By Lane Batot, Scout, Frontier Partisans, North Carolina Sector I
Let’s first get that Disney cartoon feature out of the way, which has become such a cliché and a lightning rod in our society, and that differs considerably in some ways from the book supposedly written for adult readers:
I DID see the Disney film, way, way back in 1964, when I was four years old, and not since (largely due to the Disney hoarding-and-holding out on certain classic features to dupe the populace in spending more money than they’re worth — just my opinion there….), so some of my distant memories of the film may be a bit “off.” Yet, I do have rather vivid memories still, which says a lot for the impressions this animated feature is certainly capable of entrenching! I especially remember the infamous scene “RRRrrrun Bambi ” followed by BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! After which of course, little Bambi never sees his mum again!
But a FUNNIER memory I have, which illustrates emphatically how I was either BORN a critter geek, or developed the characteristics of one very early on, was my reaction to being taken to this movie. My parents had told me ahead of time they were taking me to see an ANIMAL movie (knowing that I was a critter geek already), and I was beside myself with excitement! A rare thing, indeed, back in those days!
So there I was, in the darkening theatre, all wiggly and anticipating the upcoming visual treat on the big screen when — WHAT? The moment the film opened and I realized it was JUST A DUMB CARTOON, I was FURIOUS! It wasn’t about REAL animals! I whined and harangued, rather as I still do these days, and my parents had some trouble quieting me down.
I was — at first — incredibly disillusioned! Eventually, I accepted it as an animal FANTASY, and ended up rather enjoying the story, as it was, at least, about my favorite subject, then and now: animals out in the woods. Sorta.
I find it hilarious now that, at 4 years of age, I understood quickly that Bambi was an entertaining “fantasy,” but not to be taken too seriously. But there is no denying it has had, over the years, an enormous impact on a majority of peoples’ views on hunting and animal life in the “wild,” in a rather exaggerated, unrealistic way. Not that I am saying that certain aspects of the film are totally inaccurate, as I myself have experienced the fear and panic that being shot at in the woods (or anywhere!) engenders, and I was also caught in a steel jawed gin trap as a young kid (while trespassing, I might add), so I early on, rather got a very personal critter’s viewpoint of JUST how that stuff feels!
So I do not totally lamblast the movie as the large numbers of “rugged outdoorsmen” tend to — but then, having spent much of my life in the woods and around animals, I know that certain aspects of the film are very misleading and downright inaccurate — but it is a KIDDIE CARTOON film, for Christ’s sake — NOT something to take so seriously!
But amazing what an impact it has had on modern society.
Perhaps — to me, at least — the GREATEST inaccuracy is what a lovely, perfect, peaceful, happy little world life in the forest is all the time, except ONLY when big meanie human hunters show up and disrupt everything! Not to discount the major interruption in one’s daily agenda modern human hunters can create when, rather like an alien presence, they enter the woods (something I have experienced — and continue to — many, many times in my several wolf lifetimes), but which in reality, the struggle for survival is continuous, day and night, with or without human interruptions, and to portray it otherwise is terribly deceitful, and has led to quite a warped view of “Nature” by many who do not get to experience it often enough or long enough to realize that.
Which, in a roundabout way, has finally brought us to the original BOOK — Bambi: A Life In The Woods by Felix Salten.
My first impression, on beginning reading it, as a decades died-in-the-wool critter geek, is “CRAP: the animals talk like people in the book, too!” Which they do throughout, having rather in-depth (to appeal to the “adult”-targeted readers, perhaps?) conversations about all manner of sentimental and sometimes quite dreary subjects! SOME books where critters talk-like-people I can deal with okay. I dearly LOVE the Jungle Books, for example. I can accept Tarzan’s apes having a basic, simple language. I love some such books like Richard Adam’s “Watership Down”, and “The Plague Dogs” — where the critters are still critters, and their conversations revolve around things critters are really going to be concerned with.
Bambi does fine with some realistic critter concerns, but does veer off into distinctly human notions that I doubt any other animal species (besides US) wastes much time with — one reason most other critters are far happier beings than most bipedal primates.
But AT LEAST, Bambi the book DOES NOT make Life In The Woods appear to be one happy, perfect little utopia only interrupted at times by murdering meanie humans. It is about modern European wildlife, so larger predators like bears, wolves, and lynx have all been eradicated by those cruel, evil humans (therefore making life considerably safer and less stressful for the deer in the story, whether they realize that or not), but weasels, polecats (called “ferrets” in my original book’s translation — ferrets are ACTUALLY DOMESTICATED descendants of the wild European Polecat. Just sayin’); fox and owls all regularly kill and dismember and devour other cute little critters throughout the book.
