Disney+ Battle | The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad vs. Beauty and the Beast
We’re back with another Disney+ Battle. This week the final package film from Disney’s Wartime Era goes head to head with a classic from the Disney Renaissance that was the first animated film ever nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. It’s “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” vs. “Beauty and the Beast.” This one seems like it’s going to be lopsided, but let’s take a look.
1. PROTAGONIST
The main characters of the two shorts that make of “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” are, of course, Mr. Toad and Ichabod Crane. Mr. Toad is the main character through the story that focuses on “The Wind in the Willows” while Ichabod Crane is the main character in the section based on “Sleepy Hollow.” Meanwhile, the main characters of “Beauty and the Beast” are Belle, the beauty, and Beast. While each Mr. Toad and Ichabod Crane drive their respective stories, Belle and the Beast drive the entire story. Point to “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 0 | Beauty and the Beast 1
2. ANTAGONIST
“Ichabod and Mr. Toad” has two main villains; Mr. Winky, the bartender who lies about Mr. Toad to take over Toad Hall, and the Headless Horseman, who doesn’t show up until the very end. Meanwhile, the main villain of “Beauty and the Beast” is Gaston. He’s the living embodiment of toxic masculinity. He attempts to kidnap Belle and force a marriage, tries to lock Maurice up and stokes the fear of the mob while leading them to kill the Beast. This is an easy point for “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 0 | Beauty and the Beast 2
3. SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Mr. Toad has help from a Badger, Mole and Mouse, while none of the Sleepy Hollow supporting characters stand out. Meanwhile, Beauty and the Beast features Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Le Fou and so many more. Another easy point to “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 0 | Beauty and the Beast 3
4. MUSIC
This is an unfair category for this battle. “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” has a nice score that drives both shorts in the film. However, “Beauty and the Beast” features a score and soundtrack written by the incomparable duo of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. From “Belle” to “Be Our Guest” to “Beauty and the Beast,” it’s hit after hit. Another easy point to “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 0 | Beauty and the Beast 4
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
This is another easy category. Mr. Toad may go for a wild ride and Ichabod Crane may be chase by a headless horseman, but almost every interaction between Belle, Beast, Gaston, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Le Fou, Mrs. Potts, Chip and many, many more are memorable. Point to “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad 0 | Beauty and the Beast 5
It’s a clean sweep for “Beauty and the Beast.” This battle really wasn’t fair. “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” is an enjoyable 1940s film, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the Renaissance. But, which film did you like better: “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” or “Beauty and the Beast?”
