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Original Production Animation Cel of Copper and Tod from "The Fox and the Hound," 1981


Original Production Animation Cel of Copper and Tod from "The Fox and the Hound," 1981
Original Production Animation Cel of Copper and Tod from "The Fox and the Hound," 1981

Original hand painted production animation cel of Copper and Tod from "The Fox and the Hound," 1981, Walt Disney Studios; Set on lithographic background; Walt Disney seal lower left; Size - Copper & Tod: 5 1/2 x 9 3/4", Image 10 3/4 x 15"; Unframed.


"Copper, you're my best friend." - Tod

"And you're mine too, Tod." - Copper

"And we'll always be friends forever. Won't we?" - Tod

"Yeah, forever." - Copper


"The Fox and the Hound," 1981 is the 24th animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Productions and it was loosely based on the novel, of the same name, by Daniel P. Mannix. The film tells the story of two unlikely friends, a red fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper. The story centers on the two main character's struggle to preserve their friendship, as their emerging instincts and surrounding social pressures begin to force them to become adversaries. The film was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens; and features the voice talents of Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, Jack Albertson, Sandy Duncan, Jeanette Nolan, Pat Buttram, John Fiedler, John McIntire, Dick Bakalyan, Paul Winchell, Keith Mitchell, and Corey Feldman. At the time of release, "The Fox and the Hound" was the most expensive animated film produced to date, costing $12 million.


The story begins with Tod, an orphaned red fox who's mother was shot by a hunter not long after leaving him by a fence post. An owl, Big Mama, feels sorry for the little fox; and with the help of Dinky and Boomer (a sparrow and a woodpecker) they eventually get the Widow Tweed to adopt the young orphan.


Tod befriends a young coonhound dog named Copper, who is supposed to be his sworn enemy; however they soon become inseparable best friends. One day Copper is sent off on a hunting trip and is taught how to be a true hunting dog. He returns home and tells Tod that their friendship can't continue any longer, because he realizes what he must become. This is sad news for Tod, and one day the old Irish Wolfhound hunting dog Chief attacks Tod. Copper saves him from being killed and Tod escapes, but Chief ends up getting severely hurt during the attack. Copper becomes angry and decides to go on the hunt for Tod.


During the hunt, Tod and his new female fox friend Vixey, are able to evade Copper and the hunter Amos Slade. But when the two hunters encounter a bear, Tod is torn between running away or risking his life to save his old best friend. Tod decides to intervene, but falls down a waterfall and is badly hurt. Amos Slade tries to take advantage of the wounded fox, but Copper stands in front of him and preventing Slade from firing a shot. In the end, their friendship is repaired and they are again best friends. Young Copper was animated by legendary Walt Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, while Adult Copper was animated by Randy Cartwright. Young Copper was voiced by Corey Feldman and the Adult voice was provided by Kurt Russell. Tod was animated by Ollie Johnston, Don Bluth, Mark Henn, Dan Haskett, John Lasseter, and John Musker; and was voiced by Keith Coogan (Fox Pup) and Mickey Rooney (Adult Fox). Vixey was wonderfully animated by Glen Keane and Mark Henn; and voiced by the American singer, dancer, comedian, and actress Sandy Duncan.


This is an absolutely stunning original hand painted production animation cel of Copper and Tod. The cel occurs when the puppy and fox pup meet for the very first time. Tod says "My name's Tod. What's your name kid?" Copper responds "Mine's Copper. I'm a hound dog." Tod says "Gee, I be you'd be good playin' hide-and-seek. Wanna try it Copper?" Copper responds "Can I use my nose?" and Tod says "Sure. Ok." This is a great full figure, eyes and mouth open image of both characters during their initial encounter, and a stand out piece of animation artwork that is perfect for any collection!


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