At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Not only is Grahame's plot followed with reasonable fidelity, but the Disney artists have obviously made extensive use of the original illustrations by E.H. Shepherd for their models - and even occasionally for camera angles (the pursuing train). The picturization is also excellently served by the behind-screen actors. Forsaking his usual smarmy voice, Eric Blore turns out to be exactly right for the manic Toad and is splendidly partnered by Pat O'Malley who transforms Cyril Proudbottom into an amusingly cheeky George Formby. Their "Merrily On Our Way" number becomes a highlight of fast-paced visual and vocal delights. In the full-of-agreeable-surprises trial scene, John Ployardt is hilariously overbearing as the prosecutor, while all through the film Basil Rathbone is nothing short of inspired - ringing his commentary with just the right balance between the affably patronizing and mock solemnity.For the sake of continuity, it's a pity Rathbone's services were not retained for Sleepy Hollow. Horror fans have voiced concerns that Bing Crosby brings perhaps a too-light air to the narration. Not only that but he substitutes for all the conversations as well. None of the characters "talk" and when Brom Bones is called upon to sing he does so of course (somewhat incongruously) in Crosby's voice. However, before we get carried away with this line of criticism, we must admit the device is surprisingly faithful to Irving's original concept which has no dialogue whatever and employs the same over-light, mock-heroic tone. Even the modern-sounding appellation, "the Sleepy Hollow Boys", is straight out of Washington Irving.All told, to my mind, Crosby does an appealing job with both commentary and songs. However, the episode's chief joys lie in its witty drawings and spookily atmospheric climax. This climax is a little masterpiece of Gothic cinema. We know what to expect - and Disney does not disappoint us. The scene of Ichabod's post-midnight ride is so superbly executed and edited, it never fails to impress - no matter how often it's shown.After some years of experimentation with live action and musical potpourris, Ichabod and Mr Toad re-established Disney's pre-eminence in the cartoon field. True, the stories form quite unidentical halves, but they do provide such effective contrasts - and each, in its own way, is so delightful in itself - that the enjoyment of the whole is more than equal to the sum of the parts. Is there a mind so bleak it could not be moved by Toad's predicament? or the shattering of his twirling assurance as Winky's evidence smiles against him (a neat touch this, both visually and structurally as Grahame's original is not nearly as tautly or as soundly plotted) or could not thrill to the fast excitement and frantic chase of his escape? As for Ichabod, it would be a rare soul indeed who failed to laugh and marvel at - yet curiously sympathize with - the haphazardly fortunate Mr Crane, unwittingly besting Bones at every turn only to be finally outwitted by a terrifying embodiment of his own superstitious fears.Yes, in short, this movie rates as a winner in my book! One of Disney's finest! Lon Chaney, Jr (Butcher Benton), Casey Adams (Lieutenant Dick

(*Movie quote*) - "Tally-ho!"This 70-minute, animated, Disney presentation contains 2, 35-minute stories of Technicolour fantasy, fun, and fright.Story #1 is based on the Kenneth Grahame tale - "The Wind In The Willows". Its main character is the exuberant mischief-maker, Mr. Toad.This story was narrated by actor, Basil Rathbone.Story #2 is based on the Irving Washington tale - "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow". It's main character is Ichabod Crane who, one dark night, crosses paths with the hideous "Headless Horseman".This story was narrated by actor/singer, Bing Crosby.Originally released in 1949 - This animated feature film is fairly entertaining, for the most part.

Since the start of WWII, Disney's feature films were compilations of short films strung together, often unrelated to each other. Some of these were ideas for single narrative feature films. This would be the last of those package features, while gearing up for the return to the single narratives.The only thing that the two featured stories have in common is that they're both well known stories in literature; One British and one American. Although The Wind And The Willows was published within the lifetimes of Walt and his staff. The wrap arounds take place in a quaint live action Technicolor library.Both films have very strong character animation and excellent staging. Toad and Cyril are fun and entertaining characters. I love the dark and dramatic staging during Toad's escape from prison and they're sneak into Toad Hall to retrieve the Deed. Later generations will recognize virtually every character from this segment in MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1983). Sadly, by that time all the voice actors were long gone. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow seems like a curious choice for a Disney adaptation. Bing Crosby's smooth narration enhances the upbeat and suspenseful moments. While most of the action is pantomime, the character animation is still top notch. Most of the sequences revolve around the rivalry between Ichabod and Brom Bones over Katrina. The memorable scenes come toward the end during Ichabod's spooky journey through the woods late at night and his terrifying, but comical, encounter with the Headless Horseman. Both stories are condensed versions of the original stories but are otherwise faithful to their source material. One can imagine how these would have looked had Disney produced them as separate feature length films. The best time to watch this is during the Holidays.

Easily the best of Disney's efforts in the period of short segmented movies released during and shortly after WWII. As the other movies in this period, it consists in this case of two segments. "The Wind in the Willows" as the first and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" as the second. The first segment is centered around Mr. Toad, who has this mania of taking everything to the extreme. It is as I said fun and upbeat and thoroughly enjoyable. The second one follows Ichabod Crane as he enters the village of Sleepy Hollow. Here he is quite popular and he totally engulf himself in it. Almost the entire segment is narrated until he heads off in the dark of the night. From there on comes the greatest suspense in any Disney movie, ever. No doubt. The only thing I will say about that is that it is one of the most shocking and scary scenes I have seen in an animated movie. You should watch this movie if you like both the brighter and darker side of Disney, because this movie touches them both.