No offense to songwriters Maury Laws and Jules Bass, but the songs in this 1987 tv version of The Wind in the Willows are the worst parts. The melodies are both forgettable and irritating, and the lyrics are appallingly awful. You won't believe how bad the "rhymes" are unless you actually hear them for yourself - but you don't have to. There have been other cartoon adaptations of the beloved story that you can rent.
If you do rent it, it's probably because you love the cast and want to hear them as the little animals. Charles Nelson Reilly plays the irresistible Mr. Toad, and he has a lot of energy along with his classic giggles. Roddy McDowell plays Ratty, adding a no-nonsense approach to one of the animals who tries to straighten Toad out. Eddie Bracken is Moley, and José Ferrer voices Badger. While I appreciate the playful, high spirited voice of Reilly, my favorite is Ferrer. His delivery is so sweet, you can imagine him reading the story aloud to his grandchildren.
Another reason to rent this version is if The Wind in the Willows is your favorite story ever and you want to watch every version. I'm that way with A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. No matter how bad the movie is, I can't resist watching any adaptation. This version is very 1980s, from the animation style to the music. It is surprisingly faithful to the book, however, which is nice.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. During the song Mr. Toad sings in his car, there are some spinning visuals, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"
If you do rent it, it's probably because you love the cast and want to hear them as the little animals. Charles Nelson Reilly plays the irresistible Mr. Toad, and he has a lot of energy along with his classic giggles. Roddy McDowell plays Ratty, adding a no-nonsense approach to one of the animals who tries to straighten Toad out. Eddie Bracken is Moley, and José Ferrer voices Badger. While I appreciate the playful, high spirited voice of Reilly, my favorite is Ferrer. His delivery is so sweet, you can imagine him reading the story aloud to his grandchildren.
Another reason to rent this version is if The Wind in the Willows is your favorite story ever and you want to watch every version. I'm that way with A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. No matter how bad the movie is, I can't resist watching any adaptation. This version is very 1980s, from the animation style to the music. It is surprisingly faithful to the book, however, which is nice.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. During the song Mr. Toad sings in his car, there are some spinning visuals, and that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"