Bambi

This 1942 Disney film, based on the novel by Felix Salten, begins with the birth of the title character, a fawn named Bambi, the young prince of the forest. Bambi is greeted into the world by many other animals, some of whom become his good friends. He gets off to a wobbly start, barely able to walk! But in no time, he's out getting experiences in the forest, with the help of his two best friends, Thumper and Flower, and the wisdom of his mother. In the freedom of the meadow, he meets Faline, a female fawn, and he learns to play. Unfortunately, not all of Bambi's experiences are good, and the very worst thing he finds in the forest is Man. Man brings death in the form of vicious dogs, guns, and fire, and takes away what Bambi loves and needs most. However, with the help of his father, the Great Prince of the Forest, he grows into his birthright and into happiness.

As with most Disney animated films of this time, Bambi is a mix of music, beautiful art, delightful characters, laughter, sorrow, and, ultimately, a happy ending. The music is dated now, but still has its charm. The beauty of the art, however, never fades. The characters are distinctive and well-animated, but the real glory is in the realization of the forest itself. This movie is worth watching just to see the backgrounds!

However, it is also a charming tale, a great deal of fun, and has all the heart and warmth of the best Disney films.

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Main Characters:

Bambi (Voices: Bobby Stewart (baby), Donnie Dunagan (young), Hardie Albright (adolescent), John Sutherland (adult))
The movie follows this adorable fawn from infancy to adulthood, from his first wobbly steps to the birth of his first children. He's the epitome of good-natured innocence, but also shows immense courage when he must.

Thumper (Voices: Sam Edwards, Peter Behn (young), Tim Davis (adult))
This young rabbit becomes Bambi's best friend. Insouciant and irrepressible, he provides comic relief, but he also provides some moral lessons - usually by setting a bad example.

Flower (Voices: Stan Alexander (young), Tim Davis (adolescent), Sterling Holloway (adult))
This shy, bashful young skunk is Bambi's other best friend, when he's not hibernating. Definitely a follower, not a leader, he supports Thumper and Bambi in whatever they get into.

Faline (Voices: Cammie King (young), Ann Gillis (adult)
A giggly young fawn who tries to draw Bambi out of his shyness, Faline eventually becomes his mate. For her, he reaches his highest moments of courage.

Bambi's Mother (Voice: Paula Winslowe)
A worthy mate to the Great Prince, Bambi's mother (who is never given a name in the film) is a wise, loving doe. She teaches him and gives everything she has to protect him.

The Great Prince of the Forest (Voice: Fred Shields)
A noble, awe-inspiring figure for most of the film, the Great Prince leads and defends the other deer. He is aloof at first, but ultimately saves Bambi's life more than once.

Friend Owl (Voice: Will Wright)
The herald of the forest, Friend Owl is in the center of everything that happens in the forest.

Ronno (no voice)
This brutal young buck is Bambi's rival for Faline.

Thumper's mother (Voice: Margaret Lee
Another wise mother, this one has her hands (er, paws) full trying to keep her son in line.

Favorite quotes:

Thumper: Kinda wobbly, isn't he?

Thumper: Did the young prince fall down?

Flower: That's all right. He can call me a flower if he wants to. I don't mind.

Bambi's mother: Bambi, wait! You must never rush out on the meadow. There might be danger.

Thumper's mom: Thumper? What did your father tell you?

Faline: He's kinda bashful, isn't he, Mama?
Faline's mother: Well, maybe he wouldn't be, if you'd say 'hello'.

Bambi: Why was everyone still when he came on the meadow?
Bambi's mother: Everyone respects him. Of all the deer in the forest, not one has lived half so long. He's very brave, and very wise. That's why he's known as The Great Prince of the Forest.

Bambi: What happened, Mother? Why did we all run?
Bambi's mother: Man was in the forest.

The Great Prince: Your mother can't be with you any more.

And, of course, the ultimate quote:
Friend Owl: Twitterpated!

~ Kat

Favorite scenes:

I think the best scene is the forest fire. That scene scared me so badly when I was a little kid (I saw it in a theater) that I've been afraid of fire ever since. Even as a adult, it scares me! It's a well-paced, excellent scene. Another scene I love is the one with Bambi and Thumper on the ice. It always makes me laugh.

~ Kat

Favorite images:

The opening sequence is the awakening of Spring, and the announcement that the young prince is born: