The Fox and the Hound (1981)
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A fox and a hound must overcome their natural instincts to maintain an unlikely friendship.
The story
After a young red fox is orphaned, he is adopted by a kind farmer named Widow Tweed. Meanwhile, a young hound puppy named Copper is raised by a hunter named Amos Slade. Despite their different backgrounds, the fox and the hound meet and become best friends, pledging eternal friendship. However, as they grow older, the reality of their roles in the wild begins to surface. The pair must navigate the growing tension between their bond and the instincts of their respective natures, all while facing the looming threat of hunting season and the realization that they are perceived by others as natural enemies.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After being orphaned, a fox named Tod is raised by Widow Tweed, while a hound named Copper is raised by hunter Amos Slade. The two become inseparable friends, but their bond is tested as they reach adulthood. During a late-night visit, a chase ensues, and Chief, the hunting dog, is struck by a train and injured. This leads to a rift between the two friends as Amos and Copper blame Tod for the accident. Widow Tweed leaves Tod at a game reserve, where he meets a vixen named Vixey. Later, Amos and Copper hunt Tod and Vixey in the reserve. During a confrontation with a grizzly bear, Tod saves Copper's life. In the aftermath, Amos realizes Tod's bravery and spares him. The film ends with both Tod and Copper reflecting on their enduring bond from a distance.
- First release year
- 1981
- Runtime (minutes)
- 83
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Art Stevens; Ted Berman; Richard Rich
- Writers
- Larry Clemmons · story; Ted Berman · story; David Michener · story; Peter Young · story; Burny Mattinson · story; Steve Hulett · story; Earl Kress · story; Vance Gerry · story; Ted Berman · story
- Cast and characters
- Mickey Rooney · Tod; Kurt Russell · Copper; Pearl Bailey · Big Mama; Jack Albertson · Amos Slade; Sandy Duncan · Vixey; Jeanette Nolan · Widow Tweed; Pat Buttram · Chief; John Fiedler · The Porcupine; John McIntire · The Badger; Dick Bakalyan · Dinky; Paul Winchell · Boomer; Keith Mitchell · Young Tod
- Genres
- Children's; buddy film
- Themes
- friendship; prejudice; nature vs. nurture
- Tone and mood
- warm; heartfelt
- Premise and plot tags
- animal friendship; coming-of-age; animated adventure
- Source material / true-story basis
- 1967 novel by Daniel P. Mannix
- Franchise connections
- The Fox and the Hound
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its heart and message on prejudice while others found it safe or slow.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 65 · review count: 15
- Production trivia
- It was the first film for future directors, including Tim Burton, Brad Bird, and John Lasseter.; The film's title was originally reported as The Fox and the Hounds.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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