In the 1950’s, Walt Disney and his company had gone from strength to strength. Not only had they survived the war years but they had now branched out into making Live action films as well as the animated classics they are known for today. Whilst it is true the Animations have outlived the live action, the films produced at the time were highly regarded and praised. As Walt also began and realised his dream of Opening Walt Disneyland in California, his attention to the animated films was stretch compared to the earlier years. The 1950s and early 1960s would see a new era for the films. Today, it is affectionately known as the Silver age of Disney. Although the films were not of the pristine quality of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio and Fantasia, they were making money. Cinderella was the first full length animated classic since Bambi, although the studios had released packaged films. With the success of Cinderella, the studios once again had the backing to create future full length features. Suddenly, ideas and storyboards that had been shelved within the last decade reared back up. Some, like The Snow Queen and The Little Mermaid were forgotten about, but others like Peter Pan and Lady and the Tramp were fully produced and released in the 1950s.
Lady and the Tramp continued to be a labour of love from those involved and is now regarded as a high standard of film, it is also cited as one of the best Romantic movies of all time.
The Idea Behind the film
The idea for the film began in 1939. Joe Grant, (check named) was a writer and artist for the Disney Company. He had worked on many shorts and had also joined in with the animated feature films. Grant owned a small English springier spaniel, although at the time there was no definition between an English and America Springier spaniel. As he watched the pup’s antics and how she behaved with the introduction of a new baby into the house, he concocted a story around that.
Whilst this was a nice idea and would have sat contemporary with some of the shorts being produced at the time, a full feature film would need more substance. At the beginning, the film was simply called Lady; Walt felt that it was too sweet. The development had been handled by various different people but each version was seen as too sweet. Walt had suggested that the film should incorporate some of the elements from a book he was reading Happy Dan, The Cynical Dog by Ward Greene and immediately bought the film rights. The story changed and adapted over the years with some characters not being included at first, or being different from the ones we saw in the finished film. Grant left the company long before the film was released; he received no credits on the finished film.
Plot
The year is 1909 and Jim dear has decided to buy his wife, Darling, a Christmas surprise. As she unwraps the hat box, a young puppy jumps out. Darling decides to call her Lady. The puppy is spoilt and grows up leading a happy life between the company of her owners and the friendship with her neighbours, Trusty and Jock.
Overtime Jim Dear and Darling begin to act strangely towards Lady. As Lady talks it over with examples to her friends, they determine that Darling is expecting a baby. Overhearing the conversation, Tramp drops in and gives his unsavory opinion. Jock and Trusty order him out of the yard and comfort Lady.
In due time, the new baby arrives and Lady is introduced to him. It is not long after this that Jim Dear and Darling head on a short break.
They entrust Aunt Sarah to look after the Baby, the house and Lady. She moves in and immediately begins to change things in the house. Not only that but her two cats, Si and AM, begin to tease Lady. After being teased by the cats, Lady finds herself in trouble. Aunt Sarah takes her to the pet shop to get a muzzle. Scared, Lady escapes from the shop but s chased by some alley dogs. Tramp saves her and helps her remove the muzzle by tricking a beaver.
That night, Tramp comforts Lady, he shows her how he lives his life and treats her to a candle lit meal. Whilst eating the Spaghetti prepared by two restaurant owners, the two dogs accidentally kiss. This happens whilst being serenaded by the owners.
Before Lady returns home, Tramp chases some chickens through their coop but Lady is caught by the dog pound. In the pound, the other dogs talk about Tramp. Peg sings a song and warns Lady that he will never settle down. Because Lady has a licence, Aunt Sarah is able to reclaim her but chains her up outside to the dog house.
Tramp arrives to apologise, as he does a thunderstorm begins. Lady confronts him about the past sweethearts that Peg and the other dogs mention. He sadly leaves. The storm continues and it begins to rain. Lady notices a rat trying to sneak into the house. She remembers chasing this rat away before. The rat is afraid of Lady but manages to enter the house as Lady is chained up. Lady starts to bark but Aunt Sarah simply tells her to be quiet.
Tramp hears her and realises there must be something wrong. Lady explains about the rat and Tramp heads towards the baby’s room. The Rat and Tramp fight each other whilst Lady manages to break free.
When Lady enters the room, the rat is in the crib with the intent of harming the baby. Trying to protect the baby, Tramp pounces on the rat but knocks over the crib in the process. The Baby begins to cry, alerting Aunt Sarah who enters the room. When she sees the upturned crib and the two dogs, she assumes that the canines are responsible. She forces Tramp into a closet and locks Lady in the Cellar. She then calls the pound to remove the stray she has in her closet.
