Amazon.com video review:
Just because Walt Disney created contemporary and traditional classics
of animation doesn't mean the studio is out of ideas--not by a long shot. The Great Mouse Detective is richly animated and offers a clever tale. It
may not be as easily recognized a title as Aladdin or The Little
Mermaid, but all three share the same director, Ron Clements.
Originally released theatrically in 1986, the mystery borrows easily from
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and is based on Eve Titus's book
Basil of Baker Street.
When a brilliant toymaker is kidnapped by a creepy peg-legged bat, his
daughter, Olivia, enlists the aid of the legendary Basil. Basil, Olivia, and
Basil's assistant, Dr. Dawson, are part of an intricate city system of
Victorian-era London mice. Basil quickly realizes his archenemy, Professor
Ratigan (a rat who wants to be a mouse), is behind the abduction. Ratigan
(voiced by Vincent Price) fiendishly aspires to take over London rodents--and
will
stop at nothing to achieve his greatest desire. The unlikely trio of good guys
become heroes, of course. The engaging story line is a perfect introduction
to Doyle's work and mysteries in general. Look for a very cleverly executed
voice-cameo by Basil Rathbone (as Sherlock Holmes, natch). Alan Young
(Mr. Ed) also provides a voice. Ages 4 and up. --N.F. Mendoza
