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The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant

Name: The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant
Director: Ed Levitt, Bill Melendez
Released: 1968
Duration: 30 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1968

Director

Ed Levitt, Bill Melendez

Runtime

30 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film exemplifies mid-20th-century traditional storytelling, prioritizing the establishment of order and the assimilation of the protagonist into a structured, civilized society. The narrative structure follows a restorative arc where stability is achieved through the adoption of traditional institutional roles, such as monarchy. This approach lacks the intentionality needed to disrupt or subvert conventional social hierarchies. Ultimately, the story functions as a linear coming-of-age tale that adheres to the era's standard narrative structures and social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on straight relationships and does not depict any non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or same-sex intimacy.

How does The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around the male protagonist, Babar, emphasizing his active role while the Old Lady embodies traditional maternal care, reinforcing conventional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant?

Limited

As anthropomorphic elephants, traditional racial categories are hard to apply. However, the narrative's progression from 'wild' to 'civilized' mirrors colonialist clichés of advancement.

How does The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights the adoption of Western-style societal norms, reinforcing established social orders and institutional hierarchies without challenging them.

Does The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The focus remains on biological survival and social integration.

Present on Screen

Features a clear, classic coming-of-age narrative arc.
Provides a nurturing maternal figure in the character of the Old Lady.

Limited or Absent

Lacks subversion of traditional gender roles and hierarchies.
Relies on colonialist clichés regarding the transition from wild to civilized states.
Reinforces Western-style societal norms as the ultimate standard of development.

Official Synopsis

After his mother is killed by a hunter, Babar avoids capture by escaping to the city, where he is befriended by the kindly Old Lady. Later, with cousins Celeste and Arthur, he returns to the great forest to be crowned King of the Elephants.

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