SUPER 8 FILM REVIEW

ADVENTURES OF ICHABOD & MR. TOAD, THE 2x600ft colour/sound Available from Derann

A 1949 double-story release that couples the voice talents of Basil Rathbone and Bing Crosby to retell The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving and the much loved Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

The Wind in the Willows, is the salutary tale of J. Thaddeus Toad and his many excesses, which despite the efforts of his good companions, Rat and Mole, eventually lead to his downfall and imprisonment.

It is beautifully animated and most enjoyable and Toad's trial is brilliantly handled: one reviewer described The Wind In The Willows as "This light-hearted, fast-moving romp which has inspired some of Disney's most inventive draftsmanship and satire I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of an extra character (sorry, purists!), Cyril, the horse with the 'e-bygum' Northern accent who pulls Toad's caravan - yet another one of his short-lived indulgences, soon to be tossed aside on seeing a speedy motor car.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a humorous tale of rivalry between beefy Bram Bones and superstitious bookworm school teacher Ichabod Crane for the affections of the attractive Katrina Van Tassel. At a Halloween party Brom tells the story of the Headless Horseman, and on his way home, Icabod, his imagination running wild is 'pursued' by a headless apparition. Icabod runs for his life and is never seen again.

This sequence is the highlight of this section with Disney at his best frightening the pants of his audience.

This release is available complete or one can purchase the two stories as separate items although the second part (Sleepy Hollow), although having an introduction, does not support a front title sequence. If purchased separately, The Wind In The Willows is £125 and Sleepy Hollow £90.

Our review copy, the first check print, had excellent picture, sound and colour and can be highly recommended - if this sort of older release is to your liking, and it is to mine. Each section had the unique honour of being shown complete at the October BFCC. So therefore I obviously recommend it.

Print A Sound A Keith Wilton