“101 Dalmatians”

“101 Dalmatians” is one of Disney’s most beloved animated classics. Adapted from the novel by the same name, the film tells the story of Pongo and Perdida, the Dalmatian mother and father, their pets (human pets, that is) Roger and Anita, and how their litter of fifteen puppies grew to ninety-nine. Also, it features one of Disney’s most notorious and creatively-named villains, Cruella De Vil, voiced by radio and film actress Betty Lou Gerson.

After Roger refuses to sell Cruella the litter of puppies, Cruella hires Horace and Jasper, a duo of dimwitted thieves, to kidnap the puppies. The crooks add the fifteen to a large group of puppies Cruella wants killed and skinned for dog-skin coats. But a watchful animal group discovers the puppies, leads them through a daring escape from Horace and Jasper, and alerts Pongo and Perdie who hurry to the puppies’ rescue.

Released in 1961, “101 Dalmatians” is a harrowing adventure story, filled with great comedy. Unfortunately, like many of Disney animated features, the film has several moments that are completely inappropriate for young audiences. Many characters refer to others as idiots and the final climax when Cruella drives her car into a van full of the puppies is quite scary. Yet, no one dies and younger kids probably won’t pick up on the parts when the villains discuss skinning the puppies. Otherwise, the film is filled with familiar songs (“Cruella De Vil, Cruella De Vil…” — you know the rest), memorable characters, and an unforgettable story.