Crusoe the Dachshund

Crusoe is a fictional character from the 1988 animated film 'An American Tail' by Don Bluth and Amblin Entertainment. He is the main protagonist, an adventurous dachshund who gets separated from his family during World War II and must survive on his own in New York City.

History/Background

Crusoe was created as a fictional character by Don Bluth, an American animator and film director. The character's inspiration is believed to be based on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from the 1964 stop-motion animated special 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'.

The original concept for Crusoe was initially developed by Don Bluth, who wanted to create a story about an underdog character. The film's script was written by Charles Forsman and Joe Reitman, with a story by Don Bluth. The character design was done by Willard Bowers, and the voice acting for Crusoe was performed by Rick Moranis.

Crusoe's background is as follows: He lives on a farm in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. When his family is forced to move from their home due to the war, they are separated, leaving Crusoe behind. He manages to escape and embark on an adventure through various parts of New York City.

Key Concepts

Crusoe's character represents several key concepts:

• Freedom vs. Captivity: Crusoe is a dachshund who was once confined to a farm, but he seeks freedom and adventure in the city.
• Resilience: Despite being separated from his family, Crusoe adapts quickly to new environments and challenges.
• Determination: Crusoe's drive for survival and finding his family is unwavering throughout the story.

Technical Details

The animated film was created using traditional animation techniques, with a team of over 100 artists working on the project. The animation process took three years to complete.

The music for 'An American Tail' was composed by James Horner and Jeffrey Layne, with lyrics written by Phil Collins. The soundtrack includes several popular songs, such as "Somewhere Out There" and "Tales of Vernal Skies."

Applications/Uses

Crusoe has been featured in various forms of media since his release:

• Film: 'An American Tail' (1986) was released to positive reviews, grossing over $80 million at the box office.
• Tv Specials: A direct-to-video sequel, 'An American Tail: Fievel Goes West,' was released in 1991.
• Comics: Crusoe has appeared in several comic books and graphic novels published by various companies.

Impact/Significance

'An American Tail' received positive reviews from critics, praising its storytelling, animation, and music. The film's success led to the creation of a sequel, 'An American Tail: Fievel Goes West,' as well as various merchandise and spin-offs.

Related Topics

Crusoe shares similarities with other famous animated characters:

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): Both Rudolph and Crusoe are underdog protagonists facing adversity, but ultimately achieving success.
• The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986): Like Crusoe, this film features a dog who embarks on an adventure in New York City.