The Jungle Book (1967)

The Jungle Book
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman
Written by Larry Clemmons, Ralph Wright, et al inspired by the Mowgli stories by Rudyard Kipling
1967/USA
Walt Disney Productions
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

[box] Oh, oobee doo/ I wanna be like you/ I wanna walk like you/ Talk like you, too/ You’ll see it’s true/ An ape like me/ Can learn to be human too. – “I Wanna Be Like You”, words and music by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman[/box]

Swinging Disney feature has lost none of its charm since original release.  And what a cast of voice actors!

Baby Mowgli is discovered in the jungle by soon to be mentor Bagheera the Panther (Sebastian Cabot) and turned over to the tender loving care of wolves.  Years pass and Bagheera worries that soon Mowgli will draw the attention of Shere Khan the Tiger (George Sanders) whose only enemy is man.  So Bagheera attempts to guide the Man Cub back to the Man Village.  Mowgli has no interest in leaving the jungle so it is a bit of a struggle.  Along the way, the pair encounter Baloo the Bear (Phil Harris), Kaa the Snake (Sterling Holloway) and King Louie of the Apes (Louis Prima).

I distinctly remember last seeing this at the drive-in in the back of my parents’ station wagon.  It has held up extremely well.  Love the music and the vibe.  Minimal scary bits compared to Disney’s other animated features,  Highly recommended family film.

Walt Disney died during the production of this film.  Its enormous success kept the animation department of the studio open for business.

Bonus version by my beloved Los Lobos