Frank and Ollie talk about this Ken Anderson sketch in their book The Illusion of Life.
It shows Sir Hiss sulking in his basket, after some verbal abuse from Prince John.
Ollie Johnston saw the comic potential for his animation right away, and he ended up using Ken's drawing for the final pose of the scene.
I remember laughing out loud in the theatre, when I watched this moment in the film Robin Hood. The idea that the snake would get into this casual, human pose was surprising and came out of nowhere. The situation is funny, because of Ken's concept, but also because of Ollie's animation.
As Sir Hiss lifts up parts of his body, they land on the basket's edge with real overlap and weight.
These are a few of Ollie's quick thumbnail sketches that show how he approached the scene.
Four main key drawings, combined with the layout.
I always thought the best snake gag ever was Hiss being forced in the ale keg. That is a very clever pose, though, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteThe main reason the idea is funny is because it's been set up - Hiss has just commented how he differs from humans, and then suddenly behaves in a surprisingly human-like manner, adding an extra layer of irony.
ReplyDeleteYes, so brilliant pose and tells so much about character.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful drawings, and the thumbnails as well!
ReplyDelete+ thank you for Ollie's assistant's remark in the previous post, I had a hell of a laugh!
One of my favourite scenes in a Disney Movie - right up there with how Kaa manages to "shrug" during his encounter with Shere Khan. Fantastic :D
ReplyDeleteExceedingly clever! :D
ReplyDeleteLater in the film, when Sir Hiss sings a verse of Prince John, the Phony King of England, he clears his throat and curls the tip of his tail into a fist which he taps against his chest. I've always loved that bit. Especially how the very tip of his tail is positioned to look like a thumb.
ReplyDeleteHi Mr. Deja. I really enjoy your blog and though I'm not an animator, it inspires me daily in my traditional painting. I was wondering if there is any chance you might add a search function for your blog. I was trying to look for something specific in the past and couldn't find it and this would be a great help. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteI've been using the search box in the top bar to look up old posts – hope that works for you!
DeleteThanks K. Yang. Didn't even see it. :) I appreciate it.
DeleteHave to agree. Although Kaa has some excellent gags, this 'elbow' bit is the best snake gag. Ever.
ReplyDeleteAccording to various sources I've read Andreas, the Sheriff of Nottingham was originally intended to be a goat. Would you happen to have any concept pieces of that?
ReplyDeleteI think I might have a couple of reproductions of the Sheriff as a goat. I'll check and post in the near future.
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