Charlotte's Web (1973)

A young pig named Wilbur (Henry Gibson) is terrified of being slaughtered but he is befriended by a spider (Debbie Reynolds) who concocts a plan that will save him from the slaughterhouse. Based on the 1952 children's book by E.B. White and directed by Charles A. Nichols and Iwao Takamoto. This Hanna-Barbera animated musical version of the E.B. White book is very sweet (and I don't mean that in a condescending way). With songs by Robert B. Sherman and Robert M. Sherman (MARY POPPINS) and the straight forward animation (some may call it unimaginative) of the Hanna-Barbera studios (THE FLINTSTONES), it presents in a simple way the importance of friendship and how death is inevitable and to be understood and accepted. A weighty subject but simply told in a way children can understand. The songs are good and the voice acting excellent. Whenever I see a movie described as heartwarming, it's usually a sign to avoid it but in this case, heartwarming is a compliment. Remade in 2006. With Paul Lynde, Agnes Moorehead, Martha Scott, Dave Madden and Pamelyn Ferdin.