Well, I drew an ACO with a 1492 pencil, so it's only fitting I drew one, also, with a 1776. :3
But enough about that...
This character is Herman the Dragon, from the 1995 film 'The Tale of Tillie's Dragon' (TToTD). Properly, the film is titled 'Mike Stribling's: The Tale of Tillie's Dragon'.
Suffice it to say, the man has had some experience working for Hanna-Barbera and Disney (inc. directing on the original 'Duck Tales' and 'Tailspin').
Anyway, some of my watchers may recall my first drawing of Herman: https://inkbunny.net/s/1849932 Also, my promise that I'd re-view his movie one day ...not that anyone would be disappointed if I didn't, of course. ^^
HYPOTHETICALWATCHER: "It's the oranges we're angry about!"
I have every one of them yet, and will do something when something is doable.
For now, I've decided to get to my re-view of TToTD, as I've nothing *better to do and I want Herman off my ACO list. :3
*it was TToTD or Arthur's 'It's only Rock 'n Roll', or 'Unico in the Island of Magic' ...both are films I despise with all my despise, and WILL rip asunder one of these days ...but I don't have enough beer or aspirin to deal with those now, so TToTD it is! ^^
The film begins with a narrator speaking over storybook images ...very, very well-drawn storybook images! I'd be fine if the film forsook animation entirely and just went with these ...but, alas!
To begin, we're introduced to Tillie: the fourth Chipette.
...(even down to the leg warmers ...which, as we know, all of medieval Europe was wearing). :P
Tillie lives with her uncle: 'the baron *St. George' (who, according to the narration, is both a baron and a peasant). :P It's worth noting that our 'St. George' isn't the same as he of the same name who was portrayed in Kenneth Grahame's 'The Reluctant Dragon' (that was our St. George's 'great great ancestor').
*The film's use of 'St (Saint)' here is used incorrectly (sainthood isn't inherited), hence I'll be referring to the character as 'Uncle George', save for instances of direct quotation.
Anyway, Tillie's uncle has delusions of being a dragon slayer, as it's (understandably) his heritage. Convinced dragons remain in the land, Uncle George is more than a little overprotective of Tillie (can't have any dragons whisking her away). Consequently, Tillie hasn't any human friends, so Tillie makes companions of the wildlife that lives around her uncle's castle.
So, the reader has already guessed what happens: Tillie befriends Herman the Dragon, and has to keep him secret from her uncle.
That established, what's Herman's story?
Herman has no point of origin; he just hatches from and egg that somehow found its way under a schoolhouse. Herman meanders his way into the town, encounters a dog cather, and is rescued by Tillie.
Soon after he and Tillie meet, Herman gives us a little more insight into his backstory,
HERMAN (to Tillie): "...Yes, I can talk. I can read, too! ...I remember the day I rolled under the schoolhouse---I could hear all the childrens' voices, and the teacher's voice. (Purr!) It was so warm and friendly! I couldn't wait for school to begin each day, 'A-B-C-D-E-F-G...' No one ever saw me, but I bet I could have been one of her best students!"
Oh, boy! I really wanna go back to school now! :D ...:P
We learn also, from Tillie, that the town has come under hard times in recent years (this'll serve as a plot point for later).
Anyway, Herman has a distinctively girlish, 80's toy-line vibe to his design, with his nonthreatening countenance, dark-green 'eyeshadow' and lashes. ^^
And, of course, we cannot have a movie without antagonists. These are they, as introduced by our narrator,
NARRATOR: "Oh, it's nice to see Tillie happy! You know, her uncle does his best, but it isn't easy raising a little girl. As master of his castle, and with his preoccupation for slaying imaginary dragons, and more importantly of course, (Uncle George) assists the townspeople of Schatzberg. In fact, (Uncle George) has sold much of his land to support their---Oh no! Mayor Simmons and his assistant Wilmer are on their way to see (Uncle George)! Every time those two visit, it costs (Uncle) George more money, or more land, or..."
Yes, these are long captions. Granted, there isn't too much exposition in this film, but when it's given, it's laid on thick!
Basically, Simmons has been scamming Uncle George for quite a while, and has all but ruined the man. Skipping ahead a few scenes, we learn Uncle George has almost nothing left to give,
SIMMONS (to Uncle George): "It just cannot be. How could you have mismanaged all your funds; you had so much!"
UNCLE GEORGE: "But the townspeople needed more and more, and---
SIMMONS: "You have been so generous, and the townspeople do appreciate all you've done, Saint George ...if only it had been enough"
So, Uncle George takes a loan out on his castle---effectively handing it to Simmons (for Simmons's personal gain).
Later, Uncle George breaks the news to Tillie,
UNCLE GEORGE: "It's time to face reality---I must send you away, b-but perhaps only for a little while"
Tillie is being sent away to live with her aunt. And, of course, Tillie cannot take Herman with her (not that Uncle George knows about Herman just yet).
UNCLE GEORGE (continuing): "...Oh, Tillie, I am so sorry, but I just don't have any choice. I'm afraid the townspeople... You see, Tillie, if we lose any more townspeople, the town will completely fold! I must help them, and that means to risk the castle and what's left of the land"
Good.
You read that right---I said 'Good'. To clarify, it isn't good that the town is collapsing, or that Uncle George is being taken advantage of. Rather, it's good Tillie is going to live with her aunt. Why?
