bonniegamson Review of Wind in the Willows

Wind in the Willows (1988 TV Movie)

Misses the original book's moral theme by changing the ending

[2/10 · 2 November 2020]

While this version has excellent animation, it entirely alters the theme of the book by altering the ending. In the original version, Mr. Toad is an irresponsible "trust fund baby" who keeps destroying his and other people's property, with no sense of remorse. He steals and lies with a sense of entitlement. Mr. Badger, is his guardian who keeps cleaning up the messes Mr. Toad makes. Mr. Badger pleads with Mr. Toad to assume some responsibility for his behavior. In Kenneth Graham's original 1913 book, Mr. Toad finally realizes that the world was not created solely for his enjoyment. In this 1988 animation, this never happens.

Leland P. Gamson