Disney’s 28th animated classic featured the love between a mermaid and a young prince. The Little Mermaid officially started the Disney renaissance, ended the Dark Ages and became one of the most loved animated films from the moment it premiered.
The Story
Triton, ruler of the sea, is looking forward to a concert featuring all of his daughters; this is the first time they have all performed together. However, true to her nature, Ariel is off exploring a sunken ship. Her infatuation with the human world leads to her finding a young prince, Eric. She falls in love.
Not wanting to see his daughter with a human, Triton destroys her collection of Human memorabilia. He hopes this will stop her feelings but it just drives her into the hands of the sea witch, Ursula.
In Ursula’s lair, a spell is cast and Ariel becomes human. The young Princess has to kiss the prince before the third sunset or she belongs to Ursula.
Ariel does well to adapt to life on land, she is helped by her music tutor, Sebastian. Seeing how close Ariel is getting to kiss Prince Eric, Ursula disguises herself in human form named Vanessa.
Vanessa casts a spell on Eric and he falls in love with her. This accumulates after a few hours in them getting married on a large ship.
Scuttle, a seagull friend of Ariel, tells her who Vanessa really is. He goes to stop the wedding along with other animals. Ariel is taken by Flounder, her friend, to the boat.
The wedding is off but Ariel doesn’t manage to kiss Eric in time. Ursula drags the once again mermaid under the water. Triton confronts the witch and offers his place instead of Ariel. This allows Ursula to be queen of the ocean.
Whilst Ariel is trapped, Eric manages to steer a shipwreck into Ursula, killing her and restoring Triton as king.
Seeing Ariel is unhappy, Triton uses his own power to turn Ariel into a Human. She surprises Eric and the two are married.
The Story of the Story
The story of The Little Mermaid goes back to the mid-1930s; Walt Disney was looking for more ideas for stories to make into animated feature films if Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became a success. These stories would be taken from around the world and the result of 30 years of searching resulting in some of the most iconic family films. Mary Poppins, Song of the South, Cinderella, 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book all came to fruition. But the results didn’t end there, other films had rights picked up or ideas planned which were later shelved. For the majority of these films this is where their story ends. For some, these early plans may have never seen the light of day but the films were made years later but with fresh ideas and fresh plans. Two of these stories come from Hans Christian Anderson.
Although The Ugly Duckling was one story chosen from the Christian Anderson catalogue it only featured as a cartoon short, King Triton also made it as a cartoon short. Plans were made for a Snow Queen film but more extensive work was done on designs for a Disneyland ride, this story would eventually become Frozen. The Little Mermaid reached no further than a treatment for the story before being shelved.
In the 1980s, Disney Animation reached a low point. The over budget and poorly received ‘The Black Cauldron’had crippled the department. If it wasn’t for the huge success and praise for Who Framed Roger Rabbit then the studios may have closed. Since The Black Cauldron, meetings were held yearly for the department to present ideas for future films. One of these suggestions was The Little Mermaid.
Through the early stages of production the question of rights for a film came up and it was purely coincidental that the original treatments were found from the 1930’s. What was remarkable was the treatments were highly similar; the film we saw in 1989 could have been the same film we possibly might have seen over 50 years prior.
Behind the Camera
The film has a lot of strong parts other than the story: the songs, the characters and the cast. Leading the cast as Ariel was Jodi Benson. Benson was not the inspiration for the animation of the character. In the early years of the Disney animated classics, live actors were brought in to aid the animators. This worked extremely well and characters such as Snow White, Maleficent, The Mad Hatter and Alice all owe their realism to this technique. The comedienne Sherri Lynn Stoner provided the live action reference for Ariel. Some of her improvised actions even made it to the finished cut of the film. Even details like when Ariel grabs her hair into a bunch when she first meets Eric as a human, the loose strands were animated. The live action footage shows the difference in importance the animation department had at this point. In Alice in Wonderland’s live action references the action took place on a form of stage but with little in the way of props and outfits. In the Little Mermaid there is an impression that it was whatever they could lay their hands on at that moment. The ending of the song ‘Part of your world’, which shows Ariel spiraling up as she sings those final few words, is captured in the reference material as Stoner spinning on an office chair.
Ariel wasn’t the only character to have a live action model, Eric did too. In the times when computer generated animation was in its infancy, traditionally drawn scenes like the spinning boat in Kiss the Girl would have been difficult without these reference films. Other techniques to help the production process run quicker and cheaper in the past had been used in previous films, such as tracing over previous animation. Robin Hood contains reused animation from The Jungle Book as well as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for example. Other techniques have helped forward animation such as the multi-plane camera. This device recorded different parts of the animation to give the impression of depth. For an artist to recreate this is would have been not only a great talent but very costly. The Little Mermaid was to use this camera but, when it was located, it was found to be in such poor condition that it couldn’t be used. This, along with the fact old animation couldn’t be used in the underwater sequences, meant that other techniques needed to be used.
