This description refers to the original animated classic of CHARLOTTE'S WEB for the standard video release. It's amazing that the animated film of "Charlotte's Web" is almost thirty years old, but it's as wonderful today as when it was released in 1973 and the production values equal those that we judge children's films by even today. One reason for the enduring popularity of this VHS is the brilliant casting of voice talent. The chief characters' voices are played by some of America's most prolific actors of the early 1970s, including Rex Allen, Paul Lynde, Agnes Moorehead, Debbie Reynolds, Henry Gibson, and Pamelyn Ferdin. Rex Allen (narrator) was the quintessential beloved and familiar narrator of so many Walt Disney nature specials and his voice is easily recognizable; comedian Paul Lynde (Templeton the Rat) was the perfect choice and fairly mastered the art of the "verbal sneer," ; the late Agnes Moorehead (goose), probably most recognized as Endora on the "Bewitched" television series, Veteran musical actress Debbie Reynolds (Charlotte) provides the needed innocence and charm of the central character; Henry Gibson (Wilbur the Pig), is a comedian whom you'll remember from the TV series "Laugh-In"; and Pamelyn Ferdin (Fern), who also did the voice of Lucy Van Pelt in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". E.B. White's perennial best-selling novel is given a fine translation to the screen in animated musical splendor with production expertise by Hanna & Barbera and the directorial animation talents of Charles Nichols and Iwao Takamoto.
