Reviewing “Charlotte’s Web” the other day put me in mind of another favorite movie about a pig. Like “Charlotte’s Web,” “Babe” is about a cute little piglet who goes to live on a farm, unaware that he will be on the menu before long. Another similarity between the two films is the way the other animals help the pig accomplish an amazing feat that keeps them from being eaten. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Babe, the runt of his litter, is offered as a prize at the fair. If you can guess how much he weighs, you get to keep him! Farmer Hoggett makes the best guess and is awarded the little pig. Taken from his mother at such a young age, Babe feels alone and vulnerable until he is taken in by Fly, one of the sheepdogs on the farm. She becomes a second mother to him, and in fact, he starts calling her Mom. But Rex, Fly’s mate, has no desire to claim any sort of relationship with Babe. He’s lost his hearing and that has wounded his pride.
Soon Babe has made friends with all the animals in the barnyard, especially with Maa, the old ewe. She has issues with sheepdogs – they never ask the sheep to go where they’re supposed to. They bite and yell and snap. Maa calls them “wolves” and advises Babe to be careful, spending so much time with those vicious creatures.
Soon Farmer Hoggett notices something unusual – his new little pig seems to get along rather well with the sheep. An idea pops into his head and won’t go away. What if he were to train the pig to become a sheep dog? He gives it a go, and finds it remarkably successful. Babe’s secret – he asks the sheep politely. He never yells at them.
Proud of his accomplishment, the farmer decides to enter Babe in the sheepdog trials. What happens there will delight and astound you.
This is a favorite movie at our house. We walk around quoting it frequently (my favorite line, spoken by the duck: “Christmas means carnage!” meaning, someone’s going to have to die to create Christmas dinner) The farmer’s grandchildren are little brats and the wife has some serious mental issues, but it’s well worth overlooking these little flaws to enjoy the overall movie. You’ll give it two cloven hooves up.
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