Song of the South

There is other ways to learn about the behind feet of the mules besides getting kicked by them.

Just cuz these tales is about critters like Br'er Rabbit and Br'er Fox don't mean you can't learn something.  If folks can't learn from these tales it just means they ain't got their ears tuned for listening.  Like or not they are too busy going about along all mixed up about their own troubles.

HOW YOU COME ON?

PRETTY GOOD SURE AS YOU'RE BORN.

And so begins my all time favorite movie.

This is a Disney movie (1946) that appears to be banned in the US.  Not for anything raunchy but because it doesn't portray slavery in the South as cruel.  Funny that one...I didn't  go to see this movie because of the slavery issue.   BESIDES, THIS IS MOVIE THAT TAKES PLACE DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD (so perhaps these people actually wanted to stay put and not leave...but who knows.  And for those who object to the way the language is spoken in the movie, then I beg these same people to hit the streets and listen today). I went for the songs and the touching story.  Many years ago, in an attempt to find this movie, I located someone in England who had their form of the movie but willingly made it into a VHS tape and then a DVD for me that would work on our player. So my kids grew up with this wonderful and magical movie.  So my children were able to see the show.

This is a story of a young boy who is taken to  stay with his Grandmother because his father an editor in Atlanta was in a bit of trouble altho we don't hear what it is. But the parents are separating because of it and the mom will be with Johnny.  So  Johnny comes  and  is befriended by Uncle Remus (and actually this movie is based on a collection of stories of Uncle Remus. You can still find them in books in libraries if you look), a plantation worker, old and tolerated and really revered.  It is through this friendship that Johnny learns a thing or two about life among people who might not be his equal in some opinion and with bullies around him.  He learns about heartbreak and affection, love and faithfulness to friends.  And when he finds his "Laughin Place" it's right where you knew it had to be.  And how could anyone not love Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, and Br'er Bear?   How could you not want to BE Br-er Rabbit?  

And now as I write this, I suddenly (after all these years, yes I am 68) realized that beyond the cartoon characters of this movie are flesh and blood Br'er Rabbit, Fox, Bear.

Oh wait...and then there's the songs. Songs we used to call Negro Spirituals but that's not PC today so they are just called Spirituals.  And the songs they tsing around the campfires about the Br'er Critters and how they all got that way.   But oh the stories Uncle Remus tells!  And the end, the song that we all know is sung with a different intonation and we still cry a little as we watch Uncle Remus walk up that hill and then the hold hands and walk off.

Yesterday Jocelyn told us something that moved Robert to his Laughin' Place and he's been a laughin for two days now...and every time he remembers what she said, he laughs again til the tears run down his face. Yessirree. We all need a good Laughin Place.

Zippety Do Dah!

I think it's time I go watch this movie again. Right now. Tonight.  How I wish you could join me.