As the dogcatcher departs with Tramp, Jim Dear and Darling return. They let Lady out of the cellar who alerts them of the dead rat, showing that Tramp wasn’t responsible. Jock and Trusty, come to the aid of Tramp and chase after the Dogcatcher’s wagon. Barking at the horses, the two dogs cause the horses to rear up and topple the wagon over.
Jim Dear and Darling arrive in their car and Lady is happily reunited with Tramp. It seems like a happily ever after but it is revealed that the wagon landed on Trusty.
All is not lost as Jock and Trusty arrive fit and well at Lady’s house that Christmas. Trusty’s leg is still mending. Tramp has officially been added to the family, with his own collar and licence. The loving couple now have four puppies, three girls who look like Lady and one boy who looks like Tramp. Trusty begins to tell all of his old stories to the puppies, but is embarrassed to say that throughout the film he has been trying to tell people his stories and now he has the opportunity, he has forgotten them.
The Meatballs
The most famous scene from the film is that were Lady and Trap are sharing a romantic meal of Spaghetti and meatballs. The scene is loved by all but never nearly made it into the film. Walt was concerned that the image of two dogs eating Spaghetti would be romantic and was concerned about the way it could be done. He then ordered that the scene be cut. Upset at Walt’s opinion, the animator decided to animate the whole sequence by himself. This was not authorised and could have caused issues but Walt excelled in his creative team. He was pleased with the work and agreed to reinstate the now infamous scene. One issue was found, the scene moved too fast, so, someone was employed to create extra drawing to fill in the motions and slow the piece down.
The scene has been spoofed many times, Santa’s Little Helper in The Simpsons recreates this romantic scene but at the point of finishing the spaghetti the two dogs growl for the last bit of food. In Lady and the Tramp 2, the scene is recreated once more. However, rather than the dignified and romantic way of eating, the young pup decides to go in head first and guzzle the meal.
Real Life
At the beginning of the film, when Jim Dear presents Darling a hatbox with a puppy inside is actually based on real life events. Walt upset his wife, Lilian, and as a way to apologise, he presented her with a hat box. Inside was a new puppy.
The Book
Before the film’s release there must have been some concern over how well the story would be accepted by the audience. Although the film had used elements from Happy Dan, The Cynical Dog by Ward Greene, and familiarities with Romeo and Juliet, the story was original. Prior to this this nearly all of the Disney feature length classics were based on existing stories. Fantasia is the only acceptation, other than the package films of the war years. With this in mind, Walt insisted that Grene would novelise the film so audiences became accustomed to the story. The book was then released: two years prior to the film’s release.
The Models
As with Bambi, real life animals were brought in and studies. These were used as models to get the movements right. It is safe to say that all breeds move slightly different so each was monitored closely for their respective character.
Grant’s dog, for whom Lady was based on, was actually an English springier spaniel. Lady is presented as An American Springier Spaniel. There is no reason for this but the most likely is at the time, there was no difference. When the animators chose parts of the dog or the variance of the breed for the characters, they simply took the elements that worked best. It’s those elements that make her fall into the American Breed. It is quite likely that the breed brought in as the model was of the American variety but at the time, the dog was simply and Springier Spaniel.
The Cast
Peggy Lee voiced four characters for the film, Darling, Peg, Si and AM. She also co-wrote six of the songs including ‘He’s a Tramp and the Siamese cat song. Peggy Lee was a known singer at the time and this was the beginning of some famous casting in Disney films. Her work as a musician led to her receiving a life time achievement award. She continued to perform for as long as she could and is regarded as one of the classic performers of her era. Her version of Fever contains the first use of the Pocahontas and Captain Smith, and, Romeo and Juliet lines. These were created by Lee. Although never stated in the film, Darling’s name is Elizabeth. The inclusion of the cats have caused some confusion in regards to who the main villain is of the film. The Rat has been the obvious candidate, by Si and AM have often been cited as the main antagonists.
Barbara Luddy’s career began in the 1920s as a silent film star, by the time she voiced Lady in Lady and the Tramp, she had also crafted a career as a radio performer. Lady was not her only role for Disney, instead she returned multiple times. Her Disney Credits include Merryweather in Sleeping Beauty, Rover in 101 Dalmatians, Kanga in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and, The Church mouse and Mother Rabbit in Robin Hood. Luddy passed away in 1979.
Verna Felton was another Disney veteran with her voice appearing in many Disney films from the Era. As well as appearing as Aunt Sarah you can hear her voice in Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book. In Sleeping Beauty she appeared as Flora along side Luddy. Unfortunately, Barbara Jo Allen, who voiced Fauna, didn’t appear in Lady and the Tramp to make the complete threesome.She also appeared as The Matriarch Elephant and Mrs Jumbo in Dumbo. Felton passed away on 14th December 1966, the day before Walt Disney.The first role she voiced in a Disney film was two elephants in Dumbo, her last was Winifred the Elephant in The Jungle Book. Her son, Lee Millar was the voice of Jim Dear in Lady and the Tramp.
Millar starred in a few Disney shorts but never again did a Disney Animated Classic. He died in 1980, just 14 years after his mother.
Larry Roberts’s only major role was that of Tramp in Lady and the Tramp. He did have plenty of minor roles but became inactive as an actor in his later years. Other than Lady and the Tamp, he was also well known for Lights, Camera, Action. A TV Show. Roberts died in 1992. His character went through a series of name changes such as Rags, Bozo and Home, before the name Tramp was settled upon.
Bill Thompson was also no stranger to Disney movies. Starring in Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and The Aristocats. His voice would become known within the era. In Lady and the Tramp he played Jock, the terrier who lived next door. He was also known as a Radio Comedian. He died at the age of 58 in 1971.
Boris, the intended love rival in an earlier draft was voiced by Alan Reed. Reed would later be known as the original vice of Fred Flintstone in The Flintstones. His role within the film could have been a lot bigger if story-lines hadn’t have changed. Reed died in 1977
The laugh of the Hyena was provided by Dallas Mckennon and was kept by Disney as a stock sound effect for Crazy Laughter. The laugh can be heard in a multitude of places which include the It’s a Small World Attraction at the parks, the original voice of Ripper Roo in the Crash Bandicoot games and in the 1979 horror film, Tourist Trap.
Techniques
The film had some smart technological choices too. For instance it was the first Disney Animated Classic to be presented in Cinemascope Widescreen. This allowed the film to be seen in widescreen without the need for any specialist equipment other than a lens adapter. This became the norm for Hollywood movies around this time. Nearer to the release dates, it was found that many of the cinemas that the film was due to show in didn’t have the facilities to show the widescreen film, animators had to redo certain screens for the traditional sized film showings. This was particularly annoying as the animators had found it difficult to work for the widescreen aspect too. Close up shots were almost impossible and extra bits had to be added into the scenes so certain shots didn’t look sparse. Scenes had to be longer because multiple cuts made the sequences look messy and were jarring to watch. Animators also had to adapt to having animals run across the screen rather than the scenery move behind the character.
From the Ground up!
Lady and the Tramp is presented purely from the animal’s view of the world. Whereas 101 Dalmatians, that contains animals of similar height also features some scenes where the backgrounds are lower to the ground, it also features the humans. In Lady and the Tramp it is rare that you see any human faces. The height of the picture often cuts the humans halfway up to present the perspective of the world from a dog’s point of view. Cameras were set up inches from the ground to take pictures of Gardens, and streets. These were then replicated as the backgrounds and the audience saw the world as Lady and her friends would have seen it. The technique wasn’t new. In the Tom and Jerry shorts, Mammy Two Shoes’ face was never seen. Disney Animators would reuse this style nearly 30 years later in Oliver an Company, albeit replacing the suburbs with New York City.
Continuing the Dog’s perspective, the humans were only known as what Lady would have heard then as. Although never mentioned in the film, the original name for Darling was Elizabeth, although this was changed.
Other Versions
With a brand new story to tell, there was plenty of different versions to tell the story. In one early version, the Rat was a comedic character, supposedly better described in the style of Gus in Cinderella. This idea was scrapped and he became one of the more violent aspects of the film. Aunt Sarah was a lot meaner than she is in the film; this was changed to make her more misunderstanding. Originally she was meant to be the overbearing Mother-in-Law rather than the Aunt. Jock and Trusty were originally going to be just one neighbour dog but it seemed better as a group of friends.
An earlier version saw Lady involved in a love Triangle, although never fully explored the idea is left within the film. One of the dogs in the pound was meant to be the second male. Ultimately, Tramp would still win but this extra element was removed.
There are two known instances where scenes have been removed from the film, although with all films there would have been more. First is a Pink Elephants on Parade style scene where Lady has a nightmarish vision of a baby's bootee that splits and multiplies. She is taunted by the shoes.
The second is a story told by Tramp, he tells of a world where the roles of the humans and dogs are reversed.
Peggy Lee
After the video sales of the first release, Peggy Lee asked for royalties based on her performance and music. This request was refused and Lee attempted to Sue the Walt Disney Company. After 4 years she was finally rewarded with approximately 4% royalties from the Video sales.
Songs
Oliver Wallace was born in 1887 in England. It was in 1936 that he joined Disney Studios and composed music for 139 animated shorts at the time. His first work on the Animated Feature films was as a conductor in the second ever animated film, Pinocchio. He won his only Oscar for his work on Dumbo and went on to work on The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Lady and the Tramp. The latter would become the last film he would work on, co-writing songs with Peggy Lee. He continued to work for the Disney company until shortly before his death in 1963. He was 73. In
2008 he was made a Disney Legend, an award that praised his 27 years with the company and his hard work and contribution to around 150 productions from shorts, to feature films.
Releases and reviews
The film was released in theaters on 22nd June 1955.It was released by Buena Vista Film Distribution, this was the first Disney Animated film to have been so, all prior films had been released by RKO Radio Pictures. As will all other Disney animated films at the time, it was re-released, this time in 1962, 1972, 1980 and 1986. A year after its final re-release, the film was released on Disney VHS and laser-disc. It wasn’t released in the UK until 1990.. This original release was reported as being the bestselling Videocassette at the tie. In 2006, the film was released on DVD as a platinum edition. On its first day of release, it sold one million copies. It has since been released on Disney Blu-ray and will feature on Disney+ alongside its live action remake.
Although critics were not kind to the film on initial release, it is now regarded as a classic. It was also the highest grossing Animated Classic since Snow White and the seven Dwarfs on initial release. This means it took more than other well regarded films such as Pinocchio, Bambi, Dumbo and Cinderella.
Prior to the film’s release in cinemas, as a marketing scheme, the television program Disneyland aired a special episode titled The Story of Dogs. It is not unusual for a film to receive advertising on the program as this was the original concept for the show. Peggy Lee also featured on various episodes, she promoted the songs in the film and the work that she has done.
A sequel to the film was released in 2001, it focused on one of the puppies featured in the original film, Scamp. Lady and the Tramp 2 was essentially a remark of the first but with the roles switched a little. As with the majority of the sequels this was released Direct to Video. It is also confirmed in this film that Tramp’s official name is actually Tramp, although in real life this most likely wouldn’t happen and Tramp was the other dog’s nickname for him and there would have been no communication between human and dogs to let Jim Dear and Darling know that was his name. The name scamp actually comes from a spin off comic from the original film. Scamp was written by Ward Greene and focused on one of Lady and the Tramp’s puppies. Sticking with Comics, Walt Disney’s Comic Digest number 54 has A New Adventure of Lady and the Tramp.
In Walt Disney World in Florida, there is a restaurant called Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, that prominently features Lady and the Tramp. Within the restaurant is a statue of the canines and multiple pictures around. In Disneyland Paris, diners can enjoy the Lady and the Tramp themed Pizzeria Bella Notte
It was announced that Lady and the Tramp would join other Animated classics such as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin, by getting a Live Action remake. Whereas the other films were released to cinema, this film will be released on Disney’s new streaming Service, Disney+. It will feature live action dogs, Monte, who will play Tramp, is a rescue dog.
Lady and the Tramp is only one of two animated films to be selected as the greatest love stories of all time, the second being Beauty and the Beast.
Stereotypes
The film is praised as one of the all-time greats but there are also criticisms for some of the racial stereotypes in the film, Most noticeable Si and Am. Although, it wouldn’t have seemed that offensive at the point it was made, attitudes have moved on. Other criticisms include that of the Italians Tony and Joe, there is also a Chihuahua with a Mexican Accent.
Legacy
The film will always be remembered for the Spaghetti scene, but there is so much more for this film to give. Although the romantic aspect is the main focus of the film, it is important to remember where it all started. The true story is that of a young puppy who is loved and adored by her owners until one day she notices that they act strange. When their new baby arrives, she is pushed aside and her once pampered life changes to accommodate this.
Although there hasn’t been a lot of spin offs, or over the top merchandising, this film leaves a legacy behind as a strong, funny and sweet film that has stood up to the test of time. It is not the action packed adventure like Peter Pan, there is no magical aspect like Cinderella and the style is too realistic compared to Alice in Wonderland, yet it fits in and shows off the Silver age of Disney perfectly. The next All dog cast film wouldn’t be too much longer away with 101 Dalmatians but by this time the style of animation changed. Dogs will always be a mainstay of Disney but none more so that this simple story about two dogs of different backgrounds coming together. After all., Love is Love.