More often than not, directors tend to receive the lion’s share of praise (or, if the movie’s lousy, blame) for a film’s success or failure. I’d argue that in some cases, they receive too much credit. But that’s not the case when it comes to live-action Disney movies of the 1960s and 70s. Disney employed several directors during this period, including Robert Stevenson, Robert Butler and the McEveety brothers. A lot of these guys came from television and the Disney House Style reflected that. I don’t think it’s necessarily fair or accurate to say they were interchangeable. For instance, Stevenson excelled with visual effects and Butler was most at home with comedies. But there’s a reason why none of them get a possessive “A Film By” credit. Disney didn’t hire auteurs. The movies are first and foremost Walt Disney Productions, even after Walt’s death.
Thank you for a very thorough review. I recall enjoying this film a lot in 1975. I bought the blu-ray from Disney Movie Club, but it is still in shrink-wrap. You have inspired me to finally give it a look.
Thank you for a very thorough review. I recall enjoying this film a lot in 1975. I bought the blu-ray from Disney Movie Club, but it is still in shrink-wrap. You have inspired me to finally give it a look.