It’s a testament to the storytelling power of Disney animation that tales told for centuries are popularly identified with Disney. Cinderella, Snow White, and Mulan are just a few examples. The Pied Piper was a story told for more than half a millennium before Disney tackled it in a Silly Symphony directed by Wilfred Jackson, with a memorable song by Leigh Harline. Disney’s telling of the story is straight-forward, with most of the gags taking place in the opening scenes with the city overrun by rats. And for many people, it’s the most memorable version of the story.
