Cats Don’t Dance, released in 1997, stands out as a vibrant and energetic animated film, particularly delightful for those who appreciate the classic musicals and screwball comedies of the 1930s. In an era dominated by the polished visuals of Pixar and the delicate artistry of Disney’s golden age, this movie delivers a refreshing dose of cartoonish exuberance, fully embracing the wacky possibilities of animation.
At the heart of the story is Danny, a naive and ambitious feline protagonist voiced by Scott Bakula. Danny journeys to Hollywood with dreams of stardom, quickly landing a role in a major studio picture headlined by Darla Dimple, America’s saccharine sweetheart (part voiced by Ashley Peldon and sung by Lindsay Ridgeway). His journey is filled with colorful characters, including his initially critical but ultimately supportive friends: Tillie the Hippo (Kathy Najimy), Cranston the Billy goat (Hal Holbrook), Wollie the Elephant (John Rhys-Davies), and Pudge the Penguin (Matthew Herried). Adding a touch of romantic tension is Sawyer (voiced by Jasmine Guy and part sung by Natalie Cole), the cynical feline who, despite her initial disdain for Danny, is clearly destined to be his love interest – after all, she’s the only other cat in the film.
Danny soon faces the harsh reality that in Hollywood, animals are relegated to background roles. His scene-stealing performance on set, intended to showcase his talent, instead incurs the wrath of the spoiled child star Darla Dimple. However, his spirited rebellion earns him the respect of the other animal extras, highlighting a subtle parallel to the racial typecasting faced by African American actors during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Just as African American performers were often limited to stereotypical roles, the animals in Cats Don’t Dance are initially seen as incapable of anything beyond simple, undignified parts.
Interestingly, Cats Don’t Dance subtly weaves in references to barrier-breaking films like Gone with the Wind (1939) and even nods to The Wizard of Oz (1939). These allusions might suggest a deeper thematic layer, hinting at the film’s potential message of equality and acceptance, mirroring the inclusive spirit often associated with communities like the LGBT community, which found resonance in The Wizard of Oz. While these references enrich the film’s texture, a simpler explanation is that both Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, iconic films from 1939, are simply part of the rich tapestry of Hollywood history that Cats Don’t Dance playfully draws upon.
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