Cats Don't Dance

Danny is a singing and dancing cat from Kokomo, Indiana; Darla Dimple is a child star and Hollywood darling. They clash in spectacular fashion in Cats Don't Dance, when the talented Danny comes to Hollywood with dreams of making it big in the movies.

In real life, Darla is far from the sweet, simpering little girl that she plays in the movies. When Danny unwittingly upstages her, he makes a dangerous enemy, because Darla not only controls Mammoth Studios (due to her money-making movies), but also is backed up by her giant bodyguard, Max.

Darla isn't Danny's only problem in Hollywood. He makes friends, but they tell him what he can't accept - Hollywood has no place for singing, dancing animals. Those roles go to people. Cats are supposed to meow, not croon. He also accidentally alienates new crush, the lovely Sawyer, a white cat who's his agent's secretary, and who has her own disappointments to bear.

However, Danny is a hard cat to keep down. Despite everything that the Hollywood system and the malevolent Darla can do, he manages to organize his animal friends into a show-stopper of a performance, achieve his dream of being in the movies, defeat the villains, and get the girl.

This movie is set in the Hollywood's golden era, and many of the stars from that time - Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, Laurel and Hardy, and more - make brief appearances. The villainess is an original, and she and Max are hilarious. Danny himself is a charming hero, and the other animals have distinct, likable personalities. The songs aren't all memorable, but they fit smoothly into the story and are choreographed with pizzazz. The animation is good, and the use of vibrant colors give it an added appeal. Overall, the movie is as charming and upbeat as its hero, a treat for the eyes and ears. I've never been able to understand why it's so obscure!

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Main Characters:

Danny - VA Scott Bakula
Ebullient and talented, Danny hops on a bus and comes to Hollywood with big dreams. He makes friends, but he also makes an enemy.

Sawyer - VA Jasmine Guy (speaking), Natalie Cole (singing)
Sawyer's dreams have turned to dust, and she's a cynical secretary until Danny changes her life.

Darla Dimple - VA Ashley Peldon (speaking), Lindsay Ridgeway (singing)
Angelically cute, with golden curls, big blue eyes, and a sweet, gap-toothed smile, Darla has a personality that is the opposite of her looks.

Danny's animal friends:

Pudge the Penguin - VA Matthew Herried
This adorable little guy is Danny's first friend in Hollywood, and his stoutest supporter. He plays a great sax, and delivers ice as a part time job.

Tillie Hippo - VA Kathy Najimy
Her size creates some fun sight gags, but her heart is just as big. Although she doubts Danny, she always comes through for him.

Woolie Mammoth - VA John Rhys-Davies
Forced to be nothing but a face for Mammoth Pictures, this ungainly elephant plays a great jazz piano and composes music.

Frances Albacore - VA Betty Lou Gerson
A glamorous fish, Fran is even more cynical than Sawyer, but she can't help joining Danny when it gives her a chance to show her talent.

Cranston Goat - VA Hal Holbrook
Cranky and grumpy, Cranston is the most reluctant to follow Danny's lead, even when encouraged by his partner Frances.