The Fox and the Hound Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two future predators become besties, but society forces them to be enemies, so they decide to honor their roots but not REALLY hate each other, which just seems exhausting.

🍿 The Fox and the Hound: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Orphaned Fox and a Hunter’s Pup

Tod, a young fox cub, is orphaned and taken in by Widow Tweed, a kind elderly woman. Meanwhile, Amos Slade, a gruff hunter, brings home Copper, a hound puppy, to train him as a hunting dog. The two youngsters quickly become friends, oblivious to their destined roles as predator and prey.

Growing Up and Growing Apart

As Tod and Copper grow, their friendship is tested by societal expectations and their natural instincts. Copper begins his training as a hunting dog, and Amos Slade’s animosity towards Tod intensifies after an incident where Chief, Slade’s older hunting dog, is injured.

Release and Reunion

Widow Tweed, realizing the danger Tod faces, releases him into a wildlife preserve. Copper, now a skilled hunting dog, returns, and Tod and Copper have a brief reunion. However, their friendship is further strained as Copper, influenced by his training and loyalty to Slade, now sees Tod as the enemy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tod (Mickey Rooney): An orphaned fox cub who forms an unlikely friendship with a hound puppy, later struggling with their changing roles.
• Copper (Kurt Russell): A hound puppy who befriends a fox cub, later torn between his loyalty to his owner and his childhood friend.
• Big Mama (Pearl Bailey): A wise owl who acts as a mother figure and advisor to Tod, guiding him through the challenges of his identity.
• Amos Slade (Jack Albertson): An unscrupulous hunter and Copper’s owner who becomes Tod’s antagonist, driven by his desire to protect his property and hunting traditions.
• Widow Tweed (Jeanette Nolan): A kind elderly woman who adopts Tod, representing compassion and the challenges of protecting those different from oneself.
• Chief (Pat Buttram): Amos Slade’s loyal hunting dog who represents the ingrained societal expectations that challenge Tod and Copper’s friendship.
• Vixey (Sandy Duncan): A female fox who becomes Tod’s companion, offering him a chance at a life in the wild.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Big Mama: “Love is a lot of things, Tod. But not always a song.” – Big Mama explains to Tod that love and friendship can be complex and not always easy.
• Tod: “We’ll always be friends forever, won’t we?” – Tod says this to Copper as young pups, symbolizing their innocent and unwavering bond.
• Copper: “You’re my best friend too, Tod.” – Copper responds in agreement to Tod, solidifying their friendship pact.
• Big Mama: “Goodbye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end. But in my heart is a memory and there you’ll always be.” – Widow Tweed sings a heartbreaking song to Tod when she has to let him go into the forest.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $63,456,988
• Worldwide Gross: $63,456,988

💥 The Fox and the Hound Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I remember bawling my eyes out watching this as a kid! The scene where Widow Tweed leaves Tod in the forest? Heart-wrenching! It definitely stayed with me and makes me think about how friendships change over time. The animation is just so warm and cozy, it gives you all the good feels, even though you know it’s gonna hurt! Seeing Tod and Copper as little guys, running around and being adorable, makes it even tougher when they grow up and things get complicated. It’s a classic, but be prepared to grab some tissues!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Disney animated films”
  • “Those who enjoy heartwarming stories about friendship”
  • “Families looking for a movie with emotional depth”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring themes of prejudice and societal expectations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Animal death (Tod’s mother)”
  • “Scenes of hunting and implied violence”
  • “Emotional scenes that may be upsetting for young children”
  • “Themes of prejudice and societal expectations”

Professional Reviews

• Common Sense Media: “Disney’s tale of an unlikely friendship is sweet but packs a heavy emotional punch. Some scenes might be too intense for young viewers, but it teaches valuable lessons about loyalty and growing up.
• Variety: “A heartwarming story with charming characters, though the plot can be predictable at times. The animation is classic Disney, and the voice acting is superb.
• Empire Magazine: “Visually appealing, with a touching story that explores themes of friendship and societal expectations. While not Disney’s most groundbreaking work, it’s a solid and enjoyable film for families.

Audience Reactions

The bittersweet ending perfectly captures the complexities of growing up and changing relationships.: Nostalgic favorite that explores the difficult choices life throws our way.

The animation is beautiful and heartwarming, though the story can be a bit sad for younger viewers.: Beautiful animation with classic Disney charm.

Overall Consensus: A classic Disney film that explores the complexities of friendship and loyalty. It’s a touching story with beautiful animation, but be prepared for some emotional moments.

Awards

1. Golden Screen Award (N/A)- 1982

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was in production for four years and was the most expensive animated film produced at the time, costing $12 million.”
• “Several animators left Disney during production to work for Don Bluth, which caused delays and required the remaining animators to work harder.”
• “The film features the voices of Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell in the lead roles, who were both child actors in Disney films.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Fox and the Hound?

The Fox and the Hound is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Fox and the Hound, you might like these similar films:

• Bambi (1942): Deals with themes of loss, growing up, and the harsh realities of nature, similar to Tod’s journey.
• Dumbo (1941): Another Disney animated classic about an outcast who overcomes adversity and finds acceptance, highlighting themes of friendship and belonging.
• Brother Bear (2003): Explores themes of friendship and understanding across species, with a focus on personal growth and changing perspectives.
• The Plague Dogs (1982): Animated drama that explores the relationship of humans and animals, as well as animal rights.

🛒 The Fox and the Hound Related Products

• The Fox and the Hound [Blu-ray]: Experience the heartwarming classic in stunning high definition! Relive the magic of Tod and Copper’s friendship with enhanced visuals and sound. Perfect for collectors and families!
• Funko POP! Disney: The Fox and The Hound – Tod: Add this adorable Tod Funko Pop! to your collection and cherish the heartwarming tale of ‘The Fox and the Hound’. This vinyl figure captures the essence of the beloved character and makes a perfect display piece!
• Disney The Fox and the Hound T-Shirt: Show off your love for the classic Disney movie with this stylish t-shirt! Made from comfortable materials, featuring iconic characters. Perfect for everyday wear or as a gift for a Disney enthusiast.
• The Fox and the Hound: Read-Along Storybook and CD: Relive the magic of the Fox and the Hound with this read-along storybook. Perfect to entertain and teach kids!

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Best of Friends” – performed by Pearl Bailey
• “Goodbye May Seem Forever” – performed by Jeanette Nolan

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Fox & The Hound – Disney Story

Take a trip down memory lane with this captivating storybook-style presentation of ‘The Fox and the Hound,’ complete with crisp visuals and heartwarming narration. You’ll feel like you’re right beside Tod and Copper on their extraordinary journey.

The Accident | The Fox and the Hound AU

Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as this fan-created AU delves into a heart-wrenching twist in the tale of ‘The Fox and the Hound.’ You’ll question the boundaries of friendship and loyalty, and ponder what might have been.

Casey Jr. Crossover That Changed Disney Forever

Prepare for a delightful surprise as this video seamlessly blends the worlds of ‘The Fox and the Hound’ and ‘Dumbo’! It’s a fun and inventive crossover that will reignite your love for both films.

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