Readers Against Prejudice and Racism discussion

Starring: James Baskett, Ruth Warrick, Bobby Driscoll

I haven't seen this movie before because it wasn't shown in the US, but I was a bit interested in it because it had Brer Rabbit in it and I was fond of the Brer Rabbit stories, however I listed this show because there was a huge controversy spreading about this show.

Ronyell wrote: "Starring: James Baskett, Ruth Warrick, Bobby Driscoll

I haven't seen this movie before because it wasn't shown in the US, but I was a bit interested in it because it had Brer Rabbit in it and I..."

I was also fond of Brer Rabbit. Its been years since I even thought about those stories.

Oh yeah, the only versions I remembered well were the ones by Julius Lester and from Rabbit Ears.

The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit

I am not sure which one it was I listened to....I only remember tales by Uncle Remus?

Oh yeah, the Brer Rabbit Tales were written by Uncle Remus. The ones I've read were:

and

I remember seeing this movie at the drive-in theater when I was a kid way back in the 70s. I can't really remember anything about it except for Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit and that I liked it. Oh yeah, and the music too. How could I have forgotten Zip-a-Dee-Do-Da?:-) I think I have the soundtrack on LP somewhere around here too. I can't recall what the fuss was about (I guess I'll have to go look it up), but I do remember hearing something about Disney planning to never release it on home video.

Julie (Mom2lnb) wrote: "I remember seeing this movie at the drive-in theater when I was a kid way back in the 70s. I can't really remember anything about it except for Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit and that I liked it. Oh y..."

I heard that the controversy was about how it had a false depiction about how blacks were treated back then, but since I haven't seen this movie before, I'm not really sure what was so bad about it.

Curiosity got the better of me and I did go look it up. I found this very well-written defense of the movie with which I tend to agree:
http://www.songofthesouth.net/movie/o...

I find it interesting that Disney has released the movie in many other parts of the world, but still hasn't released it in it's entirety here in the US. I tend to view this as a form of selective censorship which I strongly oppose. For better or worse the movie a part of art/film history and IMHO, people should be given the chance to view it and draw their own conclusions. Based on what I was reading about the controversy and my own foggy memory of the film, I don't recall anything in it that was any worse than say, Gone with the Wind.

Through my research, I also came across info saying that Disney revisits the issue every few years, but thus far haven't come up with a plan yet. The movie will pass into the public domain in 2039, and most seem to be of the opinion that they will definitely release it before then if for no other reason than they won't want to loose the potential revenue.

That's interesting Julie! I really want to see this movie just to see what the controversy is all about. I hope it gets released soon.

I hope so too, Ronyell. I'd like to revisit it through adult eyes.:-)

Julie (Mom2lnb) wrote: "I hope so too, Ronyell. I'd like to revisit it through adult eyes.:-)"

Me too! I like to see how I feel about this film rather than hear it from other people who have seen it because their opinions are different.

I have seen this movie and I have to say I quite like it. I wish it would be in released in the states. Yes, it is wrong in the aspect of how it portrays blacks being treated. However, was it or was it not the hope and dream that all would be created equal? This was during this time. So why would the movie not portray that imagine. I see nothing wrong with hoping and dreaming. That's is what Disney is all about making dreams a reality. Hoping for a better future. Being happy, loving, caring and trying to do the right thing. Is this not what Disney teaches us in their movies. I happen to own both versions of this movie. I still love sing zip a dee do da zippie I a my oh my what a wonderful day...;)

Sharon wrote: "I have seen this movie and I have to say I quite like it. I wish it would be in released in the states. Yes, it is wrong in the aspect of how it portrays blacks being treated. However, was it or wa..."

I still haven't seen it, although the idea about blacks getting along with whites during that time period does give a more hopeful message, even during that time.