When you think of the film Bambi, it’s hard not to think about such colorful characters as the fun-loving bunny “Thumper” stomping his feet, or the shy little skunk “Flower” reacting to receiving his name. Many people will certainly recall the film’s title character learning to traverse ice, or the heartbreaking moment when Bambi’s mother meets her demise. But how often do you think about Bambi’s father? As Bambi is the film of the month here--in celebration of our new exhibition Water to Paper, Paint to Sky: The Art of Tyrus Wong--at The Walt Disney Family Museum, this installment of Unusual Suspects turns its attention to a secondary, yet important character—the Great Prince of the Forest.
The Great Prince was an interesting character from the beginning. Walt Disney endeavored to create a father figure that was both wise and distant. During an early story conference on Bambi, Walt commented, “I would like the Old Stag to say what he has to say in a direct way, and in such a voice that Bambi is unable to answer him. What he says will be sort of final. That can be put over through the voice.” Bambi’s father was voiced by Fred Shields, who successfully conveyed the emotion Walt was looking for.
Shields was able to handle the voice, however the animators were handed a slightly more difficult task: animating the antlers of the Great Prince. Due to the complicated perspectives involved, a plaster cast of real antlers had to be created, and filmed at multiple angles. The footage was then rotoscoped onto animation cels. The process worked beautifully.
While the Great Prince’s demeanor came across as cold to some, it’s hard to argue against his clear stoicism. He also managed to show up at the most important moments in Bambi’s life. After Bambi’s mother died, the Great Prince addressed his son in a somber, yet direct tone: “Your mother can’t be with you any more. Man has taken her away. Now you must learn to be brave, and learn to walk alone. Come, my son.” That piece of dialogue perfectly encapsulated what Walt articulated in those early story sessions.
Bambi’s father wasn’t just there for him emotionally. When Man accidentally set the forest ablaze, the Old Stag found his wounded son just in time. He remained by his side and forced him to get up mere seconds before fire engulfed the area. Bambi recovered from his wounds, and the following spring, fathered two fawns of his own. True to character, the Great Prince took Bambi’s side yet again, this time as they watched the fawns with their mother. It wasn’t long before he gave Bambi an approving nod, then withdrew into the woods, clearing the way for the next Great Prince of the Forest.
Keith Gluck is a WDFM volunteer, writer/editor for thedisneyproject.com, a Disney fan site. His Disney life started early, visiting Disneyland before turning one, and writing his very first book report on a Walt Disney biography for kids.