The AristoCats Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Butler gets mad because cats are getting rich, so he tries to commit cat-icide, but a cool alley cat stops him, and then there’s jazz.

🍿 The AristoCats: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Pampered Life in Paris

In 1910 Paris, retired opera singer Madame Adelaide Bonfamille lives a life of luxury with her refined cat Duchess and her three kittens: Berlioz, Marie, and Toulouse. The kittens are being raised to be proper aristocrats, taking lessons in music and art. All seems idyllic in their Parisian home.

The Butler’s Devious Plot

Their comfortable life is threatened when the family butler, Edgar, overhears Madame Adelaide discussing her will with her lawyer, Georges Hautecourt. She intends to leave her entire fortune to her cats. Edgar fears the cats will outlive him, preventing him from inheriting the wealth. He decides to eliminate the cats, hoping to secure the inheritance for himself.

Stranded in the Countryside

Edgar drugs the cats with sleeping pills and drives them out to the countryside, abandoning them far from Paris. However, his plan is thwarted when he is ambushed by two bumbling hound dogs, Napoleon and Lafayette. While Edgar escapes, he leaves the cats stranded. Lost and disoriented, Duchess and her kittens must now find their way back home.

Meeting Thomas O’Malley

The following morning, Duchess and her kittens awaken in unfamiliar surroundings. They soon encounter Thomas O’Malley, a charismatic alley cat who offers to guide them back to Paris. O’Malley, a streetwise and independent feline, is captivated by Duchess’s elegance and the kittens’ charm, and eagerly takes on the task.

The Journey Home

On their journey back to Paris, the cats encounter various characters, including two English geese, Abigail and Amelia Gabble, and O’Malley’s jazz-loving friend, Scat Cat, and his band. These encounters provide both assistance and entertainment as they navigate the unfamiliar world outside their pampered lives. Edgar desperately tries to retrieve his hat and umbrella, left behind during his escape from Napoleon and Lafayette, hoping to cover his tracks.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Duchess (Eva Gabor): A refined and elegant Parisian cat who is the loving mother of three kittens and the object of O’Malley’s affection.
• Thomas O’Malley (Phil Harris): A charismatic and street-smart alley cat who helps Duchess and her kittens return to their home in Paris and falls in love with Duchess.
• Edgar (Roddy Maude-Roxby): The greedy and bumbling butler who kidnaps Duchess and her kittens to inherit Madame Adelaide’s fortune.
• Marie (Liz English): The prim and proper middle kitten of Duchess, known for her ladylike behavior and often getting into minor scrapes.
• Toulouse (Gary Dubin): The oldest kitten with aspirations of being a tough alley cat, often seen trying to emulate O’Malley.
• Berlioz (Dean Clark): The youngest kitten who enjoys playing the piano.
• Scat Cat (Scatman Crothers): O’Malley’s cool and jazz-loving friend who leads a group of alley cats in a swinging musical performance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thomas O’Malley: “Ladies don’t start fights, but they can finish them!” – Marie says this line when she scratches O’Malley after getting mad at Toulouse, and this quote is later repeated by Marie.
• Thomas O’Malley: “Because that’s what you do when you’re a tough alley cat; you survive!” – O’Malley explains the ways of the streets after rescuing Marie from the river and impressing Duchess.
• Scat Cat: “Everybody wants to be a cat!” – The most famous lyric from the film’s iconic musical number, celebrating the joys of being a cat.
• Napoleon: “Lafayette, you go first!” – Recurring comedic line between Napoleon and Lafayette as they debate who should lead, highlighting their bumbling nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $59,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: $191,000,000

💥 The AristoCats Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched The AristoCats again last night, and it still gets me! I love the romance between Duchess and O’Malley; it’s just so sweet. And the ‘Everybody Wants to Be a Cat’ song? Total earworm! The part where Marie almost drowns always makes me hold my breath, even though I know she’s gonna be okay. I just love how the stray cats help them out! It reminds you that family isn’t always blood. The music is fantastic. It’s a classic Disney film with characters that will keep you invested.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Fans of classic Disney animated films”
  • “Cat lovers”
  • “Those who enjoy lighthearted and musical movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and cartoon violence”
  • “Brief scenes of animal endangerment”
  • “Some cultural depictions may be outdated.”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “The Aristocats charms with its vibrant animation and jazzy soundtrack. While the story treads familiar ground, the voice acting shines, particularly Phil Harris as O’Malley. A delightful romp through 1910s Paris that’s sure to entertain families.
• Indiewire: “While not Disney’s most ambitious, The Aristocats is a pleasant diversion. The ‘Everybody Wants to Be a Cat’ sequence is a highlight, showcasing the film’s musical energy. Though the plot feels thin, the characters and visuals create an enjoyable experience.
• Entertainment Weekly: “The Aristocats blends classic Disney charm with a jazzy twist. The animation style is distinct, and the characters are endearing. While the villain isn’t the most memorable, the overall experience is a fun, lighthearted adventure.

Audience Reactions

Viewers adored the catchy ‘Everybody Wants to Be a Cat’ musical number.: The general consensus is that the music and the jazz vibe make the movie really fun.

Many found the unlikely friendship between the refined Duchess and the cool cat O’Malley to be heartwarming.: People appreciated the film’s themes of family and helping those in need.

Overall Consensus: A charming and musically-driven Disney classic. The jazz soundtrack is a standout.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Aristocats was the first Disney animated feature to be produced after Walt Disney’s death. Although he approved the project, he did not heavily influence its production.”
• “Phil Harris, who voiced Baloo in ‘The Jungle Book’, was cast as O’Malley because of his natural charisma and improvisational skills.”
• “The animation style was influenced by ‘101 Dalmatians’, using a more sketchy and less refined look compared to earlier Disney films.”

🖥️ How to Watch The AristoCats?

Currently, “The AristoCats” is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also find purchase or rental options on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The AristoCats, you might like these similar films:

• Lady and the Tramp (1955): Features a similar romance between a pampered house pet and a streetwise stray, with themes of social class and finding love.
• 101 Dalmatians (1961): Involves animals being kidnapped and a journey home, with a focus on family and overcoming adversity.
• Oliver & Company (1988): A more modern take on the stray animal theme, set in New York City with a similar found-family dynamic.
• Cats Don’t Dance (1997): Features singing and dancing animals trying to make it big in Hollywood, capturing a similar energetic and musical vibe.

🛒 The AristoCats Related Products

• Disney The AristoCats Marie Plush – Small – 11 Inches: This small plush is a great addition to any Disney collection. Its soft fur makes it perfect for cuddling, and its charming design captures the essence of the beloved character.
• The Aristocats [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high definition with the Blu-ray edition. Enjoy enhanced picture and sound quality, and dive deeper into the making of this timeless classic with bonus features.
• Disney Aristocats Marie Sketch T-Shirt: Showcase your love for the movie with this vintage-inspired tee. High-quality, comfortable, and featuring a timeless design, it’s perfect for casual wear or showing off at Disney events.
• LEGO Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage 21341 Collectible Building Toy Set for Adults, Nostalgic Movie Gift Idea, Home Decor: A fantastic item for movie and LEGO fans. The LEGO ideas are a great build and display item. Check other Disney-themed LEGO ideas to add to a home collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

The AristoCats features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Aristocats” – performed by Maurice Chevalier
• “Thomas O’Malley Cat” – performed by Phil Harris
• “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” – performed by Scatman Crothers, Phil Harris, and Chorus

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Dive into the world of jazz fusion and hear Rick Beato’s take on the legendary band that shares a name with this beloved Disney classic.

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