I don't have any of Ken Anderson's sketches depicting this character from Robin Hood, but there is no doubt that Milt Kahl's final design is based on Ken's.
The crocodile's role in the film is very limited, he announces the archery tournament and is a little involved in the fight that follows. Most scenes were animated by Art Stevens.
The character's voice is provided by Candy Candido, a Disney veteran, who had lent his talents to the Indian Chief in Peter Pan.
Milt is so great with alligators and crocodiles. I think his Nero and Brutus from The Rescuers are amazing, and he even had his hand in designing the crocodile in Peter Pan.
Candy Candido goes back further than Peter Pan. He sang the "You're Nothin' But A Nothin'" song in Flying Mouse. He was a comedy bass player on Vaudeville and in jazz combos.
ReplyDeleteSorry to reply this off-topicly, but I'm hearing about it for so long.
DeleteHow does vaudeville work?
Wow!! I really love the crocodile artwork!! I want to be able to draw this good!
ReplyDeleteThinking about the voice behind this character reminded me of wondering who also did the voices of those minor characters in the film, since for years I had never known that since they only ever credited the major celebs/actors for the bigger roles in the film and never for those who did the minor guys like Otto the blacksmith, Skippy the 7 year old rabbit and so-on. At least we have IMDB these days to find that info out.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying this blog thanks Andreas
ReplyDeleteAmazing. I was just watching your post on Nero and Brutus. Did Milt Kahl also study living crocodiles for Robin Hood? Also, I was just listening an interview you gave for the Animation Podcast and I wanted to ask you any advice on drawing from living animals. I also try to go to the zoo in my country to improve my drawing skills, after I heard you and Marc Davis used to do it.
ReplyDeleteMilt knew plenty about crocodiles already by the time he worked on Robin Hood.
DeleteAs far as drawing at the zoo, you might want to start sketching animals that don't move much, it's a little eraser. Once you've done that for a while move over to the ones that do move around,
and try to capture their animal specific actions.
Wow, I really admire and look up to the discipline and dedication of Disney animators. Thank you so much for the great advice and for your answer.
Deletecrocodiles are fun to draw!
ReplyDeleteThe designs on this are really great! Do you by any chance have some artwork from "The Great Mouse Detective"? What I'm looking for in particular is anything of Basil and/or Olivia. It's my all time favorite movie, and they are my two favorite characters. I actually tried to purchase on eBay a production cel of Basil that you had signed, but at the last second someone else bid a dollar higher than me and I lost it. :'( You are one of my three favorite artists so it really would have made my Disney collection complete, but gotta keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteSince I worked on Mouse Detective only for a brief time, I don'y have any artwork from the film.
DeleteTry other blogs and the internet in general, I'm sure you'll find something on Basil and Olivia.
Disney sure has some great crocodiles! And alligators :D The barrel tummies are great.
ReplyDeleteNever really read about Disney voiceactors. Now search about, who is this Candy Candido? And found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5fuuGSguk4 . Wow, Candy must been awesome reference for animators.
ReplyDeleteDisney's crocodiles always have been something special. Thank you for the post
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you for sharing...Andreas, I was just watching the Ballad of Nessie and I was wondering if you had any fun stuff to share from that. It was done so well! Really felt like the classics of the late 40's early 50's. Sorry to go off topic - but would love to see some of your drawings / art from there!
ReplyDeleteI think I still have my Nessie test scene. Let me take a look, and I'll be happy to post it.
Delete