Page "Song of the South" Paragraph 52

Song of the South was the first live-action dramatic film made by Disney.

James Baskett was cast as Uncle Remus after answering an ad to provide the voice of a talking butterfly.

" I thought that, maybe, they'd try me out to furnish the voice for one of Uncle Remus ' animals ," Baskett is quoted as saying.

Upon review of his voice, Disney wanted to meet Baskett personally, and had him tested for the role of Uncle Remus.

Not only did Baskett get the part of the butterfly's voice, but also the voice of Br ' er Fox and the live-action role of Uncle Remus as well.

Additionally, Baskett filled in as the voice of Br ' er Rabbit for Johnny Lee in the " Laughing Place " scene after Lee was called away to do promotion for the picture.

Walt Disney liked Baskett, and told his sister, Ruth Disney, that Baskett was " the best actor, I believe, to be discovered in years.

" Even after the film's release, Walt stayed in contact with Baskett.

Disney also campaigned for Baskett to be given an Academy Award for his performance, saying that he had worked " almost wholly without direction " and had devised the characterization of Remus himself.

Thanks to Disney's efforts, Baskett won an honorary Oscar in 1948.

After Baskett's death, his widow wrote Disney and told him that he had been a " friend indeed and certainly have been in need.