Disney The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Strictly-Dragonball · Post by **Strictly-Dragonball** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 1:45 pm

I saw this film the other day for the first time in ages and had one of those moments where you realise how much you used to like something when you were a kid.

The squirrel scene where Merlin turns himself and Arthur into squirrels for a lesson about gravity, looking before you leap so to speak, not relying on just luck to get you through and last but not least... male and female relationships.

My god I used to love that scene for so many reasons when I was a child, it's cool, funny and sad at the same time.

I remember being a little boy and watching that female squirrel chase him around being infatuated with him and thinking:

"Wow, I hope I can find a girl that adores me that much when I'm older, that would be great!"

Then that made me smile, ironically my relationship with my girlfriend of 4 years recently ended and it made me sad at the same time but that's what animation is about really isn't it? Even if you aren't aware of it it does connect to your childhood.

Has anyone ever seen any cels from that squirrel scene? I'd but one just for nostalgia. I'm guessing I'd be looking at aroung $300-$400 for that.

I know TSITS cels aren't particularly expensive, it's only the key set-ups that seem to bring in high amounts of cash.

MidniteKitten · Post by **MidniteKitten** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 3:22 pm

I can't recall how long ago but I remember seeing this exact scene (albeit only one squirrel was on the cel) on eBay get about 100$ so for your price range I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. Don't count eBay out, type in "disney cels" it works better than going by a particular film, you'll have to sort through the pages, but it's worth it, some great deals go by there!

Killua · Post by **Killua** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:07 pm

That scene with the female squirrel made me cry when I was a little kid. I felt so bad for her.

Strictly-Dragonball · Post by **Strictly-Dragonball** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 5:48 pm

Yeah it was a sad scene, epic moment in my childhood lol.

Well I hope it was worth it Merlin!

Breaking a small animals heart all for that! Lol

Thanks for the tip MK, yeah I noticed that gives you more chance of finding what you're looking for because things aren't always listed how you'd search for them.

toonybabe · Post by **toonybabe** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:50 pm

I love that scene from Sword in the Stone! The look on the little girl squirrel's face when she find's out Wart is a boy is hearbreaking! My favorite part has to be the duel between Merlin and Madam Mim!

You know... I see cels on ebay from Sword in the Stone all of the time and they are usually pretty affordable, especially compared to other Disney cels.

Yume Hime · Post by **Yume Hime** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 5:17 am

I love this scene too, now I feel like watching the movie again ^_^ . Too bas my videotape recorder doesn't work anymore TT_TT...
I wish you good luck on finding a cel of this adorable scene

!

Strictly-Dragonball · Post by **Strictly-Dragonball** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 3:27 pm

I don't think the cels are just affordable from The Sword in the Stone, they are just downright cheap! Lol

Seriously, especially on eBay like it's been said some of the prices on Disney cels in general are plain steals. You would be charged 3x or maybe more for similar shots in a gallery.

I don't think this film is held in particular high regard compared to other Disney films of the era which may explain the prices but it has it's moments.

It also has the distinction of being the last feature actually released while Walt Disney was still alive.

Strictly-Dragonball · Post by **Strictly-Dragonball** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 3:34 pm

Something like this is pretty much exactly what I'd be interested in and it probably wouldn't be too expensive either:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QdHn8FT7SdY/S ... irrels.jpg

Probably $150-$200 realistically.

rosesleep · Post by **rosesleep** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 10:43 am

I saw one for $800ish.. yikes.. But it is indeed a beautiful and touching sequence. I love the scene where Wart transforms back to a human yet the female squirrel still kept her eyes on him, even from afar.

star-phoenix · Post by **star-phoenix** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 2:30 pm

I just briefed around and found a couple of the squirrels, one of the girl flirting with him by rubbing her tail in his face and him batting it down (includes a custom painted background). I will send you the link via PM.
Since Lady and Tramp (1955), the popularity went down a lot in Disney back then. It wasn't really until Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast cam along that made it sky rocket in popularity again.
Also, during the 1960's, cels became way more plentiful because more survived the years (they switched over from nitrate to acetate based plastic, which did not shrivel up and deteriorate like all of the nitrate cels did). So, cels tend to be much much cheaper from the 1960s --> Little Mermaid

rosesleep · Post by **rosesleep** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 9:10 pm

star-phoenix wrote:So, cels tend to be much much cheaper from the 1960s --> Little Mermaid

Very, very true. It astounds me that The Little Mermaid still sells over a grand and a cel from Mary Poppins would be equivalent or lower to that amount.

Strictly-Dragonball · Post by **Strictly-Dragonball** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 8:52 am

Thank you very much star-phoenix

I got your message, I appreciate you taking the time to have a look for me.

That's a nice shot but it seems quite expensive. Haven't seen too many SITS cels that much. Maybe... we'll see haha.

Thanks again guys.

kira · Post by **kira** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:04 pm

i like the squirrel sequence too. i'm not sure which was funnier wart being chased by the young female squrrel or poor merlin being chased by the older female squirrel.
i do have to agree with toonybabe. my favorite scene is still the battle between merlin and madam mim.