assistance to move their home and save her pneumonia-stricken son Timmy, before the farmer’s plow destroys her home.
Along the way, Mrs. Brisby encounters a goofy crow named Jeremy (Dom Deluise), the Great Old Owl (John Carradine), the rat elder Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi), a planned coup among the rats, and the farmer’s cat Dragon. along with discovering the secrets of her late husband and his relationship with the rats.
THE SECRET OF NIMH blurs the line between science fiction and fantasy, with some sort of magic pendant playing a prominent role at the climax. But, it was a moderate success at the box office, received good reviews, and laid the groundwork for much of Bluth’s animated films to come, including several no doubt about it hits. It also threw down the gauntlet for Disney.
We talk about the traditional animation, the world building, and the voice cast in the film. We also debate some of the design choices in mixing anthromorphic animals, traditional animals, and humans. We also discuss the legacy of Don Bluth and debate the merits of the fantasy elements in this episode.
No need to create hyper-intelligent rats to listen to this episode. You can give us a play below or download the episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think by commenting on our page at Facebook or you can Email Us at skiespocast@gmail.com as we appreciate feedback.
Time tracks:
0:00:00 – THE SECRET OF NIMH Discussion
1:04:36- Next Movie and Outro
Next month, we jump ahead a few years in the 1980s with 1988’s DEAD HEAT. We hope you join us.
