Film Perfection

Don't Believe the Hype

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

"The Devil and Daniel Mouse" is a 25-minute animated short film from 1978, so this one will soon have its 40th anniversary. It is a Canadian Nelvana English-language production and the director is Clive A. Smith. The music comes from John Sebastian. The main characters in here are two mice who make music, but don't have a lot of success. So one of them (the female) makes a deal with the devil and becomes very successful. But then the day of revenge comes for her. This is a decent story on morals and friendship and also has a couple fun moments I guess. All in all, it's a solid watch for young and not so young audiences I would say. The message is decent, the music is not bad (not good either though) and the characters are nicely animated and interesting to watch overall. The 1970s have certainly not been among the greatest animated short films had to offer and the Golden Age of Animation was over at that point already, but here we have a television special from 1978 that proves that with all the dark in terms of the genre, there is also some light. I recommend the watch.

In exchange for fame as a rock star, Jan Mouse unknowingly signs a contract for her soul with Bealzabub.Yes, the story's been done to death (another commenter mentioned the very similar "Phantom of the Paradise"), but this has to be one of the most charming versions. Rooted in the '70s, the animation is truly dazzling at times, the music (by The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian) is diverse and infectious and the film itself is entertaining enough for both children and adults. Not too many '70s made-for-TV specials can boast all of that.While Mrs. Daniel Mouse is the star, it's the Devil who steals the show, constantly morphing and contorting with ease as he subtly growls his dialog. One of the greatest villains to grace any screen, it's almost a shame that Beal didn't appear in a theatrical film where he had exposure to a wider audience.It seems that "Daniel Mouse" is under-appreciated by fans of the much darker "Rock & Rule," the film that it inspired, but it appears on the 2-disc DVD set of "R&R" (where I first discovered it). Just a warning: the DVD version has been slightly trimmed, but it can be found in it's entirety for viewing online. While this is certainly more sugary and family-oriented than the later film, it's WAY above average fare for TV from that era... I'd certainly liken it to a good Disney production.

This 22 minute short, short of a precursor to the later much better "Rock and Rule", features two folk singer mice who are going nowhere. The female mouse, Jan, signs a deal with the devil to become a hit rock star. So it's up to Daniel Mouse to save her soul. Made in the late '70's this has all the trappings of said decade (crap music, crap clothing and hair style, awful folk tunes) This cartoon is featured on the Second disc of the 2-Disk Collector's Edition of "Rock and Rule", it also comes with a Making of that runs almost as long as the show itself.My Grade: D+

Cute songs, and an interesting story line. I remember this one from when I was little, and I loved watching the wolf, who is the Devil's helper but not heartless himself. Just be sure if you ever make a bargain with the Devil you read the fine print, because he certainly will!