Customer Reviews

Rascal

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"Rascal," the Disney/Buena Vista live-action film based on the 1963 million-plus, best-selling "memoir of a better era" by Wisconsin-born author Sterling North, is finally available on video and DVD -- and, although the wait has been far too long, the film stands up to the test of time. Bill Mumy is charming as Sterling as a child, but the animals steal this show. Masterfully directed by the same gent who created the best of Disney's nature flicks, this warm-hearted, nostalgic view of 1918-era southern Wisconsin (the fictional setting of Brailsford Junction is based on the author's hometown of Edgerton, Wisconsin, located in Rock County, nearby a meandering Rock River and one of the largest lakes in the state, Koshkonong) will please adults and children alike. Having the film widely available again, 33 years after its first theatrical release, is almost worth the shortcomings of the DVD (and those all involve the decision not to include any extras -- no theatrical trailers, no biographical info on the talented cast, no info on Sterling North [1906-1974, also the author of "So Dear to My Heart," made into another film by Disney in 1949], no info on the Sterling North Society of Edgerton and its restoration of Sterling's childhood home as a museum, etc. etc.), all of which would have added immeasurably to the movie's enjoyment. Nevertheless, a first-rate effort by a talented team and a film made during the golden age of Disneyeseque films about boys and their pets.

"Rascal" is the true story of a baby raccoon which author Sterling North found when he was 11 years old, and raised until it was time to set the raccoon back in the wild.

This is a sweet story, and the bits which may cause some parents concern in the book itself are not even present in the movie, making it sweeter still.

There are spoken threats to the raccoon (neighbors warn that if the raccoon starts to raid gardens, he will be shot), but it never goes beyond that.

That said, there are scenes where Sterling's father has a dead turkey slung over his shoulder, and another where the plucked turkey is ready to become dinner.

Also, in one scene Sterling's father invites the town's new minister and Sterling's teacher in to dinner, and proceeds to get them drunk on hard cider.

One other matter which may cause concern for some - although it is based on reality - is that Sterling's mother has passed away, and, to compound matters, his father is a travelling entrepreneur, and he often leaves young Sterling at home alone for days on end (it is made clear in the movie that this is not ok, although Sterling's father doesn't seem to see it that way at first).

Finally, there is a scene in the beginning - and one in the end - where the raccoons tangle with a bobcat. Nobody gets particularly hurt, but it might be a bit scary for a few moments for younger children.

If the above are ok for your family, then "Rascal" is a very sweet film, and we will be watching it again.

And, oh yes, the fellow who plays Sterling is none other than Bill Mumy - yes, that Bill Mumy, who played Will Robinson in "Lost in Space".

[...]

A warm story of a young boy who's father is a single parent, but is gone on travel as a salesman most of the time. The boy is well behaved though, and his love for animals is what gets him in trouble at times. He collects them in a way, but when he brings home a baby raccoon, things really get wild. Naturally when the raccoon grows up, it changes, and that is hard on the boy. I love old Disney films, and this is very nostalgic. But let me warn you, it is a litle slow paced. It is a neat time period, with the cars, clothes and homes. But I agree that people expect to see more fun and action with the raccoon, my son was bored too.
I wish Disney had released this in widescreen or taken the time to add any extras such as theatrical trailers, or footage from their many shows that included animals. Disney made the best animal movies of all time, and they made the most. If you want great animal stories for your kids try other Disney fare such as "Nikki the Wild Dog of the North", "Lobo", "Sammy the Way Out Seal", "Charlie the Lonesome Cougar", "The Ugly Dachsund", "That Darn Cat", and many more. Some of these are released as videos under the name Anchor Bay instead of Disney, but they are originally Disney in the theatre.

If you are a Procyon Lotor lover, this film is for you. If you're looking for a classic, lively Walt Disney animal film--this one isn't it. The film follows Sterling North's book, and does it well. Yes, it seems to drag at times, and therefore does not "meet" the high action/drama expectations of today's viewers. But this film was made before the days of high-tech computer animations, and the coons used in it--are real--and therefore a true representation of this wonderful, mischievious critter. This whole film deals with a raccoon. It is not just a brief "tease" scene in a film for us raccoon lovers.

The picture quality of this DVD is excellent. The colours are so crisp it could have been filmed last year, not 1969. It was so wonderful to see a movie from my childhood - one which I haven't seen for over 30 years. This DVD title is not available in Australia, so it was great to be able to buy it from Amazon in America. This is the first time I've bought a DVD from overseas.(Luckily my DVD player is multi-regional). It only took 16 days from when I ordered on-line for the DVD to arrive in my mailbox here in Australia - for the grand cost of (incl. postage ) AU$16.47! - a fantastic bargain. Thanks Amazon.

I actually have the book on which this film is based, and given the constraints of time, the film script follows the book pretty well.
Billy Mumy was a well-chosen cast member for the principal role.
The film must have been pretty difficult to execute given that an animal
is involved with most of the scenes.
The film is typical of many of the Disney films which can generate empathy
and emotion in the viewer, but do not have any unpleasant scenes disturbing enough to make young viewers cry. It is a very pleasant and
sometimes humorous story of youth growing up in a time gone by.

This one was made after Disney died, Billy Mummy is too old for the role he plays, and it's often too dark, and it sometimes really drags. Mummy's scenes--where he's supposed to exhibit deep emotion and sympathy--are as annoying as fingernails on a chalkboard. Better to buy Charlie the Lonesome Couger, or the one about the Yellowstone Bears or the earlier version of "The Incredible Journey," the one they only have on videotape.

When a cuddly baby raccoon snuggles his way into the life of a lonely boy named Sterling North (Billy Mumy), things go riotously awry as the ringtail's mischievous nature gets more and more out of control. Everyone in the small town gets to know Rascal, whether they want to or not - the bandit-masked mammal is especially fond of the eggs in the neighbor's chicken coops. Eventually, it's decided that Rascal will have to be returned to the wild. But Rascal doesn't want to go!

Based upon the memoir by Sterling North, the movie suffers from sluggish editing... but that little raccoon is just too cute!

Staci Layne Wilson

This movie may be a classic, but I would love to see the Nippon Animation TV series of Araiguma Rascal.

Well done, but strays far from the content of the novel. It begins with the acquisition of the racoon and continues with the actual relationship of father and son.