The Tale of the Fox - Wladyslaw Starewicz (1930) Part 6/6 (English subtitles)

Note: I wrote 1930 because that's the date IMDb gives. Wikipedia, though, says it was released in 1937 in Germany and in 1941 in France. I doubt the 1930 date is accurate.

Quick summary from Wikipedia: In the kingdom of animals, the fox Renard is used to tricking and fooling everyone. Consequently, the King (a lion), receives more and more complaints. Finally, he orders Renard to be arrested and brought before the throne.

This is the legendary feature film by Wladyslaw Starewicz (or Ladislas Starevitch, or Ladislas Starewicz, or Ladislaw Starewicz, or Ladislas Starewitch, or Ladislaw Starewitsch). It is also his only one, and he directed it with his daughter, Irène Starewicz. The story is an adaptation of a compilation or medieval French legends called "Le roman de renart". It's an entertaining story, a social satire, but most of all a landmark in early animation. I find the stop-motion truly remarkable, even by Starewicz's standards. The facial expressions and the movements are very smooth and fluid.

It had a good reception when it was first released, but as it was wartime people quickly forgot about it. They later exploited in under the form of shorts, since it contains many independent stories with one linking narrative.

I'm sorry about the subtitles, as they are crap. I couldn't find anything better. I tried to tweak some parts, but frankly, it was very hard and I got tired. I might reupload it when I've figured out how to do softsubs, and maybe then I'll have improved on them. I hope you can still appreciate the film.

IMDB credits: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021309/

Category:

Film & Animation

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• fox
• roman
• de
• renard
• le
• french
• animation
• early
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• subtitles
• english

[MovieRatIan]

Since the other comments already mentioned the Mr. Fox; all I have to say is, him coming out on top as a hero at the end is a little wrong when you remember that amongst the pointless-mean-trickery...he *Murdered a [chicken] woman with children*. That's kinda f-ed up. This movie was beautifully made and I really liked parts of it, but even knowing that Reynard was a jerk in the fables, it's hard to relate to him on film as a villain that comes out on top. But dang, this looked great.

[MissBillieDove]

France had no Hays Code to protect the good morals of the people and make sure everybody understood right from wrong. To me, a villain so charming coming out on top is a breath of fresh air.

I'm glad you liked the animation, though!

[dooley42]

Sorry for jumping in, but you're right - Wes Anderson has mentioned in recent interviews that Starewicz's animation - and this film in particular - was one of his primary influences for the animation in Fantastic Mr Fox.

[Mocni]

Well that was interesting, you can definitely see the influence this must have had on Disney's Robin Hood.

[Philosphyfanatic]

So glad I came across this. Among all the rare animated films I've been watching lately, I must say that this is a real masterpiece.

Thanks for uploading it! :)

[ThylacineAli]

Wow... First time seeing this. And I can already say this is a masterpeice. And I don't use that term lightly.

[tgv150]

Ah; hadn't spotted the full version "leaking" onto YT! Good luck if you try re-subbing: did so myself a few years back - probably still circulating elsewhere - as it /is/ a lot of work.

1930 isn't far off as it was first shown as a silent film per the link hook I posted over on the IMDb chat. There was probably some reworking; e.g. that rather out-of-place musical celebration recycling old footage and introducing a confusion in the sequence.

Excellent work from Starewicz & daughter, agreed!

[marvin8723]

Loved every minute of it. An influence to Looney Tunes and truly an underrated feature.

[MonoAzul]

I read something that said that this was an influence on Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox. It would be nice if that film led to this one getting a Blu-Ray/DVD release.

[MovieRatIan]

*Oh, glad about *not* having the Hays Code XP

[MovieRatIan]

(Oh, and One day I did want to make my own Reynard movie off the fables, if my animation career goes well...so thanks a ton for putting this up, btw =B)

[MovieRatIan]

Well I'm glad about the Hays code (never a fan; see: Betty Boop after), and some of my favorite parts (in addition to the look) about this are those more "adult" elements, like the whole Queen/cat semi-subplot.

But, like I said, I was with him as "charming anti-hero" until the killing part. It might've not been as bad without the repeating of "mama" by the kids. The scene seems to stresses what a horrible thing it is, then everyone forgets because "he's so darn smart."