J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a well-known science-fiction/fantasy novel originally released in 1937. Exactly forty years later writer Romeo Muller and directors Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. adapted the magnificent story into an animated feature (of the same name). The three hundred and ten page novel was shortened into a simple hour and seventeen minute feature film that depicts the events originally written by Tolkien in an incredibly fast-paced manner. The animated feature depicted some terribly disturbing events in a more innocent fashion, making it perfect for children.
On one, random day, not unlike any other, the famous Gandalf the Gray (John Huston) shows up to the unassuming Bilbo Baggins’ (Orson Bean)--The Hobbit--home in Hobbiton. With him he has brought a number of friends, thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Hans Conried). Gandalf and the dwarves request the help of Bilbo to accompany them on a journey to regain what is rightfully theirs. While skeptical, Bilbo agrees to join them on a journey of epic proportions through the depths of Middle Earth in order to reclaim their home. Their journey will prove to be full of more excitement than they had ever imagined, leaving each of their lives in the hands of those around them.
One of the issues with literature being adapted into film is that it undergoes a number of changes that can sometimes affect the way fans of the literature appreciate the story. Even the smallest changes can completely change the way people view the story; the 1977 version of The Hobbit does a wonderful job, however, of sticking close to the original story. By sticking so closely to the original text, Bass, Muller and Rankin Jr. provide a justified final product and show how much they appreciate what Tolkien did so long ago.
The nature of the film, on the surface, may not be entirely suitable for children. Burglary, death, etc. all head the mystical story of adventure, but there is more that lies beneath the surface. As I’ve previously mentioned, the animation and the whimsical way in which many of the events are depicted in The Hobbit allow the film to be enjoyed by younger audiences. Animation in the ‘70’s is obviously not what it is today, however, the effort put forth when developing this film is beyond what I might have expected at this particular time. The head of the animation department, Tsuguyuki Kubo, put in the work to ensure that the animation would flow smoothly and effectively tell the famed story of The Hobbit. Kubo and his team’s ability to create such beautiful pictures and nearly flawless animation more than fifty years ago is a testament to how hard and diligently he worked to bring this story to life. The vibrant colors and fast paced animation allures children and allows them the opportunity to enjoy a story that may, without any edits, be lost to them.
Along with the animation, the silliness strewn throughout The Hobbit in the form of dialogue makes for a good time for children and adults alike. The dialogue, from time to time, is laughable. It sometimes feels ill prepared, but it allows more innocent generations of viewers to appreciate the things being said. Adding levels of innocence to a death-ridden story is the perfect way to expand your clientele, and I believe that the writers and directors did a truly wonderful job of extending their invitation to the world rather than just a specific group of viewers.
The Hobbit is fun and silly, it intrigues audiences both young and old and the animation is spot on. The issue I have with this film, however, is that things feel too rushed. I understand the importance of not overdoing things and keeping things simple enough for fans of the novel to appreciate, but it feels like fitting more than three hundred pages into such a short film makes audiences feel that too much is happening at once. The battle of the five armies, the battle of wits between Bilbo and Gollum (Theodore Gottlieb), and what would eventually be called the desolation of Smaug are all crammed into a fast paced animated adventure, never really giving any of these (or any other) aspects to materialize the way they need to. With the exception of the pacing, however, The Hobbit works brilliantly for all audiences. It’s exciting and unrelenting, never giving audiences a reason to look away.
Directed by Jules Bass & Arthur Rankin Jr. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien & Romeo Muller. Starring Orson Bean, Richard Boone, Hans Conried, John Huston, Theodore Gottlieb, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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