The Secret of NIHM

An all-star cast supply the voice work for this wonderful adaptation of Robert C. O'Brien's novel. Don Bluth has a wonderful eye for animation, he should having cut his chops as an assistant for the original SNOW WHITE and under his direction a simple film becomes an absolute pleasure. By no means dismiss this as a kiddie flick for the subject matter is quite mature and there are even some rather intense scenes of violence making this highly unsuitable for "televised' babysitting duty. It tells the story of a widowed field mouse who must raise her four offspring, one who is very sick, on her own and the struggles she faces. The late Elizabeth Hartman (who sadly jumped to her death) provides the voice for Mrs. Brisby (Frisby in the book but changed in the film to avoid law suits) with Derek Jacobi, Dom DeLuise, Wil Wheaton, John Carradine and even Shannen Doherty rounding out the cast. A fine film for a rainy end of summer afternoon at the cottage and well worth looking for.