The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a truly wonderful gem, that I personally think is underrated. Bing Crosby, a great actor and singer, narrates and sings, and I thought he was sublime, so effective and expressive. He never overdid the narration, and the narration while written simply, was well written and kids will understand it. Of course it is quite short, but it goes by so quickly, that it passes the time perfectly. The animation is lovely, very dark at times, but for telling a very dark story, that style of animation was necessary. The music is memorable and fits very well with each scene. The famous story tells of a schoolmaster called Inchabod Crane, a character who doesn't say much, but is immediately likable when you see him, who is in love with the beautiful Katrina. However, in a plot we have kind of seen before, he is rivalled by Brom Bones, a handsome tower of strength, who wastes no time in telling anybody a story that disturbs Crane greatly. Soon after, Crane meets the landmark character of the short, the Headless Horseman, a character so scary that very young kids will be terrified. Yet, because he was scary, as the legend says that he is and much worse, the Headless Horseman was very effective, and a villain that has been imitated in things like Scooby Doo, but never as well, as the very look of him had my hairs standing up on my neck. The short concludes with a suspenseful ending, that leaves us wondering what did happen to Inchabod Crane? Overall, an underrated gem, with a 9.5/10. Bethany Cox.
20 Reviews
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow review
JoeytheBrit27 April 2020
"Are they shovels or are they feet?"
utgard144 January 2016
Originally part of the movie The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, this adaptation of Washington's Irving's famous story contains some of the scariest imagery from any Disney cartoon. The story, for those who somehow have never read or heard of it, takes place in 1790 New York. In the village of Sleepy Hollow, a lanky new schoolmaster named Ichabod Crane arrives and becomes smitten with a beautiful young woman named Katrina. His rival for her affections is a brawny hunk named Brom Bones. Brom tells superstitious Ichabod the legend of the Headless Horseman, a ghost that haunts the village each year on Halloween, searching for a head to replace the one he lost. As Ichabod travels home alone at night, he discovers the legend is true.
The first half is heavy on comedy, much to the frustration of many viewers who only watch for the scary parts they've heard about or remember from their childhood. I enjoy the lighter parts but admit what makes this a true classic is the scene where the Horseman chases Ichabod. It's an amazing sequence. The animation is gorgeous with rich Technicolor that'll make you drool and beautifully-drawn characters and backgrounds. Katrina is one of the most underrated animated beauties from the classic Disney era. As Crosby's narration states, "She was a blooming lass, plump as a partridge, ripe, melting and rosy-cheeked..." The Headless Horseman is also brilliantly realized. Sublime voice work from Bing Crosby, who also lends his voice to some songs. It's one of the classic Disney cartoons that I remember most from my childhood. Watching it today it's even better than I remembered.
The first half is heavy on comedy, much to the frustration of many viewers who only watch for the scary parts they've heard about or remember from their childhood. I enjoy the lighter parts but admit what makes this a true classic is the scene where the Horseman chases Ichabod. It's an amazing sequence. The animation is gorgeous with rich Technicolor that'll make you drool and beautifully-drawn characters and backgrounds. Katrina is one of the most underrated animated beauties from the classic Disney era. As Crosby's narration states, "She was a blooming lass, plump as a partridge, ripe, melting and rosy-cheeked..." The Headless Horseman is also brilliantly realized. Sublime voice work from Bing Crosby, who also lends his voice to some songs. It's one of the classic Disney cartoons that I remember most from my childhood. Watching it today it's even better than I remembered.
One of the Best
StreepFan12617 September 2002
I love this animated short! The music is great, and Bing Crosby does a wonderful job as the narrator. And yes, it is even scary at some points. I never let Halloween go by without watching this. It is also faithful to the book!
Ichabod's Wild Ride
Ron Oliver14 September 2003
A Walt Disney Cartoon Short Subject.
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW - about the Headless Hessian who rides at night seeking his lost head - is about to terrify another victim on Halloween Night.
Washington Irving's classic story comes alive in this wonderful little film, originally the second half of THE ADVENTURES OF ICHABOD AND MR. TOAD (1949). Bing Crosby's singing narration and the excellent animation tell a tale of humor and genuine fright. Ichabod Crane, the pedantic pedagogue, is a triumph of the animators' art, while the film's climax - the ride through the Hollow & the appearance of the hideous Hessian - is a celebration of pacing and stylistic understatement.
