As a seasoned connoisseur of Disney films, I must say that while some of these lesser-known gems may have slipped under the radar for many, they certainly hold a special place in my heart. Each one tells a unique story, showcases the talents of some beloved actors, and adds a quirky charm to the Disney catalog.
For more than 100 years the Walt Disney Company has made some of the most popular and beloved films of all time. The best Disney animated movies are classics and Marvel and Star Wars have provided numerous modern blockbusters It seems like everybody loves at least the occasional Disney movie and today nearly every film the studio releases is an event unto itself.
However, it wasn’t always like this. In fact, there have been periods in Disney’s history where the majority of their productions were largely forgettable. Even during years when Disney produced exceptional films, they sometimes released less impressive ones as well. Most of these can be found on Disney+, but some are so obscure that even Disney itself doesn’t seem to remember them, as they aren’t available for viewing.
Dragonslayer
In the realm of sword-and-sorcery films, often the movie Dragonslayer goes unnoticed or underrated. It’s possible that you recall it vaguely, but there’s a good chance you weren’t aware that it was actually produced by Disney, as it deviated significantly from their usual productions during the early 1980s, and thus the “Disney” label was not heavily promoted for this film.
The Island At The Top Of The World
A wealthy business magnate organizes an Arctic exploration team in a bid to find his son, who disappeared from a whaling ship. The film lacks prominent actors and is perceived by some as an endeavor to replicate the enchantment of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea“, replacing the submarine with an airship instead.
The Adventures Of Bullwhip Griffin
A year prior to Roddy McDowell gracing the screen in the legendary “Planet of the Apes”, he took on a less notable role in “The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin”. In this film, McDowell portrayed the butler of a young boy amidst the California Gold Rush. The movie offers some humor and music from the Sherman Brothers, Disney’s fearless songwriting duo, but it lacks memorable tunes.
Baby: Secret Of The Lost Legend
In the film titled “Baby…Secret of the Lost Legend“, the actor known for his role in “The Greatest American Hero” stumbles upon a dinosaur miraculously surviving in the present day. With such an intriguing premise, one can’t help but wonder – what could possibly go awry? Although it shares similarities with beloved dinosaur movies like “Jurassic Park“, this film is distinct, as its dinosaur effects were only feasible during the ’80s and have since been largely forgotten by audiences.
The Great Mouse Detective
During Disney’s period of exceptional animation, just prior to the Disney Renaissance in the ’90s, some films often go unnoticed. Sandwiched between the flop known as “The Great Cauldron” and the box office sensation “The Little Mermaid,” there was “The Great Mouse Detective.” This movie didn’t quite reach the heights of either success or failure, making it a bit overshadowed.
Blackbeard’s Ghost
Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette, two actors who frequently collaborated with Disney, appear together in a film where a high school track coach, unintentionally, is haunted by the spirit of Blackbeard the pirate, portrayed brilliantly by Peter Ustinov. The movie managed to do well during its release but has struggled to maintain its relevance over time.
The Castaway Cowboy
In a different turn of events, James Garner portrays a character who abandons his compulsory job and lands on the shores of Hawai’i instead. Subsequently, he becomes involved in assisting a woman and her child as they struggle to make a living by cultivating the land. However, it appears that even James Garner himself was not fond of this movie, and many others seem to share his sentiment.
Candleshoe
As a child actor, Jodie Foster starred in several Disney films, with “Freaky Friday” and “Candleshoe” being some of them. However, while “Freaky Friday” is well-known, “Candleshoe,” where Foster tricks her way into a wealthy household, is less famous. Interestingly, this lesser-known film kept Jodie Foster from playing the role of Princess Leia in the original Star Wars.
Condorman
Prior to Disney acquiring Marvel, their initial foray into superhero films was the movie “Condorman”. This film revolves around a comic book author who designs a genuine flying suit as an integral part of his new character creation. However, when he gets embroiled in a real-life espionage scenario, he finds himself in way over his head and must ultimately resort to using his superhero persona to extricate himself from the predicament. It’s not hard to understand why this movie didn’t spawn a franchise.
Emil and the Detectives
1964 saw an unusual Disney production – a movie about child detectives thwarting a bank heist. Given its origins from a German novel, it may not have been widely recognized among American viewers, possibly explaining why the film has largely slipped into obscurity.
The One And Only Genuine Original Family Band
In a second straight Disney live-action musical featuring Leslie Ann Waren and John Davidson, the film “The One And Only Genuine Original Family Band” is primarily remembered for its lengthy title and marking the final project of The Sherman Brothers as Disney employees. Regrettably, the music pales in comparison to that of “Mary Poppins“.
The Happiest Millionaire
As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say: “Before his passing, Disney himself was working on ‘The Happiest Millionaire,’ a film that was intended to follow the success of ‘Mary Poppins’ with major award recognition. However, it fell short due to its lengthy three-hour runtime and lack of catchy tunes beyond a single memorable one.
Third Man On The Mountain
The main distinction of “Third Man on the Mountain” lies in its rumored influence on the creation of the Matterhorn Bobsleds roller coaster at Disneyland. However, due to issues with timeline, this claim is questionable. Regardless, the movie’s obscurity among many people is yet another reason it continues to be overlooked.
North Avenue Irregulars
In the world of “North Avenue Irregulars,” you find an intriguing contrast: a group of elderly churchgoers versus the underworld of organized crime. This film serves as a representative example of late ’70s live-action Disney productions, known for their innocence and lack of lasting impact.
