Canine capers of ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (and some cattiness)
“Lady and the Tramp” is a dog lover’s dream. The 1955 film captures the behavior of pets — dogs, cats and others — as well as their people. Toss in some “Romeo and Juliet” elements, and you’ve got the next movie in our Disney Plus review series, which looks back at Disney’s animated films in the order that they were released in theaters.
The film features a love story between Lady, a pretty but borderline prissy cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a streetwise, stray mutt type. In a wagging tale as old as time, they dislike each other at first, but they learn to appreciate each other in time for a happy ending (and more puppies).
Also included are truckloads of potential villains: bad dogs, a dogcatcher, scheming felines, a rat and Aunt Sarah, a known cat lady.
There are modern-day sensitivity issues, too, particularly the representation of ethnic groups. Late in 2019, a live-action version of “Lady and the Tramp” was released on Disney Plus, and it addressed/erased the bulk of those, and we end up with a more multicultural production as well.
The basics: Both films begin at Christmastime, lovely snowy scenes and the hearttugging song “Peace on Earth.” It almost feels like end-of-year luxury car commercials. John Dear gives his wife, Darling, a puppy that they name Lady. They let Lady sleep with them. But when baby makes four, things change. Lady is hurtfully referred to as “that dog.” She seeks counsel with friendly dogs Jock and Trusty and eventually seeks adventure with Tramp, who shows her the world outside her backyard.
The legacy: It was the first animated feature in history to be presented in the “widescreen” format.
The flashback: The two-sided slurping spaghetti scene between the title characters is undoubtedly the classic moment of the flick. Imagine being told, “Create a romantic dog sequence, but make it not creepy.” Check and check.
Adult art of animation appreciation: The technicolor is lush, and the rapid-fire rat scene must have been spectacular in theaters. Much of the film is “shot” from knee-high, right about Lady-eye level. We rarely see the faces of John and his Darling.
Parental guidance/kid stuff: There are oblique references to what happens to impounded dogs, including one who is being taken for “the long walk.” Someone wants to “destroy” Tramp. Yelp.
Stereotyping comes into play with the accents and mannerisms of key doggies, and it’s frequently a play not only on their breed names but also their lineage. Also, in the “outdated cultural depictions” folder that Disney Plus keeps: the “We Are Siamese” song, which is replaced with the still-catty “What a Shame” in the 2019 version.
What brought me back to reality: “We’ve no need for mongrels and radical ideas,” Jock barks.
Burning questions: If these dogs can only talk amongst themselves, how do the humans know his name is Tramp? Is it a good idea to feed doughnuts and coffee to dogs?
Meanwhile, back in Orlando: “Lady and the Tramp” first played at the Beacham Theater in downtown Orlando in August 1955. A Sentinel ad mentions that it’s the “first cartoon feature in Cinemascope.” Other films playing nearby at that time: “The Seven Year Itch” with Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney’s “Davy Crockett.”
The theme-park angles: Tramp and Lady’s canoodling noodle moment happens behind Tony’s Restaurant, and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant has been serving spaghetti, naturally, near the entrance of Magic Kingdom. Plus, Lady and Tramp are popular topiaries during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
Up next: Wake up, it’s “Sleeping Beauty” (1959).
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