123 – The Great Mouse Detective (w/ Nick de Semlyen)

What’s that? You wanted more Disney mice adventures? Then you’re in luck! Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers return with a discussion of 1986’s The Great Mouse Detective (hold the Basil) – and they’ve recruited Empire magazine editor and Wild And Crazy Guys author Nick de Semlyen to help crack the case of why Baker Street’s greatest detective never got his own franchise. Get ready for stories including a controversial name change, Nick’s mysterious bat trauma, and how some pioneering 3D animation came to be – plus, discussions of Ratigan’s incredible villainous flair, theories of the Bill The Lizard-verse, and the popularity of mouse burlesque. Fair warning for your ears: this episode includes multiple warring Fidget impressions. Next up: Oliver & Company Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Encanto. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.