Winter is not portrayed as a happy time for ice-skating and romping in the snow, but the harsh, hungry reality that it really is for wildlife. So in aspects like this, the book really is (somewhat) more realistic than the Disney cartoon. But remember, the Disney cartoon is made LARGELY for kids, who have to also have paying adults accompanying them (ahem!).
As for the story being an “allegory of the Nazis persecution of the Jews” — well, MAYBE. It was certainly written when that horrible period in our history was occurring, and it is hard for ANY writer to not be influenced by their own time in history — even if they deny it, as Tolkien denied his Lord Of The Rings tales being influenced by World War II (YEAH, RIGHT!).
But MY impression was Bambi was more an allegory for ALL human cruelty, and disconnect from Nature, which, in the end, we cannot totally escape — this brought forth strongly in a scene at the end where Bambi and his mentor, an old, old stag, come across a dead poacher. The animals in the book do not distinguish between poachers or legal hunters (and realistically, how could you expect them to?) — they are all just referred to as “HIM” or “HE.”
One hunt scene which might irk most American hunters as “inaccurate” involves what is/was not uncommon in Europe — a large, organized “beat,” where the woods are swept by lines of people, and virtually anything that comes in sight is gunned down. This would be a rather unrealistic portrayal for hunting in the U.S.A., but not uncommon in Europe by any means!
And indeed, if you yourself were caught up in such an organized, massive hunt, it WOULD be rather terrifying, regardless of your species, as experienced by those astronauts in the original “Planet of the Apes” movie!
So I, personally, had no problems with such things being portrayed, and the animals fear and confusion and panic is most assuredly NOT representative of a jolly good time! A HUGE thing that aggravated ME (as a critter geek) was in my early book’s translation (1931 was when mine was published, by the original English translator Whittaker Chambers, and with the original illustrations by Kurt Weise) virtually NO mention of the precise SPECIES of deer Bambi was — in Europe it could have been Roe deer, Red deer, or Fallow deer. I know from other readings Bambi was SUPPOSED to be a Roe deer, but it is totally unclear in the book, and the illustrations even vary from rather Roe Deer-like depictions, to distinctly red deer as the “Bambi-type” deer. No Fallow mentions or depictions, however.
Roe deer.
There IS a reference to some “Elk,” which in Europe are what we call “moose,” but it was also rather unclear, and Americanized versions display Bambi as a Whitetail deer, and “elk” as our Wapiti (which are in truth, very like Europe’s Red Deer).
No Thumper the cutesy bunny (although there was a Hare character in the book, but not nearly so major a character), or Flower the skunk — those were Americanized Disney inventions. Overall, I’D consider Bambi the BOOK an okay book for KIDS — even as a critter geek kid I would have begged-to-differ with various depictions in it, however — or for anyone interested in reading it for historical perspective’s sake, as it certainly HAS had an impact on modern societies’ views, if only by spawning the Disney animated film.
I AM glad, I read it, at long last. I would say now and as a kid, that Ernest Thompson Seton’s tales of animals from AN ANIMAL’S point-of-view are FAR better and more realistic (like his classics Wild Animals I Have Known, and Biography of a Grizzly), despite that Teddy Roosevelt and other pro-hunters referred to such writers as “Nature Fakers”! One of those “Nature Fakers” replied to the then ongoing debate, that such sport hunters never saw such animal behavior themselves, because they never saw an animal they weren’t trying to KILL!
Breaker Morant says
I always knew that “Nature is red in tooth and claw” in my head, but I never really KNEW it in my heart until I was on my first Canadian fishing in 2001. For some reason, I just really grasped that everything under the water was trying to eat everything else.
Haven’t read Bambi, but I think I read more Jim Kjelgaard than Seton. I got a lot of his books at a used book store in my early teens.
It is not wild animals, but James Herriot’s books are fresh in my mind as I got my 16 YO daughter to give them a try. She just started “All Creatures Great and Small” yesterday.
If anyone is unfamiliar, the books are by a vet in Yorkshire from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. They catch an era when there were still a lot of very small farms with interesting and eccentric characters and just as the horse was exiting stage left. There are a lot of really fun animal stories throughout.
