Lita Gish

Written by Lita Gish

Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

43-facts-about-the-movie-the-great-mouse-detective
Source: Disneyplus.com

The Great Mouse Detective is a classic animated film that has captivated audiences of all ages since its release in 1986. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and based on the children’s book series Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus, this movie takes viewers on an exhilarating adventure in the heart of London. The story follows the brilliant detective mouse, Basil of Baker Street, as he teams up with a lovable and naive companion, Dr. David Q. Dawson, to solve the mysterious disappearance of a toymaker and stop the diabolical plans of the notorious villain, Professor Ratigan. Filled with engaging characters, catchy songs, and stunning animation, The Great Mouse Detective remains a beloved film that continues to entertain and enchant audiences to this day. Join us as we delve into 43 fascinating facts about this timeless cinematic masterpiece.

Key Takeaways:

  • “The Great Mouse Detective” is a charming Disney movie set in Victorian London, featuring a clever mouse detective and a memorable villain, and it’s loved by both critics and audiences for its animation and engaging storyline.
  • “The Great Mouse Detective” has left a lasting legacy, inspiring a spin-off series and a video game, and its message of perseverance and critical thinking continues to resonate with viewers of all ages.
Table of Contents

The movie “The Great Mouse Detective” was released in 1986.

Released in 1986, “The Great Mouse Detective” is an animated film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is based on the children’s book series “Basil of Baker Street” by Eve Titus.

The movie is set in Victorian London.

The story takes place in Victorian London, where a community of anthropomorphic mice lives alongside humans.

The main character, Basil, is a mouse version of Sherlock Holmes.

Basil, the protagonist of the film, is a brilliant detective who closely resembles the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.

The villain of the movie is a rat named Ratigan.

Ratigan, voiced by Vincent Price, is the main antagonist of the film. He is a manipulative and power-hungry rat determined to gain control of the mouse world.

The movie was well-received by both critics and audiences.

“The Great Mouse Detective” received positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised its animation, voice acting, and engaging storyline.

The movie features memorable musical numbers.

“The Great Mouse Detective” includes several catchy and memorable songs, including “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” and “Let Me Be Good to You.”

The movie showcases the unique perspective of the mouse world.

Through its animation and storytelling, “The Great Mouse Detective” offers a charming and imaginative portrayal of the mouse society in Victorian London.

The film was an inspiration for future Disney animated movies.

The Great Mouse Detective” is considered a milestone in the history of Disney animated films and influenced the development of subsequent movies.

The character Basil became a beloved Disney hero.

Basil, with his intelligence and charm, quickly became a beloved character among Disney fans and is still fondly remembered today.

The success of the movie led to the creation of a spin-off television series.

Due to the popularity of the film, a spin-off animated television series titled “The Great Mouse Detective: The Animated Series” was created.

The movie features an exciting chase scene through Big Ben.

One of the most iconic scenes in the film is a thrilling chase that takes place inside the clock tower of Big Ben.

The animators studied real-life mice to create authentic movements.

The animators dedicated time to studying the movements and behavior of real-life mice in order to accurately portray the animated mouse characters.

The film’s original title was “Basil of Baker Street.”

Prior to its release, the movie was originally titled “Basil of Baker Street,” after the book series it was based on.

The movie’s official runtime is 74 minutes.

The runtime of “The Great Mouse Detective” is approximately 74 minutes, making it a relatively short but impactful animated film.

The movie explores themes of friendship and determination.

Throughout the film, the characters face challenges that test their bonds of friendship and highlight the power of determination.

The character of Dawson serves as Basil’s loyal sidekick.

Dawson, a friendly mouse and former soldier, becomes Basil’s trusty companion throughout their detective adventures.

The movie’s animation style is reminiscent of classic Disney films.

“The Great Mouse Detective” showcases the traditional hand-drawn animation style that Disney is renowned for.

The movie introduces the character of Olivia Flaversham.

Olivia Flaversham is a young and innocent mouse who seeks Basil’s help in finding her kidnapped father.

The voice cast includes well-known actors such as Vincent Price and Barrie Ingham.

Renowned actor Vincent Price provides the voice for the villainous Ratigan, while Barrie Ingham lends his voice to the character of Basil.

The movie takes inspiration from classic detective stories.

“The Great Mouse Detective” pays tribute to classic detective stories, with Basil embodying the traits of famous fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes.

The film was a modest box office success.

Although not a blockbuster hit, “The Great Mouse Detective” performed reasonably well at the box office and garnered a dedicated fan base over time.

The movie showcases the intricate details of Victorian London.

The film’s animation captures the essence of Victorian London, with attention to detail in the design of the buildings, costumes, and overall setting.

The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

The song “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The character of Ratigan is often praised as one of Disney’s best villains.

Ratigan is often cited as one of Disney’s most memorable and well-developed villains, thanks in part to Vincent Price’s captivating voice acting.

