Bedknobs and Broomsticks vs. Song of the South

Attribute	Bedknobs and Broomsticks	Song of the South
Release Year	1971	1946
Genre	Fantasy/Adventure	Live-action/Animation
Setting	England during World War II	Georgia plantation after the Civil War
Based on	Book by Mary Norton	Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris
Director	Robert Stevenson	Harve Foster and Wilfred Jackson

Plot

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a 1971 Disney film that follows the story of three children who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up living with an apprentice witch. Together, they embark on a magical adventure to find a mystical spell that will help protect England from the Nazis. On the other hand, Song of the South is a 1946 film that combines live-action and animation to tell the story of a young boy named Johnny and his adventures with Uncle Remus, a former slave who tells him stories about Br'er Rabbit and his friends.

Setting

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is set in England during World War II, with scenes taking place in the countryside and in the city of London. The film captures the essence of wartime England, with air raids and rationing playing a significant role in the plot. In contrast, Song of the South is set in the American South during the Reconstruction era, with scenes taking place on a plantation and in the surrounding countryside. The film showcases the beauty of the Southern landscape and the culture of the time.

Characters

In Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the main characters are Miss Price, the apprentice witch played by Angela Lansbury, and the three children she takes care of during the war. Miss Price is a strong and independent woman who learns to embrace her magical abilities to protect her country. The children, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul, provide comic relief and help Miss Price on her quest. In Song of the South, the main characters are Johnny, Uncle Remus, and the various animals from the Br'er Rabbit stories. Johnny is a curious and adventurous young boy, while Uncle Remus is a wise and kind-hearted man who imparts valuable life lessons through his stories.

Music

Bedknobs and Broomsticks features several memorable musical numbers, including "The Age of Not Believing" and "Portobello Road." The songs are catchy and help to move the plot forward, adding to the overall magical atmosphere of the film. In contrast, Song of the South is known for its iconic song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The music in Song of the South is a mix of traditional Southern folk songs and original compositions, adding to the film's charm and nostalgia.

Controversy

Bedknobs and Broomsticks has faced criticism for its portrayal of the war and its use of magic as a plot device. Some have argued that the film romanticizes war and trivializes the sacrifices made by those who lived through it. On the other hand, Song of the South has been the subject of controversy due to its depiction of African American characters and its portrayal of the antebellum South. The film has been criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes and glorifying the plantation system.

Legacy

Despite its controversy, Bedknobs and Broomsticks has remained a beloved classic among Disney fans. The film's message of courage and resilience in the face of adversity continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. In contrast, Song of the South has been largely removed from circulation due to its controversial content. While the film has its supporters who appreciate its storytelling and music, it remains a divisive and problematic part of Disney's history.