I have to be careful in what I suggest to her but she is open (within limits) to books that I recommend. I jokingly tell the kids that I am going to assign them to read all 3 volumes of “Gulag Archipelago.” I have to smile when I think that she is one of the very few of her age cadre that has read “Centennial” and is now starting “All Creatures.”
JimC says
Had a long conversation with a young mom yesterday about reading. She’s doing some yeoman’s work in encouraging the youngsters to read — particularly boys. She’s of the belief that they just have to find the right book. I hope that’s true.
Breaker Morant says
Boys are tough. My oldest is a lost cause. My youngest just read one of the Everest books-“Into Thin Air” I think. He wants to rent the “Everest’ movie.
The book that I recommend to men who don’t read is “Shadow Divers” by Robert Kurson. True story-deadly quest to identify an unidentified U-Boat off New Jersey.
It has been mostly well recieved by those I suggest it too.
JimC says
Ahem…
May I humbly suggest “Warriors of the Wildlands”…..
lane batot says
Some folks just never take to reading(pitiful wretches….)–my own older brother never was much of a reader growing up, but in his “maturity” has become quite the voluminous reader–so don’t give up! Have you tried anything Edgar Rice Burrough’s, especially the Tarzan and Mars novels? The aforementioned Ernest Thompson Seton’s animal stories–and you have some Kjelgaard. Whatta about good old Harry Potter? Apparently that got a LOT of kids to start reading–I certainly enjoyed those books even as an older adult! And a hint from “Frontier Partisans” would be Allan Eckertt’s books of the frontier like “The Frontiersmen” and his animal books are great too. First, you gotta know WHAT a kid is interested in, and then get books on THOSE subjects. Though a voracious reader myself since 5 years old, I still am only interested in mostly animal or indigenous peoples books–some exceptions occaisionally…..
JimC says
I was a bookseller part-time during the height of the Harry Potter run and I can attest that J.K. Rowling did, indeed, create readers. Hat tip to her.
Paul McNamee says
My son (7) is a harder sell than my daughter (9.)
They both have weaknesses (him the Wii, her the t.v.) but if I tell her to go have some reading time, see does. He isn’t quite there yet but does enjoy CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS.
Funny thing about HARRY POTTER – my daughter read the first book. I expected her to tear through the series like every other kid I’ve heard of. But she’s hasn’t even tried the second novel. Unlike me, she HATES to be scared and she knows the books get scarier and darker as the series goes on. Not sure when or if she’ll brave it out.
JimC says
One of our most vivid parenting moments came with the sixth Harry Potter book. Marilyn was out back feeding the horse and I was in the kitchen when Ceili came in, book in hand, obviously distraught. Marilyn could pick up on her body language from out in the paddock. I asked her what was wrong and she choked out: “Dumbledore died!” Then she started sobbing. It was a horrible, wonderful literary moment. She was so invested in the character and the story that it was an utterly REAL loss. I think it is absolutely vital that we have that kind of intense experience through story — it teaches us.
Paul McNamee says
Though I freely admit to writing entertainment, to make a connection to readers with that power someday is a definite wish. If I could at least come out with something that connects with my own children, that would be amazing.
lane batot says
Oh yeah, how I LOVED anything Jim Kjelgaard wrote–and still pull out some of those old beloved books for a reread regularly! He certainly did not “whitewash” Nature, and even as a young kid I had no problems with understanding and accepting the reality of violence in the woods–but then I was already OUT in the woods a lot as a young kid, so I was seeing it for myself! Kjelgaard was BEST, I always thought, in his dog stories–he captured the human/dog bond better than almost anyone. And although both Kjelgaard and Seton were unabashed anthropormorphisers, it’s like I say–there is good anthropormorphism, and very inaccurate anthropormorphism–it isn’t ALL bad. And as more and more in depth animal studies continue, many behavioral scientists are even beginning to agree that other critters are not so unlike we humans as modern science has tried to assert for so long. Of course people closely associated with animals all their lives, like farmers, hunters, zookeepers, indigenous peoples living close to nature, all us pet keepers–always knew better anyway! There is a great “Nature” documentary titled “The Wolf That Changed America”, about Seton’s experience with the “outlaw” wolf Lobo–comparing his story(and the impact it had on so many–me included!), and what we know of wolf behavior now–highly recommended! And YES–the James Herriot books–WHAT absolute jewels, all of them! The BBC TV series is purty good too–actually filmed in Yorkshire amongst all those marvelous country characters–well worth a watch, and really enhanced the visual aspect when reading the books, for me…..