Basil, The Great Mouse Detective contained the first example of traditionally drawn animation on a computer generated backgrounds. Oliver and Company used computer animation more extensively with the backgrounds and vehicles. There was no question that this technique wouldn’t be used again. Although Oliver is often seen as the practice run, The Little Mermaid must be seen as the formula of a modern Disney Animated film. It reviewed the use of older ways of making films and improved on them. There was no Xerox copied pencil lines on the finished film, the songs became the main part of the film and carried the story on. This was the original intention of Walt when he made the decision to include songs in Snow White. Backgrounds would be a mixture of concept art and computer generated images, such as the staircase used by Ariel when she hears Eric is to be married. The story returned to fairy tales rather than adaptions of modern classics. The film didn’t just rebuild the way the films were made but they helped rebuild every aspect than defined a Disney film from all of the other animation films.
In future films these elements would surpass The Little Mermaid, the ball room scene in Beauty and the Beast would show the world how traditionally drawn and computer animation would marry seamlessly, the music of The Lion King would win awards, and the heights of Frozen was new territory for the studios. These films owe their success to The Little Mermaid.
Characters and Cast
One of the key factors was the casting of the characters. In future films there would be a focus on star casting a sidekick, this was usually a popular comedian of the time. This being said, Rosanne was considered for the role of Ursula rather than a sidekick.
Jodi Benson took the lead role of Ariel, her voice passed as being a sixteen year old but also was in keeping with the siren mythology that mermaids have. It was an important mix to get right, this character had to be a young innocent woman but also be in keeping with the mermaid ethos. It is often overlooked that in legend, mermaids would hypnotise sailors with their songs, these sailors would fall in love with them and crash their ships. In The Little Mermaid, Ariel’s singing to Eric is what makes him fall in love with her. Ursula also uses the mermaid’s voice to cast a spell on Eric when she is disguised as Vanessa.
Benson’s main claim to fame would be as the voice of Ariel, after this film she went on to voice her in two sequels, a television show and cameos in other material like Wreck It Ralph 2. Her relationship with Disney wasn’t limited to this character though. She not only had voice roles in 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch’s London Adventure, but starred alongside Robin Williams as Weebo in Flubber. She also starred in Pixar’s Toy Story 2 and 3 as Barbie. When Disney princess spoof and celebratory film Enchanted showcased some past princesses in cameos, it was no surprise that Benson had a bigger role than others. Her career with Disney accumulated in becoming a Disney Legend.
The previous Disney Princess film was Sleeping Beauty; it wasn’t a huge success and was an expensive loss for the studios. One of the issues with that film was the lack of speech from the main character; therefore, it’s a surprise that Ariel should lose her voice in this film. The comparison is rarely made, however, as it is not obvious in The Little Mermaid as it is such a huge plot point and Ariel is pictured as the Main character throughout. In Sleeping Beauty, Aurora doesn’t come across as the lead; she is more of a plot point for others. The next Princess story would have a very vocal princess (Beauty and the Beast).
Ariel’s appearance, like every other character, went under different designs before the settlement on the final image. Originally she would have been blonde but Disney had just had a smash hit with Splash. The live action film had a blonde mermaid as a lead and executives thought that the two may be confused with each other. Her tail was also developed in different colours until the green was settled on. The shade of green was also specially developed and was named ‘Ariel’.
For every protagonist there must be a villain. Although Disney Animation had some remarkable villains in the previous 20 years such as Prince John, The Horned King and Madame Medusa, the favourite and notable baddies like Maleficent, The Evil Queen and Cruella De Vil were seemingly a thing of the past.
The animation department had found itself in a bit of a stalemate in the mid-1980s. Tim Burton talks of his time there, although he talks about different opportunities he does give the overall impression that the department hadn’t wanted to have changed since Walt’s time. Jeffrey Katzenberg was appointed Chairman of Walt Disney Studios around the same time; he also found that the Animation Department was unwilling to change. He states that there was a picture of the wall in an office and every time there was a dilemma or something to discuss, everyone would look at this picture and ask ‘What would Walt do?’ He had great respect for Walt but the man had been dead nearly 20 years, plus towards the latter years of his life, Walt has steered away from animated films in favour of his theme park and successful live action films such as Mary Poppins. The lack of progression and direction led to over budget and overdue films. Both Robin Hood and The Black Cauldron had long production times, both of which didn’t have the return revenue to warrant it. This slow and plodding department, although producing some cult favourites, was sending the animation division of Disney studios into just a memory. However throughout the 1980s the new blood that was coming on board was breathing fresh air into the team and brought the studios into the 1980s. This accumulated in Oliver and Company, but continued in The Little Mermaid, namely Ursula.
