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2001 American film
Disney's American Legends
is a 2001 American
animated
anthology film
narrated by
James Earl Jones
. It is a compilation of four previously released animated musical
shorts
from
Walt Disney Animation Studios
based on American
tall tales
. The film features
The Brave Engineer
(1950),
Paul Bunyan
(1958),
John Henry
(2000), and
The Legend of Johnny Appleseed
which is a segment from the 1948 film
Melody Time
.
[1]
The film's new short is based on
John Henry
and stars
Alfre Woodard
and
Tim Hodge
.
John Henry
was later released on
Blu-ray
in
Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection
on August 18, 2015.
[2]
Content
[
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]
Based on the story of
John Henry
, a mighty railroad worker who raced against a steam drill.
Based on the story of
Johnny Appleseed
(voiced by
Dennis Day
), a
nurseryman
who introduced apple trees to
Ohio
and
Indiana
. The short was originally featured in the 1948 film
Melody Time
.
Based on the story of
Paul Bunyan
(voiced by
Thurl Ravenscroft
), a
folklore
giant lumberjack, and his blue-colored ox, Babe.
Based on the exploits of railroad engineer
Casey Jones
.
Reception
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Mike Pinsky, of DVD Verdict, reviewed the compilation: "If, as James Earl Jones says in the finale, the message of this film is to 'look for the heroes around you and celebrate them',
Disney's American Legends
is an interesting, if half-hearted, attempt to carry out that advice."
[4]
Kirby C. Holt of Toon Talk, commented: "Although the program definitely presents the shorts in descending order of quality, it ends on a high note with these inspirational words from James Earl Jones: "Look for the heroes around you and celebrate them ... you can find them in the past, in the present, even in the mirror".
[5]
See also
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]
- Tall Tale
- a live-action film featuring Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, and John Henry.
Notes
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- ^
1940s-1950s shorts
- ^
John Henry
References
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External links
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