The movie’s humor appeals to both children and adults.

The Great Mouse Detective” strikes a balance between humor that children will enjoy and clever jokes that will resonate with adult viewers.

The film’s art direction draws inspiration from the Victorian era.

The art direction of the movie is heavily influenced by the Victorian era, featuring intricate and ornate set designs.

The movie features a climactic showdown between Basil and Ratigan.

The film builds up to an intense final battle between Basil and Ratigan, showcasing their intelligence and wit.

The Great Mouse Detective inspired a video game adaptation.

Following the release of the film, a video game based on the story was developed, allowing players to step into Basil’s shoes and solve mysteries.

The movie’s soundtrack received positive reviews.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Henry Mancini, was well-received, further enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The characters in the movie have distinct personalities.

Each character in “The Great Mouse Detective” has a unique personality that adds depth and richness to the story.

The movie delivers a message of perseverance and believing in oneself.

Through the challenges faced by the characters, “The Great Mouse Detective” conveys the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

The film’s animation was a combination of traditional and computer-generated techniques.

“The Great Mouse Detective” utilized a blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and early computer-generated techniques to bring the characters and settings to life.

The movie’s popularity led to merchandise tie-ins.

“The Great Mouse Detective” spawned a range of merchandise, including toys, clothing, and collectibles featuring the beloved characters from the film.

The film offers a unique twist on a classic genre.

By introducing a world of detective mice, “The Great Mouse Detective” adds a fresh and imaginative twist to the classic detective genre.

The movie celebrates the power of deduction and critical thinking.

“The Great Mouse Detective” highlights the importance of deductive reasoning and critical thinking in solving mysteries and overcoming challenges.

The film’s re-release introduced it to a new generation of viewers.

Following its initial release, “The Great Mouse Detective” was re-released in theaters, allowing a new generation of viewers to discover and enjoy the film.

The movie showcases the bond between family members.

The film explores the theme of family and the strong bond between family members, as seen in Olivia’s determination to find her kidnapped father.

The character designs are whimsical and expressive.

The character designs in “The Great Mouse Detective” are whimsical and expressive, adding to the film’s overall charm and appeal.

The movie’s fast-paced plot keeps viewers engaged.

The exciting and fast-paced plot of “The Great Mouse Detective” keeps viewers hooked from start to finish, with no dull moments.

The film’s success paved the way for more animated adaptations of literary works.

“The Great Mouse Detective” demonstrated the potential of adapting literary works into animated films, which later sparked more adaptations within the industry.

The movie’s voice actors brought the characters to life.

The talented voice cast of “The Great Mouse Detective” breathed life into their respective characters, making them memorable and relatable.

The movie presents a unique blend of mystery, adventure, and comedy.

“The Great Mouse Detective” seamlessly combines elements of mystery, adventure, and comedy, resulting in a captivating and entertaining film for all ages.

The legacy of “The Great Mouse Detective” lives on.

Over the years, “The Great Mouse Detective” has become a beloved classic and holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans around the world.

Conclusion

The Great Mouse Detective is a beloved animated film that captivated audiences with its charming characters, thrilling storyline, and impressive animation. With its unique take on the classic detective genre, the movie continues to hold a special place in the hearts of both young and old alike. From the memorable performances of the voice cast to the intricate details of the miniature world, this film never fails to entertain and delight. So, if you’re looking for a delightful adventure that combines mystery, humor, and heart, The Great Mouse Detective is a must-watch for all movie lovers.

FAQs

1. Who directed The Great Mouse Detective?
The Great Mouse Detective was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.

2. When was The Great Mouse Detective released?
The movie was released on July 2, 1986.

3. Is The Great Mouse Detective based on a book?
Yes, the film is loosely based on the children’s book series “Basil of Baker Street” by Eve Titus.

4. Who are the main characters in The Great Mouse Detective?
The main characters are Basil of Baker Street, Dr. David Q. Dawson, Olivia Flaversham, Professor Ratigan, and Fidget the bat.

5. What is the movie’s plot?
The Great Mouse Detective follows the adventures of a mouse detective named Basil as he investigates the kidnapping of a toymaker’s daughter and uncovers a sinister plot by the villainous Ratigan.

6. Does The Great Mouse Detective have any memorable songs?
Yes, the film features the catchy song “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” performed by Ratigan, as well as other delightful musical numbers.

7. Did The Great Mouse Detective receive positive reviews?
Yes, the film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, praising its animation, storytelling, and voice acting.

8. Is The Great Mouse Detective part of a franchise?
No, The Great Mouse Detective stands as a standalone film and is not connected to any larger franchise.

9. Where can I watch The Great Mouse Detective?
You can watch The Great Mouse Detective on various streaming platforms or purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray.

10. Is The Great Mouse Detective suitable for children?
Yes, the film is generally considered family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.

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