The film was based on the novel of the same name, that was first published in 1938. It was later republished in 1958 as the first book of T.
White's tetralogy The Once and Future King. It was to be the final Disney animated film released before Walt Disney's death on December 15, 1966. The songs in the film were written and composed by the Sherman Brothers, who would become very famous for their future work on later Disney films including; "Mary Poppins, " 1964, "The Jungle Book, " 1967, and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks, " 1971. Merlin is a very powerful wizard with a pet owl named Archimedes. He befriends and becomes the teacher of a 12-year old orphan named Arthur, who goes by the name of Wart.
Merlin is first seen living in a forest cottage, and he believes in the philosophy of Brain over Brawn. As a wizard, he is very intelligent, has a wide variety of powers, and is considered the most powerful wizard in the world. He has the ability to see into the future, and has the ability to shape-shift. Merlin was animated by Milt Kahl, Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston; and voiced by Karl Swenson who was an American theater, radio, film, and television actor. Sir Ector was animated by Milt Kahl and Eric Larson and voiced by the great Sebastian Cabot. Sir Ector was once a knight of Uther Pendragon, and at some point adapted the orphaned Arthur whom Ector and his son Kay now refers to as The Wart. Sir Ector does not know about Arthur's birthright, dotes on his birth son Sir Kay, and does not trust magic and therefore Merlin; who is incorrectly refers to as Marvin. The cel Merlin and Sir Ector appears in the film with the following dialog.Sir Ector: You will, uh... Yes, I must say, you... Have me there, Marvin, Yes.
You're welcome to stay if you like. Merlin: (magically reappears) Thank you. Very generous, I must say. Sir Ector: Well, uh, all we can offer is room and board. Hard times, you know, Marvin, we'll put you up in the northwest tower.
(points to an aged, damaged tower) That's the guest room. This is a great original production animation cel of Merlin and Sir Ector, both characters are eyes open, and full figure images. An absolutely wonderful piece of original animation artwork perfect for any animation art collection!
Measurements: Size - Merlin & Sir Ector: 6 1/2 x 5 1/4", Image 11 x 14 1/2". Condition: See pictures of the actual cel which is in excellent overall condition as shown above! All items we sell are from a smoke-free/mold-free home/workplace and are in excellent condition unless otherwise noted. I own every work pictured for sale and I stand behind every item. Please follow/bookmark me as a favorite and keep and keep checking back for more items for sale in the coming weeks. For now, please check out my other Animation Drawings and Cels and other original modern and contemporary artwork for sale!