Review of Lady and the Tramp (1955) by Jon T — 19 Mar 2010

After tackling two famous pieces of classic literature (ALICE IN WONDERLAND and PETER PAN) the Disney Studios decided that their next project should be an original story. Based on a short story by Ward Greene (although originally conceived by Disney storyman Joe Grant) LADY AND THE TRAMP belongs up on the list of Disney's all-time greatests.

The film is as richly animated as you'd expect and it's photographed in Cinemascope--the studio's first ever widescreen feature. What ultimately makes LADY AND THE TRAMP isn't so much the love story between a pampered cocker spaniel and a stray mutt from the "wrong side of the tracks" (although Lady and Tramp certainly make for a very interesting couple than, say, most of Disney's prince and princess relationships in the classic films) but with its other assets.

Lady's nextdoor neighbors Jock and Trusty are excellent supporting co-stars, the "Siamese Cat" sequence is a riot, the climactic fight with a disgusting rat and a similarly thrilling chase after a pound wagon provide for some exciting (if sometimes scary) action set pieces.

Of course, the highlight of the picture is the romantic spaghetti dinner at Tony's restaurant, fittingly accompanied by "Bella Notte". All in all, it's definitely one for the dogs (I mean that in a good way).