Original Production Animation Cel of Hathi Jr. (Baby Elephant) from "The Jungle Book," 1967
Original hand painted production animation cel of Hathi Jr. (Baby Elephant) from "The Jungle Book," 1967, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Size - Hathi Jr.: 4 x 4", Image 7 1/2 x 10"; Unframed.
This original production animation cel of Hathi Jr from The Jungle Book, 1967. captures the charming young Hathi Jr. in a wonderfully expressive moment as he marches through the Indian jungle. With one leg lifted high, his trunk raised and tail curled behind him, the Baby Elephant displays the spirited, almost military manner that makes him such a memorable character. The hand-painted cel is particularly appealing for its lively pose and the beautifully rendered jungle setting, with tall grasses, distant acacia trees, and the softly colored landscape providing an atmospheric backdrop. Hathi Jr.’s oversized ears, tousled hair, and youthful proportions further emphasize his innocence and playful personality.
The Jungle Book, released in 1967, was the nineteenth animated feature produced by Walt Disney Productions and was inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s classic book of the same name. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, the film was the last animated feature on which Walt Disney himself worked, as he passed away during its production. The story follows Mowgli, a feral child raised in the Indian jungle by wolves, who encounters Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. The two attempt to convince Mowgli to leave the jungle before the dangerous tiger Shere Khan discovers him. The film featured a remarkable voice cast including Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, George Sanders, and Louis Prima, along with Disney regulars Sterling Holloway, J. Pat O’Malley, and Verna Felton. Mowgli was voiced by Bruce Reitherman, the director’s son.
Wolfgang Reitherman was one of the most important figures in Disney animation during the studio’s transition into the post-Walt era. He joined Walt Disney Productions in 1934 alongside future Disney Legends Ward Kimball and Milt Kahl, and the three worked together on such classic shorts as The Band Concert, Music Land, and Elmer Elephant. Reitherman subsequently contributed to Disney feature films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through The Fox and the Hound, serving as an animator, director, and eventually producer. Beginning with One Hundred and One Dalmatians in 1961, “Woolie,” as he was known to his friends, became Disney’s chief animation director. He went on to direct The Sword in the Stone (1963), The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), Robin Hood (1973), and The Rescuers (1977).
Reitherman’s influence extended beyond feature animation. His 1968 production Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Daywon the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. His three sons—Bruce, Richard, and Robert—also provided voices for Disney characters, making the Reitherman family an especially distinctive part of Disney history. Bruce not only supplied the voice of Mowgli but also acted out portions of the character’s movements as live-action reference for the animators. Although several animators worked on Mowgli, Milt Kahl established the character’s final design, while Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston animated the majority of his scenes.
Hathi Jr. is the young son of Colonel Hathi and his wife, Winifred, and his brief appearances provide some of the film’s most endearing comic moments. The character was voiced by Clint Howard, who was only eight years old when The Jungle Book was produced. Because of his young age, some of the Disney filmmakers had to assist Howard with some of the larger words in his dialogue. Despite having relatively little screen time, Hathi Jr. quickly became one of the film’s most beloved supporting characters. His youthful enthusiasm, innocent determination, and miniature version of his father’s military-style personality make him instantly recognizable.
This cel is especially appealing because it captures Hathi Jr. away from the larger elephant herd, allowing the animation to focus entirely on his personality and distinctive physicality. The exaggerated marching pose, raised trunk, lifted foot, and determined expression are quintessential examples of Disney character animation, where a simple gesture could communicate an entire personality. Combined with the richly colored jungle background, the cel provides a wonderful glimpse into the artistry of The Jungle Book and preserves one of the film’s most charming—and comparatively fleeting—characters.
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