SOME PIG!

Charlotte's Web is a heartwarming tale of friendship and love. I saw this cartoon first when I was about eight years old. I fell in love with it and made my mom buy me the book by E.B. White, which by the way is a wonderful book that all little ones should read. I saw Charlotte's Web on t.v. the first time, but it was before we had a v.c.r., so unfortunately I didn't see it again for years. Still, I never forgot this wonderful gem of a film, and when I saw it years later when I was about twenty, I still loved it.

This cartoon is an absolute must see for any kid. This is one of the best cartoons I have ever seen. I mean, storywise, of course the animation can't compare to Disney caliber films, but it is still great. It has the voices of Agnes Moorhead, Paul Lynde, Henry Gibson, and Debbi Reynolds, so I'm guessing that it was made sometime in the seventies, but I'm not sure.

The story centers around a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is a runt, he was the smallest of his litter and raised by Fran, a little girl. Wilbur has only known the life of a pet, so when he is put out in the barn away from Fran, it is quite a shock. His only solace is Charlotte, a spider who lives above his pig pen. Wilbur eventually finds out what all farm animals find out; they are not pets, they are simply a food source for humans. He is heartbroken and doesn't know what to do. Charlotte comes to the rescue.

Charlotte is no ordinary spider, she is very special and very intellegent. She creatively finds a way to save Wilbur's life forever. Wilbur owes her his life, but she only asks for his love in return. And when the time comes, that Charlotte cannot be with Wilbur anymore, he tries to pass the kindness on to others. Wilbur keeps his promise and his love for Charlotte alive, and her children and grandchildren, are safe forever with Wilbur.

This is truly a wonderful story about love and friendship and tolerence. It is heartbreaking at times, but basically the theme through out is uplifting and inspiring. You feel for all of the characters, even Templeton, the rat. After seeing this cartoon, I never thought of animals the same again.

Actually, after seeing this film I became a vegetarian. Yes, at the age of eight, I became a vegetarian. My mother was not too happy at first, but she got used to it. I just couldn't bear the thought of eating Wilbur or one of his cousins. And to this day, I can't kill a spider or break it's web.

As I mentioned, this is a must see for all kids. If your children have never seen this, make sure you go out today and rent it. I guarantee you that your kids will love this film, and you know what, you probably will too.