Travis Simpkins

The Sword in the Stone (1963): King Arthur, Merlin and Disney

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, and produced by Walt Disney Studios, The Sword in the Stone (1963) offered a playful and animated twist on some aspects of the Arthurian legend. The story follows a poor boy named Arthur as he learns love, kindness, knowledge and bravery from the wizard Merlin on the way to discovering his fate… of removing the legendary sword from the stone, proving himself to be rightful King of England. Full of whimsy, magic spells and classic characters, the film is still enjoyable to watch more than 50 years after it's release.

The Sword in the Stone: King Arthur, Merlin and Disney

Fleur de lis. The Sword in the Stone: King Arthur, Merlin and Disney

The Sword in the Stone: King Arthur, Merlin and Disney

The Book of Daniel (2013): Biblical Ancient Babylon

Directed by Anna Zielinski, with a screenplay by Chuck Konzelman based on the Biblical tale, The Book of Daniel (2013) was made on a very limited budget… and it shows. The story finds Daniel, recalling the story of four kings in Ancient Babylon, following his 70-year servitude to King Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. The effects, costumes and props are all a bit hokey and many of the performances are amateurish. However, as far as inspirational tales go, many elements hit the mark… particularly in the Lion's Den scene. Robert Miano delivers the best performance in the film as the elderly Daniel. Lance Hendriksen is good as Cyrus. The rest of the cast, all unknowns, are hit or miss.

The Book of Daniel

"The Book of Daniel"- movie trailer

The Great Mouse Detective (1986): Disney's Rodent Sherlock Holmes

Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, based on the children's book series by Eve Titus, The Great Mouse Detective (1986) offered an animated twist on the well-worn Sherlock Holmes tales. Shrewd mouse detective Basil of Baker Street and his new sidekick, Dr. David Q. Dawson, seek to rescue a toymaker who has been kidnapped by evil criminal genius Ratigan. The rodent duo must foil Ratigan's devious attempt to take over England. The hand-drawn animation is well executed and the characters are good fun. Vincent Price lends his velvet voice to Ratigan. Barrie Ingham provides the voice of Basil.