"Charlotte's Web" still weaves a classic tale
© M. Fernandez Locklin
Charlotte’s creative use of words and phrases, like “some pig”, saved Wilbur from the axe and inspired me to learn bigger, better words. Maybe, because even as a child I loved words and wanted to be a writer, I was drawn to the character of Charlotte because of her creative use of the written word. I found the story by E.B. White charming and hopeful. A small runt of a pig was saved from imminent death not once, but three or more times by the kindness of others.
Recently, my son received the movie as a gift, and it brought back all my memories of youth in a tidal wave. The story of that caring spider and her friend Wilbur taught me the true meaning of friendship – it’s not the fly-by-night relationships of Johnny Bravo and Bugs Bunny, but the sacrifice of one friend for another, regardless of oneself.
Charlotte’s selfless act and Wilbur’s care in paying back her kindness in kind always pulls at my heartstrings. I grew to respect their friendship. It’s the kind of friendship I want to be able to provide. I know, it’s a lofty ideal. But it’s a lofty ideal I strive for always, even if I may not achieve it. I wouldn’t mind, either, if my sons decided to take this theme of friendship to heart as well.
This animated musical is a charming treat for the young, although many of us older viewers are spoiled by more-impressive animation. We must remember, children aren’t as particular, they just like a good story. The songs are enjoyable, the characters fun. And E.B. White’s classic tale is just that – a classic.
The movie also sports some noteworthy voices, like Paul Lynde as Templeton the Rat, whose “A fair is a veritable smorgasbord” lyric still bounces around in my head for days after I watch the film, and Debbie Reynolds impresses as the kind and learnéd Charlotte. Her voice envelopes you in warm waves and creates an image of Charlotte as the kind mother spider she is supposed to be.
I learned another lesson when I again viewed the tape after all of these years – I’m a soft touch. I cried like a baby:
“Mommy, are you OK?”, my son, Wil, asked. (Not named after Wilbur!)
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