lane batot says
And WOW–Mister Cornelius–you certainly “Formatted” my guest post superbly nicely! You guys MUST realize NONE of the pictures or paragraphing or spacing was my original contribution, as I have no ability(or techno-know-how) to do that stuff on a computer! And even got a real ROE DEER buck photo–excellent! The book cover shown on the post is obviously an Americanized version, with Whitetail deer depicted–my copy is an original copy of the European printing. I think this adapting a story about European wildlife and hunting to something American is where some of the confusion and irritation about “inaccuracies” regarding “Bambi” comes from…..A coupla words DID get left out of my original, I noticed, but were hardly noticeable(just sayin’). A way, way better post than I could have done alone–pictures REALLY DO add to stuff!
Betty says
Trust Mr. Cornelius to find the perfect illustrations, whether obscure but brilliant artwork or vintage photos. Of course, I like ’em because they suit my taste, illustrators, and painters who achieve heights I could only aspire to (I was the despair of my Picasso- and Pollack-loving art teachers in the fifties, outspoken – as in, the unclothed Emperor situation).
Just don’t forget the credits, Jim. Sometimes I have to find the title or artist using “Inspect Element.” I should not complain, it makes me feel like a detective, haha.
Matthew says
Great review Lane.
I was only familiar with the Bambi movie which I haven’t seen since I was a kid. It’s annoying how the Disney versions of things seem to take over from the original. The Disney version of fairy tales was more saccharine than the original. Particularly, the really old versions which were like horror stories.
lane batot says
While I was “researching” stuff for this post(I was mostly trying to find references as to WHY the Nazis banned–and burned–copies of “Bambi”–it seems it was mainly just because the author was Jewish….), I blundered into this DELIGHTFUL, FUN website titled “Disney-fied or Disney-Tried”, which compares Disney animated films with the original books or fairy tales they are based on–the similarities, and the often glaring differences. Along with “Bambi”, I also enjoyed reading the ones on “Tarzan”, “Jungle Book”, and “The Fox And The Hound”–the latter a GREAT, very accurate, realistic nature novel by the late great Daniel Mannix(I have several of his other books too–ALL good!). You should check it out!
Paul McNamee says
Fun post. Thanks, Lane!
lane batot says
Yer welcome! I wasn’t perzackly sure how a post about “Bambi” would be taken on the “Frontier Partisans” blog! I often have been accused of being something of a bunny-hugger myself–but they ARE so cute and soft and cuddly!
Wayne says
I’m with Breaker Morant in recommending Robert Kurson’s Shadow Divers. I’ve given copies to my brother-in-law, stepson, and 2 friends and they all said they couldn’t put it down. Fascinating book!
Saddle Tramp says
Lane,
You are one animated feller and anyone who can go with Bambi has my utmost respect! Great job!! On the subject of reading I am very fortunate to have a daughter (a teacher as well) who is a voracious reader and my grandson who is equally if not more so. Outdoor enthusiast as well. What makes a book worm? Exposure at a minimum. I devoured the Hardy Boy series at a very young age (even by flashlight in bed) as I lived outside otherwise. Lane, you are never short of surprises and this is proof positive! Only on Frontier Partisans…
lane batot says
Well, HECK–all this positive feedback is dangerously encouraging. Now that I FINALLY have my own computer(and not trying to peck out comments/posts during lunch breaks on the work computers)–which I just got one of the contraptions this past summer–I can take my leisure and peck WHAT I want, to WHOM I want, WHENEVER I want–without the increasingly anal workplace rules interfering. Another case of taking a modern technology, and adapting it to the discussion of more “primitive” philosophies and subjects! Just like we done bin dis-cussin’ over on the RIR! My only limits now are just how long it takes my right index finger to regenerate after each effort. I DO have some more critter idearz for “Frontier Partisans”posts…….
JimC says
Aaaaaanddddd…
Lane is hooked.
J.F. Bell says
Hey boss –
Sent you an email with the site’s address. Not worth derailing the topic at hand, but I got a favor to ask of you.
JimC says
Did you send to editor@nuggetnews.com?
J.F. Bell says
Sent it to fp@frontierpartisans.com.
…this could explain things. I’ll resend once Yahoo’s working again.
JimC says
editor@nuggetnews.com is best. I’ve had issues with the FP address.