Charlotte's Web (1973)

I've been re-watching this movie over the past few days with my daughter, who is watching it for the first time in her life. For me it's one of those movies that endlessly entertained me as a child, but it wasn't until I rediscovered it as an adult that I fully appreciated it.

E.B. White's genius story of a young girl's and a pig's realization and acceptance of mortality is perfectly preserved here. These are difficult subject matters for both children and adults to grapple with, and the film deserves credit for sticking so closely to the book. The script is deftly structured, and I would argue against anyone who characterizes the songs as "filler;" they are well-written, charming and show a total understanding of the material and sensitivity to the characters. The soundtrack is gorgeous.

On the one hand the animation is admittedly "dated," but with its gorgeous vintage appeal it is hardly obsolete. Though its family resemblance to Scooby-Doo-style animation is apparent, it is also obvious that the designers carefully strove for "Dick & Jane"-era styling. So maybe it doesn't have some of the tricky multi-plane camera work and stuff that Disney would have used, had this been a Disney movie, but it's technological "humbleness" is quite appropriate.

The voice cast couldn't be better, with special props of course to Paul Lynde. I'll just say the ads for this film should have read "Paul Lynde IS Templeton!"

Fmovies: I was surprised to find that other reviewers here, especially an admirer of other Sherman & Sherman songs such as those in Mary Poppins, would find the songs in Charlotte's Web to be "inane", "not well written", "worst songs ever penned for a movie", etc.

Perhaps it's largely because the first song, "You and Me" (6:37) really is unpleasantly syrupy sweet and in the worst early 1970's sort of way, and one of the last ones, "Some Pig" (1:19:40), is a somewhat annoying marching band song that only a small child could really enjoy.

Some of the others aren't great either -- "Charlotte's Web" (38:15) and "Mother Earth and Father Time" (54:27, and reprised at 1:25:35) are both on the cloying side and unrewarding, and for adults require either patience or the fast-forward button.

But good musicals are measured by their best songs, not their worst. Bearing in mind that this is a children's movie, "Chin Up" (22:36) is absolutely magnificent and easily ranks with Sherman & Sherman's best work. "I Can Talk" (15:12) and "Lots in Common" (30:50) are both excellent and timeless. "Veritable Smorgasbord" (58:50, and reprised at 1:11:36) is a lot of fun, though its fun depends a lot on the story, animation, and Lynde's hysterical singing; it wouldn't stand on its own quite as well as the others.

Some of them are compromised to varying degrees by the goofy farmyard animal voices singing the songs, but only the most brain-dead Philistine would let that get in the way of enjoying a great children's song.

For those reviewers who disliked the songs, it would be interesting to watch their faces while listening to "Chin Up" a couple times in a room full of children (after all, this is a children's movie), and then listen to them read their own words. I don't know how they could keep a straight face.

I think every kid has to see this movie. It's a charming and delightful little flick. I wish they would make more movies like this than all the fancy computer effect movies of today. I'm serious, I think this is more impressive as far as animation goes. Charlotte's Web is a great flick to watch. Even though I enjoyed the book more as a child, I still loved to watch this film. I would recommend it for children. It's a little cheesy at times. But it has good lessons and morals. Hence, why I say it's for kids. There are some catchy toons though. Even the adults might still get into it.

8/10

Charlotte's Web fmovies. This delightful animated feature by is by far the best film from the prolific animation studio who gave us The Flintstones and other series; I am a H/B fan myself. As for the original E.B. White book, I think remember reading (and studying it) in Elementary School. But it kind of slip off my mind, until now that is.

You know, after listening to her, Pamelyn Ferdin, is simply darling as the voice of Fern Arable. Ferdin has the uncanny ability to sound both joyous and mournful in the same breath. And when she sang to Wilbur, it almost made me cry.So I love the dear little girl and little Jeffery-ffery the gosling who thinks he's a pig because he likes Wilbur. So as to which version is better this one or the new live action film made in 2006. Well, I love both versions because I'm not to take sides you know. Also I don't have a favorite scene, because I love the whole film; I know I say that many times.

This animated version of the E.B. White children's classic is short on spectacular animation but long on heart and boasts a wonderful cast of voice talents. Earl Hamner, Jr., of "The Waltons" fame, creates a seamless plot which retains the true flavor of the book while cleverly rearranging the order of events and giving some of the better lines to different characters. The story of Wilbur, the runt pig saved by Fern Arable and later shipped to her Uncle Zuckerman's farm, only to discover that he's slated for the butcher's knife, is lively and fun. Charlotte, the wise and well-spoken spider played wonderfully by Debbie Reynolds, devises a scheme to save Wilbur's life. Henry Gibson is right on as the naive and nervous but generally happy Wilbur. Agnes Moorhead shines as the haughty and stuttering goose: "I'm no flibberty-ibbity gibbet!" Paul Lynde easily steals the show as Templeton, the smarmy barn rat; his late-night gorge-fest at the fair is a hilarious highlight of the movie. The songs written for the movie are a bit on the syrupy side, but Debbie Reynolds' sweet singing voice and some clever, funny lyrics make them bearable to adults.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB, in my opinion, is a very touching movie about a special friendship for all ages that will warm your heart and possibly make you cry. I really loved the things that Charlotte (voice of Debbie Reynolds) did for Wilbur (voice of Henry Gibson). If I could have, I would have helped saved Wilbur myself. The only problem is how I would hide him, though. The music was good, everyone was cast perfectly, and the direction was flawless. In conclusion, I highly recommend this very touching movie about a special friendship for all ages to anyone who hasn't seen it. You're in for a real treat and a good time, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with someone close to you, and watch it. I guarantee you you'll thoroughly enjoy it.