Now You See Him Now You Don’t/TheStrongest Man in The World
There’s a chance you might recall “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes,” the Disney movie where Kurt Russell played a college student who received a computer-like brain. What you may not know is that this same character, Dexter Riley, appeared in not one but _two_ sequels of that film. I didn’t assume that was common knowledge.
Ride A Wild Pony
At some point, it seems as though Disney randomly selects the themes for their upcoming films. The main considerations were which lovable animal would feature and what far-off, intriguing setting would be incorporated into a tale involving children. Ride a Wild Pony fits this pattern by telling a story about a boy and girl competing over an Australian pony.
So Dear To My Heart
As a devoted Disney enthusiast, I bet you’ve come across the contentious film “Song of the South,” whether or not you’ve actually watched it. But what’s less common knowledge is another gem called “So Dear to My Heart“. Released a couple of years after its predecessor, this heartwarming tale shares some similarities in style, blending live-action and animation. It centers around the journey of a young boy as he tries to care for a lamb. This film held a special place in Walt Disney’s heart, but it seems to have slipped under the radar for many since its initial release.
Unidentified Flying Oddball
As a time-travel enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the allure of a story that mirrors Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court,” but with a modern twist. This tale revolves around a NASA astronaut and his android counterpart who find themselves transported to the past. However, contrary to what one might expect, it’s not as thrilling an experience as it seems.
The Watcher In The Woods
In one of her final screen performances, film legend Bette Davis starred in “The Watcher in the Woods,” a movie that had to be taken off screens so its unconventional finale could be reworked. Regrettably, this didn’t save the film from harsh criticism. It’s unfortunate because the movie, though not typical for Disney, came as close as they ever did to creating a horror genre production.
The Moon-Spinners
As a devoted fan, I might say: “Did you know that Haley Mills, who starred in six Disney movies including the classic Parent Trap, also appeared in a film aimed at younger audiences that’s a bit off the beaten path? In this one, she takes on a more mature role, and surprisingly, there are no children, animation, or adorable animals to be found. Instead, it’s a gripping mystery drama. It might have benefited from a cute animal sidekick, but as it stands, it’s an intriguing watch!
The Adventures Of Huck Finn
Over the years, I’ve come across countless adaptations of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and while some stand out, Disney’s version from the ’90s is one I remember mostly because a young Elijah Wood played Huck. However, that’s pretty much the only thing that makes it memorable.
The Story Of Robin Hood
You might be familiar with the 1970s Disney animated film featuring anthropomorphic animals called “Robin Hood.” Interestingly, more than two decades prior to this, Disney had already produced a live-action Robin Hood movie, but it didn’t have as significant an impact.
The Sword And The Rose
One of Disney’s early live-action ventures was a historical costume film that presented a largely fictional account of Mary Tudor, Henry VIII’s sister. This title, although produced by Disney, appears to be an unusual choice for a Disney movie, and given its infrequent mention in current discussions, it seems as though the studio shares this view.
Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue
Back in the day, I’m sure you’ve caught wind of the ’90s flick, “Rob Roy,” starring the one and only Liam Neeson, with Tim Roth earning an Oscar nod. But what might not ring a bell is “Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue,” a Disney take on the legendary Scottish hero’s tale from way back in 1953. As far as I’m concerned, the Liam Neeson version takes the cake.
Tonka
Tonka tells the tale of a wild stallion, which is eventually tamed by a Native American boy, portrayed by an actor of Sicilian descent in the 1958 production. Despite its compelling storyline, the film has often been overlooked due to its casting that may not resonate as well with modern audiences.
Greyfriars Bobby
A significant number of Disney films that continue to be popular are centered around animals instead of humans. The movie Greyfriars Bobby, for instance, tells the tale of a loyal terrier who refuses to depart from its master’s grave. While this story may not initially sound intriguing, it is less famous than other Disney animal characters that are often brought to mind.
The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones
Originally intended for television, “The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones” was instead released in cinemas. Unfortunately, this film, which follows a teen trying to read minds, may not have benefited from such a treatment. Interestingly, its sequel, “The Monkey’s Uncle“, gained more recognition due to the catchy title song written by the Sherman Brothers and sung by Annette Funichello and the Beach Boys.
The Ugly Dachshund
The film titled “The Ugly Dachshund” from the 1960s Disney live-action series can be considered quite typical or formulaic. It features Dean Jones and Susanne Pleschette, both familiar faces in Disney productions of that time, and revolves around a comical animal character. In this instance, it centers on a Great Dane who was brought up under the care of a Dachshund mother, leading him to believe he is actually a Dachshund himself.
The Million Dollar Duck
The Million Dollar Duck, a movie featuring a duck that lays golden eggs, received such poor reviews that renowned film critic Gene Siskel is said to have left the theater before it ended – an action he took only for three other films in his career. It’s not difficult to understand why this film has fallen into obscurity.
The World’s Greatest Athlete
Disney has produced numerous memorable sports films throughout its history, ranging from “Remember the Titans” to “Miracle”. However, “The World’s Greatest Athlete” is not among them. Essentially, it’s like imagining Tarzan competing in track events. The quality of the movie is roughly on par with that premise.
No Deposit, No Return
The humor reminiscent of Don Knotts was effectively utilized in Disney films like “The Apple Dumpling Gang” and “Hot Lead And Cold Feet”, which many people of a certain age group may recall with fondness. Contrastingly, the movie “No Deposit, No Return”, focusing on two children staging their own kidnapping, did not resonate as successfully.
Treasure of Matecumbe
The Tale of Matecumbe, set in post-Civil War America, chronicles an exciting journey in search of a hidden fortune, pursued by four individuals. Unlike the movie National Treasure, this story offers a unique and distinct adventure.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-18 22:38