The Little Mermaid

About The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 animated musical produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and Walt Disney Pictures. The movie tells the tale of Ariel, a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, who is off on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, the adorable Flounder, and the reggae-singing Caribbean crab Sebastian at her side. But it will take all of her courage and determination to make her dreams come true—and save her father's beloved kingdom from the sneaky sea witch Ursula.

Making / Production

Thanks to the pioneering animation by the creative minds at Walt Disney Studios, 'The Little Mermaid' was one of the first films to feature the Broadway-style, musical storytelling format typical of its modern classics. The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker.

Actors

• Jodi Benson as Ariel: With her distinctive voice, Jodi brought an effervescent life to the titular little mermaid.
• Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian: Samuel's perfect Caribbean accent and great comic timing made Sebastian a memorable comic relief.
• Pat Carroll as Ursula the Sea Witch: Carroll delivered her lines with fiendish delight, making Ursula one of Disney's most iconic villains.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The Little Mermaid was the last Disney's animated feature to use painted cels.
• Ariel was the first Disney Princess to not be based on either a legend or a fairy tale.
• Ursula the Sea Witch was based on the famous drag queen Divine.

Awards

The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards; one for Best Original Score and the second one for Best Song (Under the Sea), both awarded to Alan Menken.

Quotes

• "Part of that world." - Ariel
• "Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there." - Sebastian
• "Poor unfortunate souls." - Ursula

Music and Soundtrack

• "Part of Your World" - Written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, performed by Jodi Benson.
• "Under the Sea" - Written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, performed by Samuel E. Wright.
• "Poor Unfortunate Souls" - Written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, performed by Pat Carroll.