Walt Disney (1901-1966) was always intrigued by pictures & drawings. As a lad in Marceline, Missouri, he sketched farm animals on scraps of paper; later, as an ambulance driver in France during the First World War, he drew comic figures on the sides of his vehicle. Back in Kansas City, along with artist Ub Iwerks, Walt developed a primitive animation studio that provided animated commercials and tiny cartoons for the local movie theaters. Always the innovator, his ALICE IN CARTOONLAND series broke ground in placing a live figure in a cartoon universe. Business reversals sent Disney & Iwerks to Hollywood in 1923, where Walt's older brother Roy became his lifelong business manager & counselor. When a mildly successful series with Oswald The Lucky Rabbit was snatched away by the distributor, the character of Mickey Mouse sprung into Walt's imagination, ensuring Disney's immortality. The happy arrival of sound technology made Mickey's screen debut, STEAMBOAT WILLIE (1928), a tremendous audience success with its use of synchronized music. The SILLY SYMPHONIES soon appeared, and Walt's growing crew of marvelously talented animators were quickly conquering new territory with full color, illusions of depth and radical advancements in personality development, an arena in which Walt's genius was unbeatable. Mickey's feisty, naughty behavior had captured millions of fans, but he was soon to be joined by other animated companions: temperamental Donald Duck, intellectually-challenged Goofy and energetic Pluto. All this was in preparation for Walt's grandest dream - feature length animated films. Against a storm of naysayers, Walt persevered and over the next decades delighted children of all ages with the adventures of Snow White, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi & Peter Pan. Walt never forgot that his fortunes were all started by a mouse, or that childlike simplicity of message and lots of hard work always pay off.
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW - about the Headless Hessian who rides at night seeking his lost head - is about to terrify another victim on Halloween Night.
Washington Irving's classic story comes alive in this wonderful little film, originally the second half of THE ADVENTURES OF ICHABOD AND MR. TOAD (1949). Bing Crosby's singing narration and the excellent animation tell a tale of humor and genuine fright. Ichabod Crane, the pedantic pedagogue, is a triumph of the animators' art, while the film's climax - the ride through the Hollow & the appearance of the hideous Hessian - is a celebration of pacing and stylistic understatement.
Walt Disney (1901-1966) was always intrigued by pictures & drawings. As a lad in Marceline, Missouri, he sketched farm animals on scraps of paper; later, as an ambulance driver in France during the First World War, he drew comic figures on the sides of his vehicle. Back in Kansas City, along with artist Ub Iwerks, Walt developed a primitive animation studio that provided animated commercials and tiny cartoons for the local movie theaters. Always the innovator, his ALICE IN CARTOONLAND series broke ground in placing a live figure in a cartoon universe. Business reversals sent Disney & Iwerks to Hollywood in 1923, where Walt's older brother Roy became his lifelong business manager & counselor. When a mildly successful series with Oswald The Lucky Rabbit was snatched away by the distributor, the character of Mickey Mouse sprung into Walt's imagination, ensuring Disney's immortality. The happy arrival of sound technology made Mickey's screen debut, STEAMBOAT WILLIE (1928), a tremendous audience success with its use of synchronized music. The SILLY SYMPHONIES soon appeared, and Walt's growing crew of marvelously talented animators were quickly conquering new territory with full color, illusions of depth and radical advancements in personality development, an arena in which Walt's genius was unbeatable. Mickey's feisty, naughty behavior had captured millions of fans, but he was soon to be joined by other animated companions: temperamental Donald Duck, intellectually-challenged Goofy and energetic Pluto. All this was in preparation for Walt's grandest dream - feature length animated films. Against a storm of naysayers, Walt persevered and over the next decades delighted children of all ages with the adventures of Snow White, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi & Peter Pan. Walt never forgot that his fortunes were all started by a mouse, or that childlike simplicity of message and lots of hard work always pay off.
Just plain brilliant
commanderblue7 September 2006
I absolutely love this film. The animation is great and has a real Walt Disney family feel to it. The movie has surprisingly no speaking except for a few words here and there. The only person speaking is the narrator. That makes the movie even cooler as it is largely similar to the book and just like the book, the only dialogue comes from the narrator.
And for the little kids, there are the usual songs to keep them occupied and there is plenty here for the adults to enjoy too.
Brilliant film, gives you a Halloween feeling, I sure enjoyed it and I hope I speak for everyone else.
And for the little kids, there are the usual songs to keep them occupied and there is plenty here for the adults to enjoy too.
Brilliant film, gives you a Halloween feeling, I sure enjoyed it and I hope I speak for everyone else.
