Opened: August 21, 1942

Directed by: David Hand, James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Graham Heid, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield & Norman Wright

Starring: Donnie Dunagan, Bobby Stewart, Hardie Albright, John Sutherland, Peter Behn, Tim Davis, Sam Edwards, Paula Winslowe, Stan Alexander, Sterling Holloway, Will Wright, Cammie King, Ann Gillis, Fred Shields, Margaret Lee, Mary Lansing, Perce Pearce & Thelma Boardman

Creating iconic scenes and characters isn’t an easy task, but Bambi is masterful in both, including a villain and death scene that is never seen.

As a fawn, Bambi (Donnie Dunagan) is helped by his mom (Paula Winslowe) to experience the world around him alongside friends Thumper (Peter Behn) and Flower (Stan Alexander). A bad encounter with man leaves Bambi alone with the Great Prince of the Forest (Fred Shields).

The film doesn’t have a complicated story. In a short time, Bambi is faced with life’s biggest themes: friendship, love and loss. However, the animation is beautiful and works perfectly with the score that it easily remains one of Disney’s greatest triumphs.

(Slight spoiler-alert) Bambi’s mother’s death ranks amongst the top two worst deaths in a Disney film, but watching his growth thereafter is inspiring.

Final say: Emotional and gorgeous. ★★★★★