Hey howdy hey! Everybody wants to be a cat! We’re heading to the charming streets of Paris for this week’s vintage Disney roundup, shining the spotlight on the jazzy and adorable world of The Aristocats.
Released in 1970, The Aristocats holds a special place in Disney history as the first animated feature completed after the death of Walt Disney in 1966. While Walt had approved the project and helped shape its early direction, much of the film’s production fell to the studio team that would carry Disney animation into the 1970s.
— Concept art by Ken Anderson
Set in Paris, the story follows Duchess and her three kittens as they’re kidnapped by a greedy butler and helped home by a street-smart alley cat named Thomas O’Malley. The film features songs by the Sherman Brothers, including “Scales and Arpeggios” and the jazzy “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat,” which became one of its most memorable moments.
— Concept art by Ken Anderson
The voice cast included Eva Gabor as Duchess and Phil Harris as O’Malley. Harris had previously voiced Baloo in The Jungle Book, and his laid-back performance helped define O’Malley’s personality.
Despite mixed critical reception at the time, The Aristocats was a box office success and has since become a fan favorite. Marie has become a modern day Disney merchandise icon of her own, often included in collections with the likes of Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Stitch.
Personally, this was one of my most-played Disney films growing up, and I still believe Edgar is one of the most evil Disney Villains. I would love to see a classic Fantasyland-style dark ride made for Duchess and her kittens!
— Concept art by Ken Anderson
Onto the goods!
Standing at 4″ tall, this vintage Enesco figurine of Toulouse – complete with a felt bow-tie and goofy little tuft of hair – would look perfect on any bookshelf.
Available HERE | $30
Do kids still play with Colorforms today? I remember having a few of these growing up in the 90s! Use them for play or display, this set has all the main characters from the film — even George Hautecourt!
Available HERE | $22.49
If you collect watches, this next one is a rare Disney find! Originally sold at Company D (the Disneyland Cast Member-exclusive store in California), this watch features three of the jazzy cats with their piano, the hands of the clock are golden music notes, and a clear disc of black music notes travels around the face as time ticks by. Numbered 50 out of 2000, limited edition. Tres chic!
Available HERE | $45
Another 1970s souvenir? Yes please. This small red makeup case features the 3 little kittens, Berlioz, Toulouse, and Marie. It may be marked inside with a name, and some old, dried-on stickers, but I feel like that adds to the charm!
Available HERE | $25
Speaking of those three little kittens who steal the show… this lot of all three vintage plushies are a pretty rare find, and in good condition!
Available HERE | $125
This last feature is sort of an honorable mention just-for-fun. As I was sorting through this week’s finds, I came across this well-loved Marie plush from the 1970s… and, well, it made me giggle. Is it normal to think this would still be cute on a display shelf? Guess I’m not normal.
Available HERE | $11.99
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