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The MPAA rated Lady and the Tramp G.

One snowy Christmas Eve, a cocker spaniel named Lady (voice of Barbara Luddy) burst out of the hatbox she is wrapped in and enters the lives and hearts of Jim Dear (Lee Millar) and Darling (Peggy Lee). Basking in the warmth of the young couple's undivided attention, the pampered pup grows up to assume important duties like fetching the newspaper and greeting her master each day. It's a great life, even when there's a short eclipse of the spotlight because a new baby is about to join the family.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the tracks lives Tramp (Larry Roberts), a mongrel of uncertain pedigree. Sleeping in a rubbish pile and begging for scraps from local restaurant owners, the footloose and fancy free stray is king of the alleyways--as long as he can stay clear of the local impound yard.

Although they come from such different worlds, the canines' orbits are about to collide after a visit from Aunt Sarah (Verna Felton) upsets the balance their universe. Baby-sitting while Jim Dear and Darling are out of town, the over-protective woman is convinced Lady is a threat to the young child--and her pet Siamese cats. When the zealous caregiver decides to muzzle the mutt, the indignant dog bolts and find's herself lost in an alien neighborhood.

The street-savvy Tramp is quick to come to her rescue. Freeing her from the nasty nose cage, saving her from some harassing hounds and treating her to a romantic spaghetti dinner behind his favorite Italian diner, it's no wonder the cocker spaniel soon has stars in her big brown eyes. Yet there are still a few obstacles in the path of their puppy love, like Lady's loyalty to her humans, Aunt Sarah's wrath, and the ever-vigilant dogcatcher.

Delightfully Disney, Lady and the Tramp offers a tail-wagging tale with only a few concerns for the youngest of viewers. These include a few moments of peril on the streets and in the dog pound, the inference that an animal will be put down, and a slightly sensual song by a former showgirl (also voiced by Peggy Lee) smitten by Tramp's sometimes womanizing ways.

Memorable for it's music (how can anyone forget the howling rendition of No Place Like Home?) and beautifully handcrafted, this classic 1955 animation is sure to charm it's way into the hearts and lives of many generations yet to come.

Beyond the movie ratings: What parents need to know about Lady and the Tramp...

This gently paced movie contains only a few concerns for young viewers. Along with some slapstick antics and property damage, there are a few more perilous depictions such as a character chased by pack of vicious dogs who engage in a fight (shown in shadow silhouettes), animals that are nearly run over and killed by moving vehicles, a tussle with a villainous rat (who is killed off screen), and some angry gunshots that miss their target. Other heartstring pulling moments include dogs being impounded and the implication of an animal being put down (nothing is shown). There is also a slightly sensual rendition of He's A Tramp by a street-wise showgirl who alludes to the womanizing ways of the main character.

Talk about the movie with your family...

Why does Tramp disdainfully refer to Lady and her friends as being part of the "leash and collar club?" How does he feel about the concept of belonging to someone? How does Lady feel about her ties to home? What do you feel are the pros and cons of freedom and responsibility?

Why does Lady feel unloved when she learns about the coming baby? Have you ever felt threatened by change? What new role does Lady take on with the new addition to the family?

Video alternatives...

In 2001 a direct-to-home sequel to this film was released, titled Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp's Adventure. A preference of dogs over cats is obvious in this Disney film (where we meet the conniving Siamese kitties), as well as in the studio's 1950 movie Cinderella, which features an old hound (very similar in character to Lady's friend Trusty) who is harassed by an evil feline named Lucifer.

DVD Notes...
DVD Release Date: 28 February 2006

DVD Features: As a 50th Anniversary tribute, Walt Disney Video presents Lady and the Tramp on DVD. Leaving no bone unturned, the bonus materials feature Finding Lady (the art of the storyboard), the 1943 original storyboard version of the film, and Lady's Pedigree (the making of Lady and the Tramp). As well, there are two never-before-seen deleted sequences: Turning the Tables (Tramp describes what it would be like if dogs were the masters and people were their pets) and La La Loo (an alternate abandoned concept for the arrival of the baby).

For young viewers just being introduced to these classic characters, the DVD release offers a few amusements like, Disney Virtual Puppy (a DVD-ROM game in which you adopt and care for your own virtual puppy), Disney Dog Trivia (a virtual board game) and PuppyPedia (the opportunity to learn about the real-life breeds that inspired the movie). Other new tricks for dog lovers include; Your Inner Bark (a personality profile) and Bella Notte (an all-new music video).

For adult film buffs, this DVD release disc presents this film in its original widescreen Cinemascope format. (At the time, the animators actually filmed two versions of the movie, one in a more convential aspect ratio, and the Cinemascope version.) The restoration is excellent, with vibrant colors and not a mark on the image. The audio tracks are also spectacular, and are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French and Spanish, with English subtitles. The enhanced picture is presented in both widescreen and full screen formats.

Donna Gustafson

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