The Aristocats (1970)

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

One of the greatest Disney classics of all time, "The AristoCats" is the story of Duchess, a beautiful, pampered feline, and her three kittens: Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz. They live in a beautiful Paris mansion complete with a doting mistress and devoted butler. With music and art lessons, thick cream to drink before going to bed, and their every whim met, these cats are living the high life.

But then one day, Madame decides to make her will, leaving everything to the cats. Her butler, Edgar, will remain to take care of the cats, and upon their death, the fortune will revert to him. Of course, Edgar's mind begins spinning. If the cats are gone, the fortune will be his that much sooner. A dastardly plan begins to take shape in his mind.

Putting a heavy-handed dose of sleeping pills in the cats' milk, he waits until the dead of night, then swipes the basket where they are all sleeping. He fastens the basket to his motorcycle and takes a trip out into the country, planning to discard the cats and return home. He wasn't planning to be attacked and set upon by two loyal dogs, who nip his tires and some other, more tender, parts of himself, and he gets himself back home as fast as he can.

Meanwhile, Duchess and the kittens have been knocked off the motorcycle and for the first time find themselves completely alone, with no one to take care of them. Duchess immediately rises to the challenge and makes a plan to head back for home, aided by the smooth talking alley cat, Thomas. Highjinks abound as the animals outsmart the butler and resume their rightful place at Madame's side.

If you listen carefully, you'll recognize many of the voices used in this film. Duchess is voiced by Eva Gabor, Thomas is Phil Harris, more popularly known as Baloo the Bear, and Roquefort the mouse is played by Sterling Holloway, who was the voice of Kaa and also of Winnie the Pooh. Paul Winchell, of Tigger fame, also has a cameo as a Chinese cat.

So come groove with these swinging cats and watch this movie with your family tonight!

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Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I am a stay-at-home mom, author of eight published books, a freelance editor, and the mother of four incredible children. I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and taking naps.

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