Disney's Masterpiece!
bondfan2713 September 2003
Disney made a wondefull masterpiece that is pitch-perfect to complete your Halloween season. The story stays faithful to the Washington Irving short story and also adds a beautiful touch by having Bing Crosby's soothing voice-over to serenade this classic animated film which show lush touches of autumn colors in the cool, quiet mountain areas of Sleepy Hollow county, New York, in the 1700's. The film uses some voices in it, but is used rarely. It proves even without many voices of characters how colorful they still can be.
A nice Disney short
Atreyu_II27 July 2007
I know that this animated short was initially one of the shorts from "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" (the 11th animated Disney classic). However, I don't remember much about Mr. Toad, perhaps because I only saw it when I was a kid. So I decided to write this review only for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" because I'm familiar with this one.
It is a simple but okay cartoon. It is one of those simple, underrated and forgotten Disney shorts from the 40's (in this case, 1949). Despite not being something extraordinary, this cartoon remains entertaining and watchable.
The designs are simple but good. The picture quality is okay. The characters are interesting.
Ichabod Crane is probably the most original character ever created by Disney. He speaks and sings very little, but that's not what makes the difference. His bizarre figure, the fact of being extremely thin and also his simplicity, charm and pacific personality are what really makes the difference.
Brom Bones is a good example of pure strength. But even his though guy posture doesn't stop him from getting into trouble with Ichabod Crane. I mean, Ichabod has some "battles" with Brom Bones, but he doesn't even notice that! Just hilarious!
Brom Bones is the loser. But he's not a man to give up easily. Even when Ichabod is dancing with Katrina, Brom Bones still has plans in his mind. That's when another hilarious sequence comes: a very short and fat woman dances with Brom Bones in a very energetic way, something which embarrasses him a lot. But he doesn't get rid of her easily.
After all these comic gags, the dark side of this short begins. On that Halloween night, after the party, Brom Bones tells terrifying stories about ghosts and the Headless Horseman. He knows that Ichabod believes in those stories. Needless to say that those stories scare Ichabod very much. He even has sweat running all over his face!
But the darkest part is yet to come. When Ichabod and his horse leave, tension and suspense are present. In the meantime, we have some very funny moments. But when the Headless Horseman appears... well, all I have to say is that it becomes quite scary! For children it can be terrifying.
The ending is somehow confusing. It makes me wonder what really happened to Ichabod Crane. Did he run away? Did he survive? Did we go to another city, village or country?
Just to finish, let me say that Bing Crosby does a nice job as the voice of the narrator, Brom Bones and Ichabod Crane.
It is a simple but okay cartoon. It is one of those simple, underrated and forgotten Disney shorts from the 40's (in this case, 1949). Despite not being something extraordinary, this cartoon remains entertaining and watchable.
The designs are simple but good. The picture quality is okay. The characters are interesting.
Ichabod Crane is probably the most original character ever created by Disney. He speaks and sings very little, but that's not what makes the difference. His bizarre figure, the fact of being extremely thin and also his simplicity, charm and pacific personality are what really makes the difference.
Brom Bones is a good example of pure strength. But even his though guy posture doesn't stop him from getting into trouble with Ichabod Crane. I mean, Ichabod has some "battles" with Brom Bones, but he doesn't even notice that! Just hilarious!
Brom Bones is the loser. But he's not a man to give up easily. Even when Ichabod is dancing with Katrina, Brom Bones still has plans in his mind. That's when another hilarious sequence comes: a very short and fat woman dances with Brom Bones in a very energetic way, something which embarrasses him a lot. But he doesn't get rid of her easily.
After all these comic gags, the dark side of this short begins. On that Halloween night, after the party, Brom Bones tells terrifying stories about ghosts and the Headless Horseman. He knows that Ichabod believes in those stories. Needless to say that those stories scare Ichabod very much. He even has sweat running all over his face!
But the darkest part is yet to come. When Ichabod and his horse leave, tension and suspense are present. In the meantime, we have some very funny moments. But when the Headless Horseman appears... well, all I have to say is that it becomes quite scary! For children it can be terrifying.
The ending is somehow confusing. It makes me wonder what really happened to Ichabod Crane. Did he run away? Did he survive? Did we go to another city, village or country?
Just to finish, let me say that Bing Crosby does a nice job as the voice of the narrator, Brom Bones and Ichabod Crane.
