Tortoise and the Hare

About This Movie

So, 'Tortoise and the Hare' from 1979 is one of those lesser-known animated shorts that twists the classic fable into something quite different. The tortoise is cast as the antagonist here, which adds an interesting layer of complexity to the story. The pacing feels brisk, not unlike those classic Road Runner shorts, and the introduction of colorful supporting characters like a donkey and a bird really spices things up. The animation style has that late '70s charm, and while it might not be as polished as Disney, there's something endearing about its rough edges. The conclusion— a five-way tie—is unexpected, almost whimsical, leaving you with that sense of playful ambiguity. Definitely a unique find for anyone interested in the evolution of animated storytelling.

This short has become somewhat of a curiosity in collector circles, largely due to its lost media status. Most known prints are scarce, making it a sought-after piece for animation enthusiasts. It’s intriguing how the film diverges from the original fable, and that alone has cultivated interest among those who appreciate adaptations in animation history.