The Great Mouse Detective

The Great Mouse Detective is an animated musical feature-length film for children. Set in Victorian England, this movie follows the escapades of Basil of Baker street, a detective mouse who lives below the residence of another famous British detective. Basil has been begged for help by young Olivia Flavisham, whose toymaker father has been kidnapped. Dr. David Q. Dawson has helped Olivia get to Basil, and then is quickly wrapped up in the adventure as Basil's assistant. Basil traces the kidnapping to his longtime nemesis, Professor Ratigan. Ratigan has devised a plan to use Olivia's father in a plot to throw over the crown and take England for himself. The adventure continues as Basil, Dr. Dawson, and Olivia search for clues in a human toy shop and even venture down to the docks to resuce Mr. Flavisham and seek out Ratigan himself. Ratigan with his band of thugs and attack cat, Priscilla, do their best to keep Basil out of their plot. As Basil and Dawson themselves are captured, it will take all of Basil's famous wit and skill to save their queen. The movie features Barrie Ingham as Basil of Baker Street, with Val Bettin as the sidekick Dr. Dawson. Susanne Pollatschek was Olivia, and horror movie veteran Vincent Price was the villain, Professor Ratigan. Mr. Price's phsyical guestures were the inspiration for the physicality of his over the top evil character. The movie was released in 1986 by Disney, and was later released titled, "The Adventures of The Great Mouse Detective". The film is based on a series of books for children by Eve Titus and Paul Galdone titled, "Basil of Baker street". The film also features discreet references to Sir Author Conan Doyle's famous detective and actors who have portrayed him.