Liked it as a kid and it's even better now!
markovd11129 December 2019
From the animation and atmosphere to the gags and characters, this is one of the best shorter cartoons ever and the part with the dark forest is creepy even for a grown up. I think it just sums up what good cartoons are all about, which is fun and good laughs, not necessarily getting educated or taught something. I give it 10/10 and recommend it to everyone for enjoyment! :D ;)
Wonderful Halloween Tale From Disney's Golden Age
bayardhiler31 October 2013
Over the years, there have been several movie versions made of Washington Irving's classic tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". While many of these were quite good, the best of them all may be Disney's 1949 animated classic. Originally shown on TV, it presents what is probably the most faithful rendition of Irving's story using classic animation, catchy songs, and narration by the voice of the late, great, Bing Crosby. The old school animation is simply breathtaking, with its many vibrant color schemes and ever amazing ability to captivate us. Sure, Pixar type animation may be cool, but there's something about the old school cartoons that still makes them magical. Perhaps it's because of the fact that it took a lot more effort to create an animation sequence using who knows how many drawings as opposed to just drawing on a computer. Either way, it still holds up after all this time. As for the execution of the story, it's equally wonderful, managing to be both spooky and comedic at the same time for the kids. And then there is the brilliant, soothing sound of Bing Crosby, who narrates the tale beautifully as well as providing the small amount of dialogue with his baritone voice and wit that made him famous. All in all, if you're looking for a perfect Halloween family film, you can't go wrong with this version. Since it doesn't seem to be shown on TV anymore, you could either find it on DVD I believe or catch it on you tube.
P.S. If you find yourself walking in Sleepy Hollow one night, cross that bridge as fast as you can and Happy Halloween!
P.S. If you find yourself walking in Sleepy Hollow one night, cross that bridge as fast as you can and Happy Halloween!
old is better!!!!!!
jimbill51 May 2006
as anyone who's seen this little gem what a fun and scary (in a little persons way) short little movie this is,with Mr crosby shining all the way!!my little girl love it and always watches on a dull rainy day!!!now our little lad can have some fun with it as well,all colors and music to sooth on on a rainy bedtime!!just get nice and snuggly with the light down low and watch as yourself and kiddies whoop with delight!!!!if only someone could do the story justice these days!!i loved the Tim Burton one and it deserves a place as a well done movie done Burton style!!!go on go buy a copy and make sure you get a nice big pumpkin to boot!!!!!
Kids Classic
Bob-2662 November 1998
As a halloween treat for young viewers this is a classic. The animation is the usual Disney standard - excellent. The story has its scarier moments, but there is plenty of comedy laced throughout the movie to soften the scare. This version of the Washington Irving tale gives parents a great opportunity to laugh with the kids and also introduces them literature. Bing Crosby's narration and singing crosses a lot of generation barriers as well. I've found that most of my generation X friends refer to this version of the story as THE Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Beautifully Captures the Essence of the Story
Hitchcoc29 June 2019
This is classic Americana. The story of Ichabod Crane, who is a local icon, but gawky and homely and full of himself. Brom Bones is his adversary and about three times his size. But our guy perseveres. Then there is that Halloween night and the legend of the headless horseman, Ichabod heading for that bridge, and... Well we know what happens. This is full of suspense and excitement all the way through.
A Halloween must film to enjoy
SimonJack8 November 2022
Listening to this Washington Irving tale read by a teacher after the start of school in 1949, no young lad could wait to see the movie that would be coming out in a few weeks. I could never forget that story reading, or the thrill of then seeing "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" when it opened in my hometown theater. Every kid knew what to expect, but it was a delight to see how Walt Disney would condense and portray the story, especially the character of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the headless horseman.
Recently I was delighted to show the two Disney animated films on Disney's "Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad." Of course, as a young boy back then, I was not much aware of the cast of the actors of the period whose voices peopled these cartoon shows. So, it's all the more enjoyable when watching these tales in one's senior years, to recognize so clearly and appreciate and enjoy the voices of Bing Crosby, or the talented actors who appeared in so many films or who voiced many popular cartoon characters. In Sleepy Hollow, there are Billy Bletcher and Pinto Colvig, and in "The Wind in the Willows" there are Eric Blore and Basil Rathbone.
This is a classic tale and animated film especially for telling and showing around Halloween.
Recently I was delighted to show the two Disney animated films on Disney's "Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad." Of course, as a young boy back then, I was not much aware of the cast of the actors of the period whose voices peopled these cartoon shows. So, it's all the more enjoyable when watching these tales in one's senior years, to recognize so clearly and appreciate and enjoy the voices of Bing Crosby, or the talented actors who appeared in so many films or who voiced many popular cartoon characters. In Sleepy Hollow, there are Billy Bletcher and Pinto Colvig, and in "The Wind in the Willows" there are Eric Blore and Basil Rathbone.
This is a classic tale and animated film especially for telling and showing around Halloween.
Your creepy Disney cartoon classic!
