While Walt Disney's animated films get almost all the attention, some of the live-action films he produced have become classics as well. The best ones offer not only good entertainment, but solid story-telling, fine characterization and acting and great directing, such as most of the films of Robert Stevenson for Disney.
Here are Disney's best live-action features I would suggest seeing again past childhood for a good time as well as for film craft study. True-Life Adventures and other documentaries and mainly animal films are not included.
SONG OF THE SOUTH (1946) Great entertainment and James Baskette deserved his
Academy Award for his portrayal of Uncle Remus (and the voice of Bter Fox.)
TREASURE ISLAND (1950) Still the best fillm version of the book, largely due to Robert Newton`s Long John Silver.
20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA (1954) Solid in every way including top design
of sets and the Natilus.
OLD YELLER (1957) Everything comes together in an irresistible gem of a movie with
fine performances throughout.
DARBY O`GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE (1959) Fantastic effects that blend into
the story seamlessly unlike today`s excesses. Sean Connery`s real first film that
got him the James Bond role and Albert Sharpe is superb. Fall in love with Ireland.
POLLYANNA (1960) A perfect ensemble cast, design work, a fine message and
Academy Awarded Hayley Mills in the title role.
THE PARENT TRAP (1961) A Fine script, and a delight in every way. Maureen O'Hara
and Brian Keith shine.
MARY POPPINS (1964) Walt Disney' s live-action masterpiece. It has
everything films have to offer. Totally original in the ways My Fair Lady was not.
They was robbed.
Honorable mentions:
SO DEAR TO MY HEART (1949) Anything with Beulah Bondi and Burl Ives is a
winner.
THE SHAGGY DOG (1959) Fluff elevated to great fun.
THIRD MAN ON THE MOUNTAIN (1959) Darn good tale well told and well done.
BABES IN TOYLAND (1961) Training ground for MARY POPPINS has some good
things in it.
A TIGER WALKS (1964) Good ensemble cast and the darkest un-Disney type movie.
THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE (1967) Cut the excess and you have a fine musical
with great numbers (“There are Those” etc.)
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