Toon Talk Special: Go the Distance: Disney's 50 Greatest Heroes (Part 2 of 2) - May 4, 2007

Toon Talk Special: Go the Distance: Disney's 50 Greatest Heroes (Part 2 of 2)
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UNLIKELY HEROES

A puppet, an elephant, a car and two mice: not your typical hero-types - unless you are in the Disney universe.

PINOCCHIO

Film: Pinocchio (1940)
Voice Actor: Dickie Jones
Directing Animator: Frank Thomas
Sidekick: Future “official conscience�?, Jiminy Cricket
Heroic Anthem: “I’ve got no strings to hold me down …�?
Quote: “I’d rather be smart then be an actor.�?
DVD: Available

All this bundle of wood truly wants is to become a real boy. Nevertheless, the temptations of the real world can be quite attractive, even if you have a conscience to warn you against them. But when it comes down to the wire, good ol’ Pinok rises to the occasion.

DUMBO

Film: Dumbo (1941)
Sidekick: Future manager, Timothy Q. Mouse
Heroic Anthem: “But I beat done seen ’bout ev’rythin’ when I see an elephant fly …�?
Quote: “I can see it all now: ‘Dumbo! The ninth wonder of the universe! The world’s only flyin’ elephant!’�? -- Timothy
DVD: Available

Born with oversized ears, this poor little pachyderm is the subject of ridicule from all sides from the get go. It takes his so-called “mortal enemy�?, a mouse, for him to see that his “ugliest�? asset could very well be his greatest.

MICKEY MOUSE

Film: Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
Voice Actor: Walt Disney
Sidekick: Donald and Goofy, naturally
Heroic Anthem: “Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me?�?
DVD: Available

The ultimate Disney hero in a lot of respects; one of his finest hours is in the role of Jack of “… and the Beanstalk�? fame. With the aid of a simple bean, our hero sets out on a grand adventure, outwitting a dimwitted giant and restoring the “happy�? to Happy Valley.

HERBIE

Film: The Love Bug (1969)
Actor: Himself
Sidekick: Whoever is behind the wheel
Quote: “They make ten thousand cars, they make them exactly the same way, and one or two of ’em turn out to be something special. Nobody knows why.�? -- Jim Douglas
DVD: Available

A Volkswagen bug with a heart of gold, this free-wheeling racer is a driver’s best friend, whether racing through Monte Carlo or a NASCAR championship. What exactly makes this “little car�? so special we never quite now - or care.

BERNARD

Film: The Rescuers (1977)
Voice Actor: Bob Newhart
Sidekick: Co-rescuer Miss Bianca
Heroic Anthem: “In a jam, in a scrape and you think ‘no escape’ … do not fear, we’ll be here, courageous are we.�?
Quote: “Well, if I were a pirate, that’s just where I’d hide the Devil’s Eye … eh, I’ll go over and check it out …�? (loud noise from hole in ground) “Come … come to the think of it … if I was a pirate, I wouldn’t hide anything back there …�?
DVD: Available

An often nervous janitor with superstitious tendencies, this little mouse finds more then he bargained for when his called upon to assist the beautiful Bianca on her latest dangerous rescue mission. Overcoming his fears leads him to heroism - and love.