Adventures Never End In Disney’s ‘Homeward Bound’

The inspiration to dub celebrity voices over an otherwise conventional dog-and-cat picture has resulted in a potent new charter for the Disney machine. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” issued in 1993, is the hit that keeps on hitting, thanks to video, and its just-opening sequel promises likewise.

Thankfully, “Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco” offers substance beyond the original’s conventional entertainment value. With its continuing tale of two dogs and a cat, seemingly incapable of staying put with their people, the film becomes a wake-up call to the widespread problem of stray and abandoned pets.

It’s told from the creatures’ point of view - a Disney trademark that dates as far back as “The Old Mill” in 1937 - and is all the more humorous and touching for that. Chance, the arrogant young American bulldog, retains the voice of Michael J. Fox; Sassy, the sarcastic Siamese, has the voice of Sally Field. For Shadow, the aged golden retriever, Ralph Waite takes over honorably from the late Don Ameche.

Here’s the suburban family, all set to go camping with the pets, and here are the three animals, expecting the worst when they find themselves en route to the San Francisco airport. A daring escape follows, the family’s plane takes off without them, and the animals spend the balance of the picture doing the “Homeward Bound” number. Human players are frankly incidental.

Danger and mischief lurk at every turn, of course.

The greater charm of the picture lies in its assortment of strays - many of them cast from among pets rescued by the Humane Society - who are assigned the voices of such actors as Tommy Lasorda, Sinbad, Bob Uecker, Jon Polito and Stephen Tobolowsky. This is probably as close as the studio will get to a live-action version of its 1955 animated gem “Lady and the Tramp” - but then, one never knows.

Director David R. Ellis keeps things rocking between suspense and lighthearted adventure, and the interaction he achieves among several dogs at once is astonishing; this complicated process involves as many animal trainers as there are animals. Chris Hauty’s screenplay captures considerable character in the animals. Sheila Burnford, whose book “The Incredible Journey” was filmed more straightforwardly by Disney in 1963, receives due credit - although she’d never have put such wisecracking dialogue into her characters’ mouths.

The bottom line is “HBII’s” unmistakable message that there are homeless pets as lovable as these in practically any animal shelter. The urge to adopt should be irresistible after a look at this fetching movie.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ‘Homeward Bound II’ Locations: East Sprague, Lyons and Showboat cinemas Credits: Directed by David R. Ellis; with the voices of Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Ralph Waite Running time: 1:29 Rating: G