Although the first animated feature to have no participation by Walt, The Aristocats was the last feature to be personally selected by him. It was to be a strong follow-up to The Jungle Book and 101 Dalmatians as well as a very light-hearted and musical feature. It used many aspects of Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, and The Jungle Book; but can certainly stand on it's own two- or four paws.
When released to theaters in 1971, the public found The Aristocats a thorough enjoyment- but not a very memorable one. Easily, it's most popular and unforgettable part is the performance of "Ev'rybody Wants to be Cat". The unhealthy procedure of using extremly well-known actors surfaced both in this movie and The Jungle Book. The use of such voices causes one to think of the actor- not the character when watching the film.
After it's theatrical reissue, The Aristocats fell into a dark period when Disney as a whole was not doing well. It remained in Disney's vaults until last year, when it was finally released on video for a new generation of Disney-goers.
The Catfight
Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat
Thomas O'malley, the Alley Cat
The Cats Looking in on Scat Cat
The Aristocats Links
Christy's Aristocats Image Directory