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Aristocats is an absolute Disney classic, a timeless masterpiece full of captivating excitement, fun and unmistakable melodies.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the film continues to enjoy great popularity more than 30 years after its first release on December 24, 1970.
Cat music and more
The film, based on a story by Tom McGowan and Tom Rowe, tells the story of a family of cats who are to receive several million pounds after the death of their owner. However, when butler Edgard, who has actually been given the task of managing the money on behalf of the cats, learns about it, he decides to "catnap" the helpless cats and abandon them in order to pocket the inheritance for himself.
Duchesse and her three little kittens Marie, Toulouse and Berlioz, are determined to return to stop butler Edgard. They are supported by the charming street cat O'Malley, who is particularly fond of Douchesse, as well as by Swingy the cat and his gang, who do not miss the opportunity to hit the keys properly and sing one or the other jazz song.
However, Aristocats is more than just an entertaining children's film. The name Aristocats is derived from the English word "Aristocrats". This refers to humans, or in this case cats of particularly high social status, such as Douchesse and her kittens. Only after they have been abandoned do they make their first acquaintance with cats of the social lower class and even take a liking to their lives. Therefore, Aristocats also conveys a social message.
Aristocats Fun Facts
1. Aristocats was inspired by a true story
In 1910, it actually happened that a cat family was bequeathed half a fortune after the death of its wealthy owners. When Tom McGowan and Tom Rowe learned about the curious incident, they were sure that it could be conjured up into a cinematic story.
2. Three cats or four cats?
Of course, every Aristocats fan knows the cute crowd favorites Toulouse, Berlioz and Marie. Actually, there was supposed to be a fourth kitten named Waterloo, but the screenwriters decided against it, as they feared that the film would be too confusing with four little kittens. We don't quite agree with this decision, because our motto is: the more cats the better!
3. Historical Role Models
Have you ever wondered why the cats and dogs from Aristocats have such complicated names? Many of the cuddly four-legged friends were named after famous people: Toulouse and Berlioz borrow their names from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French artist and composer Hector Berlioz. The namesakes of the two dogs Napoleon and Lafayette, on the other hand, are the two famous military generals Napoleon Bonaparte and Marquis De Lafayette.
Aristocats Merchandise
Are you looking for a cozy Arisotcats T-shirt with your favorite movie quote, or a stylish accessory? Then EMP is the right place for you. In your EMP Aristocats Fan Shop you will find lovingly and richly detailed clothing, bags and much more. Of course, everything is decorated in the typical Aristocats style with lots of pink bows, cute prints and cute cat motifs.
Also check out Pusheen.