🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Hendel Butoy
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- Release year: 1990
- Runtime (length): 1h 17min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (49K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two mice go to Australia to stop a poacher from turning a giant eagle into nuggets, while one mouse tries desperately to propose marriage and an albatross gets a really bad backache.
🍿 The Rescuers Down Under: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Cody and Marahute
In the Australian Outback, a young boy named Cody befriends and rescues a rare golden eagle named Marahute from a trap. Marahute shows Cody her nest and eggs, creating a bond between them. Cody’s compassion for animals is evident, setting the stage for the central conflict.

McLeach’s Pursuit
Percival C. McLeach, a ruthless poacher, captures Cody after finding one of Marahute’s feathers. McLeach knows that capturing Marahute would bring him great wealth, and he tries to force Cody to reveal the eagle’s location. The poacher’s cruelty highlights the threat to endangered species and sets the rescue mission in motion.

Rescue Aid Society to the Rescue
News of Cody’s abduction reaches the Rescue Aid Society in New York City. Miss Bianca and Bernard are assigned to the mission, interrupting Bernard’s attempts to propose to Bianca. They enlist the help of Wilbur, the brother of Orville, to fly them to Australia, facing challenges during their journey.

Outback Adventure
In Australia, Bianca and Bernard meet Jake, a kangaroo mouse and local RAS operative, who becomes their guide. They face dangerous terrain and McLeach’s cunning traps while searching for Cody and Marahute. The team works together, showcasing their unique skills and resourcefulness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bernard (Bob Newhart): A cautious and superstitious mouse, Bernard strives to overcome his fears and propose to his longtime partner, Miss Bianca.
- Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor): An elegant and adventurous mouse, Miss Bianca is always ready to take on a rescue mission and support her partner, Bernard.
- Cody (Adam Ryen): A courageous and resourceful young boy from the Australian Outback, Cody is dedicated to protecting animals, especially Marahute, a golden eagle.
- McLeach (George C. Scott): A ruthless and greedy poacher, McLeach is determined to capture Marahute, a rare golden eagle, for profit, even if it means endangering a child.
- Wilbur (John Candy): A comical and accident-prone albatross, Wilbur provides transportation and humor while assisting Bernard and Bianca on their mission to Australia.
- Jake (Tristan Rogers): A charming and confident kangaroo mouse, Jake is the local Rescue Aid Society operative in Australia who helps Bernard and Bianca.
- Joanna (Frank Welker): McLeach’s gluttonous and somewhat dimwitted goanna sidekick, Joanna serves as both comic relief and a henchman in his poaching schemes.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- McLeach: “I didn’t make it all the way through third grade for nothing.” – Said by McLeach, highlighting his arrogant and comical self-importance.
- Wilbur: “I’m gonna sit on ’em, I’m gonna hatch ’em, I’m gonna be a mama!” – Wilbur’s humorous declaration when asked to incubate Marahute’s eggs, showcasing his quirky personality.
- Jake: “Stone the crows!” – Jake’s exclamation, a common Australian expression, used to express surprise or disbelief.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $27,931,461
- Worldwide Gross: $27,931,461
💥 The Rescuers Down Under Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching ‘The Rescuers Down Under’ as a kid and being completely mesmerized by the flying scenes with Cody and Marahute. It felt so epic and adventurous! McLeach was genuinely scary, and I always rooted for Bernard to finally propose. It’s a movie that brings back great memories and still holds up today. I love the focus on protecting animals and the environment – it’s a message that’s more relevant than ever.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic Disney animation”
- “Families looking for an adventure movie”
- “Those interested in wildlife and conservation themes”
- “Viewers who enjoy animal rescue stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild peril and suspense”
- “Cartoon violence”
- “Poaching themes”
Professional Reviews
- Common Sense Media: “This Disney adventure is an underappreciated gem with stunning animation and a great environmental message. Though some scenes are intense, the overall experience is thrilling for kids and adults alike. McLeach is a truly menacing villain, making the stakes feel real.
- TheWrap: “The film stands out for its breathtaking aerial sequences, showcasing the beauty of the Australian Outback. The animation is a visual feast, and the voice acting, especially George C. Scott as McLeach, is top-notch. A classic adventure for the whole family.
