In the 1970s, Walt Disney Animation Studios entered what would be known as the Dark Ages, also known as the Bronze Age. It was a transitional period for the big studio. Walt and Roy Disney had died in the late 1960s. The studio’s famed “nine old men” animators were training younger animators to take their place. The films released during the time including The Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Fox and the Hound, and The Rescuers are now considered minor classics. Even at the time, they enjoyed some box office success and warm critical receptions. During this time only one film was a critical and financial flop, The Black Cauldron. Under normal scenarios, this era would just be another series of films for a studio. It wouldn't be until 1988 that The Little Mermaid would reignite its energy and turn the studio around completely.

The Aristocats is the first film in the “Dark Ages.” While the film is not instantly iconic like The Little Mermaid or Aladdin, it’s certainly very charming and enjoyable. Taking place in 1910 Paris, the film tells the story of Duchess, the elegant and sophisticated pet cat of retired opera singer Madame Adelaide Bonfamille. The Madame also has three other kittens, Toulouse, Marie, and Berlioz. Madame drafts her will, leaving her vast fortunes to her beloved cats. Her butler then plots to kidnap the felines and leave them in the country, hoping to inherit the estate. Alone in the country, Duchess and her litter come across Thomas O’Malley, a smooth talking alley cat who agrees to help them return to Paris.