Watch Heidi's Song

In 1982, the beloved children's book character Heidi was brought to life in the animated feature film Heidi's Song. The movie, produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, starred a talented voice cast that included Lorne Greene, Sammy Davis Jr., and Margery Gray. Heidi's Song follows the story of a young orphan girl named Heidi, who is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Initially, the gruff and reclusive man wants nothing to do with Heidi, but over time, the two begin to form a bond. Heidi also makes friends with Peter, a goatherd who lives nearby, and the two have many adventures together.

The idyllic life Heidi has created for herself is soon disrupted when her Aunt Dete comes to take her back to Frankfurt to be a companion to a wealthy girl named Clara. Although she initially resists, Heidi is eventually convinced to go. However, she quickly becomes homesick for her grandfather and her life in the mountains.

Meanwhile, back in the Swiss Alps, a group of animals is mounting a rebellion against their cruel owner, an evil goat herder named Herr Sesemann. The animals are led by Sugar, a charismatic young rabbit who dreams of a better life for them all. When Heidi learns of their plight, she sets out to help them.

The voice acting in Heidi's Song is excellent, with Sammy Davis Jr. stealing the show as the lovable Sugar. His songs, including the catchy "Save the Animals," are some of the highlights of the film. Margery Gray also does an excellent job as Heidi, conveying both the character's innocence and resilience. Lorne Greene, as Heidi's grandfather, brings a sense of gravitas to the role, and his deep voice is perfect for the character.

The animation in Heidi's Song is also top-notch, with the backgrounds of the Swiss Alps being particularly beautiful. The film is also notable for its use of rotoscoping, a technique where live-action footage is traced over to create more realistic movement. This technique was used for several key scenes in the movie, including Heidi's dance with Peter and Sugar's big musical number.

One of the strengths of Heidi's Song is its emphasis on animal rights and conservation. Sugar and the other animals are mistreated by their owner, Herr Sesemann, and the film makes it clear that this is wrong. This is a message that is just as important today as it was in 1982.

Overall, Heidi's Song is a charming and heartwarming film that is sure to entertain children and adults alike. Featuring a talented voice cast, beautiful animation, and a strong message about animal rights, it is a worthy adaptation of Johanna Spyri's classic book.

Heidi's Song is a 1980 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.