Not Sponsored: Were there things from your childhood, that you remember with VIVID recollection and detail? When I was a little girl, one of my elementary school teachers showed us Walt Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (made in 1949 - this short story was made before my mom was born) near Halloween. It's composed of two classic stories, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and The Headless Horseman. The Headless Horseman was my first introduction to the story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (published in 1820) written by Washington Irving and I must say it captured me.
Walt Disney's short version (approx 30 minutes) of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, tells the story of Ichabod Crane (a schoolmaster) and Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt (the town rowdy), who are both vying for the affection (or rather money) of Katrina Van Tassel (the daughter of a wealthy farmer). Their endless antics against each other, throughout the story, are absolutely hilarious. I never paid attention before, but Brom Bones has an uncanny similarity to the character Gaston in Beauty And The Beast (of which I am also a fan).
Disney's version of this tale is so beautifully put together, charming and detailed. I especially love the Halloween party scene. There are bountiful haystacks, beautiful garland composed of autumn leaves, a crackling fireplace, a frightful black cat and scarecrow, lit carved pumpkins, crisp apples, a frosted layer cake, boiled eggs, sandwiches, ham, cookies, cupcakes, coffee, cream puffs etc. Are you hungry yet? I always get hungry after watching that scene.
On Ichabod's way home, he is chased by the Headless Horseman. Its so funny seeing both him and his horse duck and dodge the horseman. I remember screeching as a child, hoping he would make it to the bridge. Did he? The ending is .... well. I love it when the Headless Horseman throws the flaming pumpkin at him (his "head"). Such a powerful scene.
How do I feel about the story today (as an adult)? I still love the story. However, I don't like Ichabod or Brom Bones. Both were womanizers (in their own way) and didn't think very highly of women. Ichabod was always looking for a meal (from ANY woman that could cook) and fantasized about Katrina's father kicking the bucket so he could inherit what he would leave for her. Brom Bones was only about a woman's appearance. There's some fat shaming in this story. A young lady, who is plump, wants to dance with him and he gives her the most disgusting look. Katrina is considered more aesthetically appealing and will be coming into money. When you look at either man, neither were exactly Mr. Right or Wonderful. You can see it on Disney Plus. I watch it every Halloween. I also love the movie Sleepy Hollow, featuring Johnny Depp, directed by Tim Burton.
Below are snapshots from Disney's short story, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.
Disney is the owner of these pictures.
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