The Great Bear Scare

The Great Bear Scare is a delightful animated feature, released in 1983, that features the voice talents of Tom Smothers, Louis Nye, and Hans Conried. This children's movie weaves an endearing narrative filled with charm, humor, and lessons about understanding and coexistence, making it a treasured classic despite being largely forgotten today.

The movie is anchored by Tom Smothers, who lends his voice to the lead character, Teddy. Teddy is a rather unassuming bear from Bearbank. Being a bear, he is naturally assumed by the human world to be wild and villainous. It is this misapprehension about Teddy and his kind that The Great Bear Scare cleverly explores, as it embarks on an enlightening journey about overcoming stereotypes.

In the film, Teddy is mistakenly sent to the city of Megopolis, a bustling metropolis designed with vibrant graphics to mirror the quintessential busy city life. The hustle and bustle of the metropolis is intimidated by the presence of Teddy, igniting the 'great bear scare'. The humans, spearheaded by the zany Mayor (voiced by renowned character actor Hans Conried), view Teddy as a threat due to their ingrained fear and misconceptions about bears, setting off a wave of bear-phobia across the city.

While Teddy is taken aback by the chaos he unintentionally inspires, he is unwavering in his determination to dispel the image that has been wrongly associated with him and his kind. His kind-hearted nature gradually becomes evident to some of the inhabitants of Megopolis, who contribute to the story's evolving dynamics. Along Teddy's journey, delightful characters such as the ever-funny Louis Nye, who voices multiple roles, provide both comic relief and support towards Teddy's noble mission.

The Great Bear Scare emphasizes the importance of not judging others based on preconceived notions or appearances, reflecting the timeless teachings about harmony and acceptance. It does so in a light-hearted, comical manner that appeals to children, while also containing enough depth to engage adults, making it a movieworthy of family night.

The animation style of The Great Bear Scare lends itself to the film's overall charm. The artwork is creatively done with a sense of whimsy that suits the film's tone and targets its intended demographic, without being overly simplistic or childish. From the bright and busy Megopolis to the soft and breezy landscapes of Bearbank, the contrasting animation effectively symbolizes the misconceptions and differences between the two worlds.

Tom Smothers, in particular, deserves credit for his voice acting that skillfully balances Teddy’s initial naivety with his slow realization of the prevailing stereotypes against bears. His performance evokes empathy, making Teddy a truly likable character rooting for. Louis Nye and Hans Conried also bring their distinctive voices and comedic timing to their respective characters, delivering performances that stay memorable and entertaining.

While it has its fair share of light-hearted humor, The Great Bear Scare is not just a surface-level children's film. It cleverly manages to deal with complex themes such as prejudices and acceptance, using the metaphor of the 'bear scare' to subtly but effectively convey the messages. The film uses its characters and storyline to bring about this contemplation in a manner that is easy for children to understand, making it an engaging learning experience.

In conclusion, The Great Bear Scare is a heart-warming family film that delivers a powerful message on overcoming stereotypes and fostering understanding. With an engaging storyline and enchanting animation coupled with memorable performances from Tom Smothers, Louis Nye, and Hans Conried, it remains an overlooked gem from the 1980s. It stands as a film that, while created for children, has a profound message that resonates with viewers of all ages, making it a truly delightful viewing experience.