The Rescuers (Disney) [1977]

A 'pure' Disney-adventure, suitable for all ages...


A charming, if rather simple, classic   June 9, 2007
Ms. MacNeill (London)
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

"The Rescuers" is a sweet little film, slightly shorter than some other Disney films. The overall plot is quite charming, if a little simple (and, at times, flimsy: it is never made entirely clear why Penny the orphan girl was chosen above all other children on the planet to help find the Devil's Eye diamond). While children will love it, adults may find themselves becoming bored after a while due to the lack of high action scenes and songs. However, it succeeds in being sweet without becoming too saccharine, which is impressive for a film starring an orphan and a pair of talking mice. While the heroes don't really stand out as all-time classics, they are quite inoffensive and, I suppose, it is relaxing to see a Disney film where the characters are all heart without any internal conflict. The minor characters were mildly entertaining: I thought the best one was Evinrude, the dragonfly who keeps a boat, and it was a clever move on the part of the writers to give his buzzer the same sound as a motorboat.

The villain, Madame Medusa, is a particular highlight. She's in a similar vein to other Disney villainesses of this time - take Cruella deVille and Ursula, for example - but she's still extremely enjoyable. Even better, her goal throughout the film is to steal the Devil's Eye diamond and make her fortune from it; this is something which is believable, solid (contrast this with the schemes of other Disney villains, involving vague, wishy-washy things such as "revenge" and "power"), and manages to be memorable. With her red hair, pet crocodiles, and love of jewellery and make-up, she's a little bit fabulous! She is one of the more striking Disney villains and, like a pantomime dame, the viewer loves to hate her.

The visuals are only so-so, although I have to admit that I'm not overly-fond of the artistic style of many Disney films of the '70s and '80s anyway. It does have its moments though: the scenes inside the Rescue Aid Society are wonderful, with all the details of the scavenged human belongings making up the mouse furniture. One item I remembered from watching this film as a child, and made sure to look out for again, was the wristwatch which became a wall clock. Another great scene was the one set down in the cave, which had a suitably spooky atmosphere. The music was only average as well, unfortunately, with the "Rescue Aid Society" song being the only one which sticks to memory.

The DVD extras are so-so: there's a classic Merrie Melodies cartoon on there which is very nice, but other than that there's only a documentary on sea-birds which only bird-enthusiasts will love (although it does have a decent soundtrack and attractive cinematography) and a music video. Overall, three out of five stars.


A Classic   January 27, 2004
R. Kuske
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

It is a shame that this film is not as popular now with younger children as it once was with children when it first came out. It remains one of my favourite Disney Classics, along with The Sword in the Stone, Aladdin, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. You can't help but fall in love with Penny, Bernard, Bianca and Penny's cat and you can't help but hate Madame Medusa and her cronies. This one will be enjoyed by those who love Disney and those who have never seen a Disney film before. One for all the family.


The Rescuers   November 19, 2003
Mrs. J. A. Smith
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Great story, lovely old-style Disney animation. A favourite with everyone from the 2 year-old up!


A charming tale with all you'd expect of a good Disney film.   January 22, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a story well-told, with lots of charm, humour, pathos and excitement. There is a wonderful team of goodies pitted against a delightful team of baddies - Disney does great baddies! A little girl has been kidnapped, and two heroic mice, with lots of animal help, set out to rescue her. The story is a visual delight, in the best Disney tradition, and still has my family on the edge of our seats many viewings down the line.