OllieSuave-0077 May 2018
This is your creepy Disney cartoon classic, retelling the legendary tale of the Headless Horseman, where Ichabod is in a romantic rivalry with a tough local, trying to woo a beautiful but shallow school-teacher. Soon, Ichabod ends up in a horrific chase scene with the diabolical horseman - sure to send chills down kids' spines.
It's made with much suspense and chills, with great animation, some goofy scenes, and a spooky atmosphere. A pretty good movie short for Halloween time.
Grade B
It's made with much suspense and chills, with great animation, some goofy scenes, and a spooky atmosphere. A pretty good movie short for Halloween time.
Grade B
Will heads roll this time?
joan_white_angel24 September 2006
This may be one of the oldest Disney's cartoons but it is certainly one of the bests. This time the real story (Sleepy Hollow) by Washington Irving is taken seriously and the characters' design couldn't be more ideal. The main character, Ichabod Crane, is a teacher going on his way to Sleepy Hollow and he is exactly like the book tells us, a really strange person, big ears and nose almost looking like a scarecrow. This guy falls in love by Katrina Van Tassel, a very beautiful and apparently innocent girl, who is the only heiress to her father fortune. Then there's Brom, a very strong man who is decided to win Katrina's heart at all cost. There will be really fun moments due to Ichabod's character and when Ichabod and Brom are both trying to win Katrina. Then in the Halloween night there's a party in the Van Tassel's mansion where Brom will scare the superstitious teacher by telling the legend of the Headless Horseman. After the party, Ichabod will have to ride home alone and now the question is: Will the Headless Horseman ride again to cut a head off?
Lost Treasure
glgioia3 September 2011
One of the most entertaining interpretations of the classic Washington Irving tale, and perhaps the most faithful, this cartoon is a classic in its own right. No Disney did not invent Ichabod Crane, apologies to the uneducated, the tale was taken from a series of sketches by Irving which colorfully illustrate life in colonial New York. Bing Crosby as the narrator is wonderful and like all vintage Disney, it somehow frightens viewers without horrifying them. Sadly its not all that easy to find, I think its presently packaged with Wind in the Willows, which likewise falls into the same category of nearly forgotten and unappreciated genius.
I watch this with my niece every year
kurt782519 August 2021
A timeless classic
jacobjohntaylor125 November 2015
This is a great film. It is based on one of the best ghost stories ever. It is a great film. It is well acted. It is well written. The animation is great. The music is great. It is a fun and very spooky film. It the story of Icabod Crane and how he ends up in a hunted woods one night and runs into The headless horseman a very scary ghost. This classic family film is a must see. One of the best family movies of all time. One of the best animated film of all time. This is a very fun movie to watch at Halloween. Or any time you are in a spooky mood. Bing Crosby was a great actor. This movie is a must see. Boris Karloff was a great actor. A truly great fantasy film.
Where Your Head At?
NoDakTatum31 October 2023
This Walt Disney produced short has a bang-up ending to an otherwise saccharine story. Based on the tale by Washington Irving, this is only thirty three minutes long, and plays shorter. Bing Crosby is both the offscreen narrator and sings the lacking songs by Don Raye and Gene de Paul. Itinerant schoolmaster Ichabod Crane arrives in a small New York community. He is noticed about town, not only for his strange appearance but his penchant for constantly eating. He falls in love with Katrina Van Tassle, and her father's money-rich farmland. His rival for her affection is Bram, the local hunky bully. Ichabod attends a dance, where he and Bram vie for Katrina's hand. After a very funny slapstick sequence, Bram scares Ichabod with the story of the Headless Horseman. Ichabod rides out into the night, and sure enough the climax involves him and his slow plow horse trying to outrun the Horseman and his black steed.
Up until the dance, the film does not really gel. The songs are immediately forgettable, even with Crosby's voice behind them. The film works when it crosses into Warner Brothers' Loonie Tunes territory, as the physical comedy is very funny and makes up for the rest of the film. An example of weakness is the afterthought plot point that Crane is very superstitious. The pacing is very hurried, as if producer Disney did not want the kids to get bored before the final hilarious set-piece. A funny, but not perfect short animated piece, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is goofy silliness in at least the last half.
Up until the dance, the film does not really gel. The songs are immediately forgettable, even with Crosby's voice behind them. The film works when it crosses into Warner Brothers' Loonie Tunes territory, as the physical comedy is very funny and makes up for the rest of the film. An example of weakness is the afterthought plot point that Crane is very superstitious. The pacing is very hurried, as if producer Disney did not want the kids to get bored before the final hilarious set-piece. A funny, but not perfect short animated piece, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is goofy silliness in at least the last half.
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