Disney’s Song of the South stands as a polarizing piece of cinematic history. Released in 1946, this film, which blends live-action and animation, has faced widespread scrutiny for its stereotypical and racist portrayal of Black individuals while neglecting the deep-rooted traumas that followed the end of slavery. The film’s reputation is so contentious that Disney has never officially released it for home viewing in the United States; only a select few have experienced it through theatrical re-releases.
The narrative follows a young boy named Johnny, portrayed by Bobby Driscoll—who later lent his voice to Peter Pan in Disney’s 1953 film—who is sent to his grandmother’s plantation in Georgia during the Reconstruction Era. It is here that he encounters Uncle Remus, played by James Baskett, who entertains him with tales of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. While the film is steeped in problematic themes, its historical background and enduring legacy increase its complexity.
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Splash Mountain Was Originally Themed After Song of the South Until 2023
It Has Been Reimagined As A Princess and the Frog Attraction
Splash Mountain, an iconic log flume ride located in both DisneyWorld and Disneyland, drew inspiration from Song of the South until a transformation that began in 2020. Focused on the animated portions of the film featuring Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear, the attraction opened its doors in 1989—long after the film’s controversial standing had taken shape. Following the Black Lives Matter movement, Disney made the decision to re-theme Splash Mountain, transitioning to a new narrative inspired by the beloved film The Princess and the Frog.
The ride closed in 2023 and reopened as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in June 2024. In a statement shared on the Disney Parks Blog, Public Relations Director Michael Ramirez elaborated on the importance of updating attractions to reflect contemporary values:
“The approach to retheming or ‘plussing’ attractions begins with Imagineers asking how we can elevate the experience and tell a relevant story. This process is crucial today, as it allows us to create a narrative that resonates with our diverse guests.”
Notably, the Splash Mountain ride at Tokyo Disneyland still maintains its Song of the South theme to this day.
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Song of the South Won An Oscar For Best Original Song
The Song Remains A Classic
The song “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,”performed by Uncle Remus in the film, remains one of the few recognizable elements of Song of the South. It won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1947 and is still featured on Disney soundtracks, available for streaming on platforms like Spotify. While the song’s catchy tune and lyrics might not directly reference themes of race or slavery, its recognition at the Oscars highlights problematic aspects of Hollywood’s historical values.
In addition, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”was honored on the American Film Institute‘s 2007 list of the top movie songs, ranking at #47. Although nominated for the AFI’s list of 100 Movie Musicals, Song of the South ultimately did not secure a place. In a significant shift, Disney removed the song from its theme parks and parades in 2022 (as reported by Indiewire).
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James Baskett, The Actor Behind Uncle Remus, Received An Honorary Oscar
He Died Shortly After Winning The Award
In 1948, James Baskett was awarded an honorary Oscar for his role as Uncle Remus, making him the first Black man to receive such an accolade. Baskett’s co-star, Hattie McDaniel, was the first Black woman to win an Oscar, receiving the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Gone with the Wind in 1940. According to the official Oscars website, Honorary Oscars recognize extraordinary lifetime achievements and contributions to the film industry.
Despite his contribution, Baskett was relatively unknown in Hollywood at the time, which raises questions about whether racial bias prevented him from receiving a competitive Oscar. Unfortunately, he passed away in July 1948, just months following his recognition.
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Hattie McDaniel Faced Controversy During the Film’s Release
The Leader of the NAACP Was Critical of Her Role
Hattie McDaniel, who portrayed Aunt Tempy, was involved in a notable controversy during the film’s release. Valarie Stewart, daughter of Nick Stewart (voice of Br’er Bear), recounted that NAACP head Walter Francis White was critical of McDaniel’s presence in the film due to her darker skin tone. Reportedly, White launched several campaigns against her roles in various films; Stewart claims that Song of the South was a particular target of the NAACP’s discontent.
Beyond this internal conflict, the film attracted considerable backlash from the Black community. Upon its release in 1947, protests erupted, with demonstrators standing outside the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. Signs displayed sentiments such as “We want films on Democracy not Slavery” and “Don’t fill children’s minds with films like this.” Such protests were not isolated, as similar demonstrations took place across the United States (via Who’s Afraid of Song of the South? and Other Forbidden Disney Stories by Jim Korkis).
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James Baskett Was Excluded From The Film’s Premiere in Atlanta
His Absence Was a Result of Jim Crow Laws
The premiere of Song of the South occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 12, 1946. James Baskett was notably absent from this significant event, not by choice, but because he was prohibited from attending due to his race amid the era of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation across the country.
At the time, the National Jewish Post publicly condemned Baskett’s exclusion. This reality also fueled ongoing discussions about Walt Disney’s alleged antisemitism throughout his career, though many of these accusations remain unsubstantiated (via AP).
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Br’er Bear, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Rabbit, Among Other Characters, Persisted in Disney Media
They Were Featured as Recently as 2011
The animated figures from Song of the South, including Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Fox, continued to appear in various Disney productions long after the film’s original release. This included the controversial character of the Tar-Baby, which is heavily tied to racial stereotypes.
Br’er Bear and the Tar-Baby featured prominently in the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? More recently, the characters made an appearance in the 2011 video game Kinect: Disneyland Adventures, which was significant as it marked their transition to computer-generated animation.
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Song of the South Has Never Been Available on Home Video or Streaming
And It Won’t Be Available Anytime Soon
Song of the South is often better remembered for its controversies rather than its artistic contributions. Since the 1980s, Disney has shifted away from theatrical re-releases to focusing on home media formats. Remarkably, the film has not been made available in the U.S. on VHS, DVD, or other home video formats.
While it has seen releases in select European and Asian markets, the film remains absent from Disney’s streaming service, Disney+. As reported during a shareholder meeting in 2019, Disney executive chairman Bob Iger stated that Song of the South is “not appropriate in today’s world,” confirming it would not appear on the platform, even with content advisory warnings like those given to other controversial films.
Interestingly, Song of the South is expected to enter the public domain by 2041, potentially allowing for wider access once it is no longer under Disney’s control.
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A Fan Website is Dedicated to the Film and Its Home Media Release
Some Still Yearn to See the Film
Despite the surrounding controversy, there remains a faction of fans who hold a fondness for Song of the South and desire its re-release. A dedicated website, created by Christian Willis at www.songofthesouth.net, showcases his collection of promotional material and personal interpretations regarding the film and its contentious issues. Willis actively advocates for making the film available to contemporary audiences.
This desire for accessibility is echoed by various petitions urging Disney to reconsider the availability of Song of the South on home media or through streaming services. The most recent petition surfaced in February 2025 (via Change.org).
Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that the film’s narratives perpetuate deeply rooted racial stereotypes and gloss over the history of slavery’s impact on the American South. No amount of charm from animated characters or upbeat musical numbers can erase the film’s troubling legacy.