- Timeout: “While the story may be a bit simplistic, the characters are memorable, and the action is engaging. The film’s environmental message is well-delivered, and the animation is beautiful to watch. A fun, if not groundbreaking, Disney adventure.
Audience Reactions
The breathtaking animation, especially the flying scenes, always amazes viewers.: Many praise the film for its stunning visuals, exciting adventure, and strong environmental message.
George C. Scott’s portrayal of McLeach is considered one of Disney’s most menacing villains.: Fans appreciate the villain’s intensity and the high stakes he brings to the story.
Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and adventurous Disney film with a strong environmental message, though it may be slightly darker than some of Disney’s other classics.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was the first Disney animated film to utilize fully rendered CGI backgrounds throughout.”
- “The producers wanted Jim Jordan to reprise his role as Orville from the first film, but he passed away two years before this film was released; so Orville was replaced with the character’s brother Wilbur, voiced by John Candy.”
- “The film is notable for its stunning animation, particularly the flying sequences with Marahute, showcasing advancements in animation technology.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Rescuers Down Under?
The Rescuers Down Under is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also purchase or rent the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Rescuers Down Under, you might like these similar films:
- The Rescuers (1977): The original film featuring Bernard and Bianca’s first rescue mission.
- Finding Nemo (2003): Shares a similar theme of adventure and rescue set in the Australian landscape.
- FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992): Another animated film from the early 90’s with strong environmental themes, focusing on protecting nature from destruction.
- Rio (2011): A modern animated adventure that features exotic birds and a vibrant rainforest setting, with themes of friendship and conservation.
🛒 The Rescuers Down Under Related Products
- The Art of The Rescuers Down Under: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, featuring concept art, character designs, and storyboards. A must-have for animation enthusiasts and Disney collectors.
- LEGO Disney: The Rescuers Down Under Adventure Set: An interactive LEGO set that allows fans to recreate iconic scenes from the movie. Includes mini-figures of Bernard, Bianca, Cody, and McLeach, plus buildable environments like Marahute’s nest and McLeach’s hideout.
- The Rescuers Down Under: Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original theatrical poster. Perfect for adding a touch of classic Disney charm to any room. Available in various sizes.
- The Rescuers Down Under: Limited Edition Blu-ray: A special edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive bonus content, including behind-the-scenes interviews, deleted scenes, and artwork galleries. Comes with a collectible slipcover and a certificate of authenticity.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Rescuers Down Under features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Rescuers Down Under is primarily set in the Australian Outback, with initial scenes in New York City.
The main characters include Miss Bianca, Bernard, Cody, Percival C. McLeach, and Wilbur.
The villain is Percival C. McLeach, a ruthless poacher who seeks to capture a rare golden eagle.
The movie is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also rent or buy it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
🔥 Bonus Content
Joanna the Goanna v/s Bernard
Check out this hilarious clip of Joanna the Goanna going head-to-head with Bernard! It’s packed with slapstick humor and showcases Joanna’s persistence — honestly, I find her antics so entertaining.
The Rescuers Down Under – Disneycember
Curious to hear a critical take on The Rescuers Down Under? The Nostalgia Critic dives in with his signature humor and insightful commentary – I always find his videos thought-provoking, even when I don’t agree with everything!
The Making of The Rescuers Down Under
Ever wondered how they brought the Australian outback to life in The Rescuers Down Under? This behind-the-scenes video gives you a glimpse into the animation process and the creative minds behind the film, it’s amazing!
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) Final Battle with healthbars
You HAVE to see the final battle from The Rescuers Down Under… but with healthbars! It’s such a fun and silly take on a climactic scene, it’s both nostalgic and hilarious to watch!
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