The Great Mouse Detective

A film review by Christopher Null - Copyright © 2002 Filmcritic.com

A lesser-known entry in the world of Disney animation -- but an endearing one nonetheless -- The Great Mouse Detective is based on the children's book Basil of Baker Street, in turn a kid-ification of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, with a hyperintelligent mouse investigating crime in London.

At 72 minutes in length, it's a quick hop, skip, and jump across London, from a toy store to a pub to Big Ben, while Basil searches for poor Olivia's kidnapped father. The crook: Ratigan, voiced masterfully and inimitably by Vincent Price. With appropriately vintage, late-1800s period music and sets, the movie may not offer children the goofy stimulation of a Shrek or a Toy Story, but it's harmless enough that any kid ought to be entertained for the full running time -- even if the movie's hero is a bit too stuffy to relate to.

On DVD, you get a making-of short and a few extra Disney short films, plus the ubiquitous sing-along feature.

Aka The Adventures of the Great Mouse Detective.

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Rating

3.0 out of 5 Stars

Cast and Crew

  • Director: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson, David Michener, John Musker
  • Producer: Burny Mattinson
  • Screenwriter: Ron Clements, Paul Galdone, Vance Gerry, Steve Hulett, Burny Mattinson, David Michener, Bruce M. Morris, John Musker, Matthew O'Callaghan, Melvin Shaw, Peter Young
  • Stars: Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Val Bettin, Susanne Pollatschek, Candy Candido, Diana Chesney, Eve Brenner, Alan Young, Laurie Main
  • MPAA Rating: G