Being a big villain isn’t something that can be planned, some of the best loved Disney animated films have some forgettable villains, whilst others flourish and gain a following of their own. Ursula was to be a staple of her time and could have only been created by those making the film. The openly gay men on the production team added something that the straight men of yesteryear had missed: fun. The uniqueness of these team members gave a different perspective of each character. Before The Little Mermaid, all princesses had wanted love because they needed a man. They also only had plot points pushed upon them by other characters. Ariel knew what she wanted and drove her own story. The male leads would have never been made to be as handsome as Eric with his own personality. The songs in this film would emulate a musical rather than a film with songs, but most importantly, the villain was camp and fabulous.
Ursula went through many designs, it was suggested that she should have elements of Alexis Carrington in her. Alexis was the matriarch in US soap Dynasty, played by Joan Collins. Collins still remains a huge gay icon but it was her involvement in the soap made her a household name. Many drag artists would pay homage to Collins, Alexis in particular. This area of the gay entertainment industry would pay an even more vital part in the development. Devine had saw a rising fame over the last few years.Alongside a charting record, she also starred in Hairspray, a film that looks at the racial differences of the 1960s. What was astounding about Devine’s career was she was a drag queen. In 2019, the world has RuPaul’s Drag Race, Gay and Lesbians have music and movie careers, and the world accepts the LGBT community more. In the 1980s, amid AIDS crisis, stagnant attitudes to those who are different and little opportunities for openly gay people out of drag, her success was surprising. Her comedy and personality was highly unique in the entertainment world, however in the lives of the gay members of the production team she was not only a friend and an icon, but a celebrity and respected member of their community. It is therefor, unsurprising that she would become the blueprint for Ursula.
The design of the character, even down to the fat that hangs from the arms and around the shoulders, can be pin pointed to any image of Devine. The level of detail even goes down to the make-up and arm movements. Unfortunately there is nothing to suggest that Devine may have had involvement with the character in development. Sadly, she passed away in 1988, a year before the release of The Little Mermaid.
The voice of Ursula, Pat Carroll, was not the first choice either. Carroll had been a jobbing actress and appeared on TV shows, albeit usually as a one off character. Originally the role would have gone to Gold Girls actress Bea Arthurs. Her agents were not happy that the producers of the film thought their client’s voice sounded like a witch, Arthurs never even received a copy of the script for the part written for her. Howard Ashman, co music composer and lyricist, then attempted to get Joan Collins on board, he was a huge fan of hers in Dynasty. Unfortunately her team thought it would undermine her success if she were to voice an animated character. At this point, animated films were not seen as they are today. Whereas famous comedians and actors appear in various animated features today, in the mid to late 1980s, great animated films came few and far between and had done since the early 1960s. As The Little Mermaid was taking on a more ‘Musical’ approach, a Broadway star was then considered. Elaine Stritch was an elite Broadway star but she did come with her floors. As opposed to Collins and Arthurs, Stritch made it into the recording studio. However, her alcoholism and her refusal to take notes from Howard Ashman, led to her being removed from the project.
Pat Carroll was excited to be given the chance to audition. She felt that as the actresses she was up against were big TV and film stars, that she wouldn’t have the chance. A year had passed and she eventually forgot she had auditioned. It was then that her agent called to say that she had the roll.
Her enthusiasm throughout production was not only a complete contrast to Stritch, but helped the building of Ursula as a character, and in the image Ashman wanted. She took a lot of notes from him and incorporated a lot of what he improvised on demo tapes or in the studio. She struggled with singing the song ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ all the way through and eventually sung it in parts which was then collated together. It is extraordinary that someone who wasn’t a well-known name, wasn’t a leading name in her profession, and couldn’t sing as well as some of the other auditions, would go on to be one of the most well regarded Disney Villains of all time.
Music
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken were Disney legends of their time. Their input to the renaissance of Disney Animation was invaluable and their songs from the films they did together would go on to be classics, along with their respective movies. This success would be the pinnacle of Ashman’s career; he would pass away after a battle with AIDS during the production of Beauty and the Beast. He had other highlights, including writing the screenplay for The Little Shop of Horrors, and is generally regarded as a genius in his field for the short time he lived. The music that he co-wrote for the Disney films in the last years of his life would be his everlasting mark on Disney Animation, and the entertainment history in general.