For starters, Tillie lives alone with this financially-irresponsible, delusional old man who attacks furniture and innocent people with a sword (in place of dragons, of course), keeps Tillie away from society (granted, the townspeople are jerks, from what the film shows us of them), and Uncle George possibly has a drinking problem.
This man simply shouldn't be allowed custody of a young child ...but the movie wants us to side with Tillie and her wish to remain with Uncle George, so I supposed we should be grieved or something.
Either way, more trouble ensues as Herman is discovered by the townspeople. Mayor Simmons is alerted to to the news of the 'huge, fierce fire-breathing dragon', and goes himself to report the finding to Uncle George, presumably so Uncle George can slay it.
Of all people, Simmons should know Uncle George isn't in full possession of his faculties and could only worsen the situation therefore. It would be better to round up some strong young men to form a hunting party, but what do I know?
News of the dragon somehow, with hardly any passage of time, reaches the four corners of the world (that's just an expression---I assure the reader I am not a flat-earther!).
Digressing, but the film has been begging this question for a while now, so I'll ask it: what time period are these events taking place in?
The town and the castle are reminiscent of medieval Europe, though Simmons's clothes would suggest the Victorian age ...and Tillie's later still (my lifetime, judging by the leg warmers ...c'mon everybody, let's Mousercise!). Not to mention newspapers and indoor plumbing exist, as well news can travel around the world at internet speed. So, it's almost certain the events of TToTD took place recently (the manifestation of the most modern object sets the era).
Tillie and Herman seek refuge in the mountains. Unfortunately, Herman's fire breath has betrayed his and Tillie's hiding place to Uncle George.
Meanwhile,
NARRATOR: "It was going to be a long ride, but one our Uncle Saint George was looking forward to making! Well, at least until he realized the townspeople weren't coming with him. Oh, they planned to, but as they returned to Schatzberg to get their swords, weapons and lanterns for the journey, they discovered the town was overrun with tourists---buying cameras, film, makeshift souvenirs, dining in the restaurants and looking for lodging! Why, the townspeople became too busy to even think about the dragon---the town of Schatzberg was alive!"
TL;DR: news of Herman has made the town an immediate tourist attraction (want instant tourists? Just add dragon!).
NARRATOR (as Uncle George is scaling the mountain hideaway): "Oh my! Saint George is on his way to slay the dragon! He's unaware of all the excitement back in Schatzberg!"
So call Uncle George on his iPhone ...or is his armor is blocking the signal? Then again, this was the 90's, so Uncle George would probably have a Sprint PCS phone---Can you hear MEOW!? =^..^=
NARRATOR: "...and there's no way of stopping him!"
Where's a chair when you need one?
Anyway, Uncle George makes his way into the mountain. In short, Tillie explains Herman properly to Uncle George. Uncle George comes around and accepts Herman as a friend.
The friends discover Simmons and Wilmer's approach. Thinking quickly, Uncle George pretends he is fighting Herman in a battle to the death. Falling for the theatrics, Simmons pleads with Uncle George not to end the lucrative beast,
SIMMONS: "No! No, no, Saint George! Don't do it! There's too much at stake, and the town has become famous! Because of that dragon, people from all over the world are traveling to Schatzberg---the shops and businesses are flourishing! Why, I wouldn't be surprised if their debts to you could be paid back someday (at least partly)"
UNCLE GEORGE: "Well, Mayor, I do appreciate that, but I do have a duty as dragon slayer. I must do what I do best!"
*hides the beer*
Concisely, Simmons begs Uncle George to let the dragon live. To add, Simmons reaches into his coat for the notes to all the monies and assets Uncle George has handed over to him, in order that Herman be spared.
...Meaning Simmons hasn't cashed or claimed anything of George's, ever, and has been carrying the notes and titles around with him wherever he goes? Yup, I believe that like I believe instant tourists. :3
It works just the same.
NARRATOR: "Well, those newspaper reports certainly did change things in Schatzberg. Nothing was ever going to be the same. No, it was better! With all the tourists, there was more business than the town could handle. Even Saint George found it necessary to rent rooms!"
...And spent the rest of his working years reenacting his 'battle' against Herman, before a paying audience.
Congratulations, Uncle George: you're a side show! XD
As for Simmons and Wilmer, they became part of the behind-the-scenes show (yet, Simmons maintains his mayoral office, so not much of a punishment there).
...And that's the end! :D
Or is it?
There's supposedly a sequel to TToTD in the works,
"The story and screenplay have been written and all the voice recording, storyboard, and layouts have been completed. It is now ready to go into full animation production"
...Of course, that was written in 2013, and so far as I can tell, the sequel has yet to be produced. :3
TToTD is ok ...just ok. Herman's existence required some better explanation (ie, ANY explanation), and the ending could have been far less rushed had the screenplay as a whole been better paced (cut some of the padding and there'd be more time for a better wrap-up). I also believe Uncle George was a bit too foolish---the man has a good heart, but I cannot say Tillie's better off with Uncle George than with her aunt (but we don't know the aunt, so...) :P
Anyway, thx for reading (all ...uh ...one of you who did!) :3
Oh, and there is the truly horribly CGI animated Barbie of Swan Lake, which is only worth watching for the cute furry critters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wwQMc65Q4Q (Links tested 4 May 2020)
Wow I forgot about that film! Nice. And now I have a copy of it! So, thank you very much. I also