With the success of the film and the songs, The Little Mermaid became the first Disney Animated Classic to be turned into a Broadway musical. This would begin a trend for the practice, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Frozen followed suit soon after the films were released. Aladdin also received the same treatment but nearly two decades after the animated film came out.
Beyond the Film
Audiences wanted more from the film, Disney films were usually just a one off occurrence but the characters tended to be used in other areas of the corporation. Sometimes they were used for promotional items, features on television shows, or, usually, in the Disney Parks. In the early 1990s, Ariel and friends returned to retell the story. This time in a live show performed at Walt Disney World Florida. The show continues today with a mixture of lasers, live action and puppets. Also at the Disney Park is a Voyage under the Sea ride, statues of some characters, and meet and greet opportunities. She also has her own hotel block in Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel in Florida. There are statues of the main characters, accompanied by various different, over-sized artifacts from the film. Outside each apartment block is a giant statue of Ariel, Triton or Ursula. One of the animation pictures at the hotel is signed by Jodi Benson.
Aside from the parks, Ariel and friends are featured on various merchandise from Disney stores and other retailers. Ariel is also officially one of the Disney Princesses, a title not bestowed to all princesses in the animated films.
The film also had two sequels, both of which received mixed reviews. The first, Return to the Sea, follows Ariel and Eric’s daughter Melody as she wants to go back to the ocean. Jodi Benson returns as the voice of Ariel and Pat Carroll also returns, although she now plays Ursula’s sister. The second, Ariel’s Beginning, is actually a prequel, Triton has banned music from the ocean but Ariel is struggling to keep within this new law.
In the 1990s, many animated films appeared on their own television shows. These are usually at a point of the original film in which more adventures can be had. For Hercules we see a young Hercules trying to control his powers. For Aladdin, the series is set after the events of the first film. Each show was usually titled the same as the film; The Little Mermaid was no different. The series ran for 31 episodes and each one is set before the events of the film. Some of the stories contradict the prequel film, Ariel’s Beginning. From this, Sebastian would appear in his own spot on a show called Marsuilami. Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, would also try his hand at making a Little Mermaid television show. Two episodes were recorded which showed a live action Ariel interacting with Muppet characters. Unfortunately, after Henson died, there were complications and the episodes have never been aired. Ariel also makes appearances on Mickey’s House of Mouse, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and the Kingdom Hearts games. She also featured on Sofia the First, a Disney channel animated series.
Some Disney films have Easter Eggs, these are affectionately known as Hidden Mickeys. In The Little Mermaid, Mickey and friends can be seen attending King Triton’s concert at the start of the film. Kermit the Frog can also be seen, but he is sitting elsewhere. The bubble curtains also have two Hidden Mickeys formed out of the bubbles. The King and Duke from Cinderella also make an appearance at Eric and Vanessa’s wedding. There is also a painting in Prince Eric’s castle that is a picture with striking resemblance to Prince Philip and Aurora. The Little Mermaid characters also pop up in other films. King Triton is depicted as a carnival float in The Princess and The Frog, Flounder is one of the fish in the 2D segment in Moana, and, Sebastian makes an appearance in Aladdin just after the Genie rescues Aladdin from the Cave of Wonders.
It now seems a tradition to take elements of innocent films and alter their context. The internet has created vast audiences who enjoy reading about ‘alternative Disney’. In The Little Mermaid the vicar who weds Eric and Vanessa was claimed to have an erection during the service, this was explained by just a poor positioning of a knee. It is usual in animation to create small characters with some cartoon appearances; this is often bent knees or consistently closed eyes, usually covered by thick glasses. The vicar takes on both the bent leg and eyes. There is also a big fan base that creates fan theories or links with other films. The Little Mermaid has two such links. The first being Ariel’s relation to Hercules. As Triton and Zeus are brothers in mythology, this would mean that the two Disney stars are actually cousins. The second is more of a long shot. The shipwreck that Ariel explores at the start of the film has been likened to that of the one Anna and Elsa’s parents die on in Frozen.
The Little Mermaid’s Legacy
The Little Mermaid was the beginning of a new era of Disney Animation, affectionately known as the Renaissance. The film wasn’t expected to beat the revenue from Oliver and Company as traditionally boys films do better than girls, it beat the latter and took its place as the most successful Disney animated film of the 1980s. It became the first film to be released on home media shortly after its cinema release. The original VHS cover sparked a small controversy as one of the towers on the castle looked phallic; this was denied by the artist. The artwork was removed for further releases.
What came after this film is a series of hits, each film reached a new height in a different area. Many were nominated for a variety of awards but their biggest achievement was they have all stayed in pop culture nearly 30 years on. Although, Oliver and Company paved the way, the foundations were built on The Little Mermaid. The template for the films that followed was perfected from the blue prints that this young mermaid laid down.