The Art of Ariel

"The Little Mermaid" animator Glen Keane talks in Hollywood.

Anyone who likes animation can agree that 1989's "The Little Mermaid" was a game-changer.

But do we mean the tried-and-trite "game changer" there? "The Little Mermaid" swam into animated cinema and left a thousand tiny oxygen bubbles in its wake, each of those representing another film that aspired to take on some of its singing, successful, oh-so-sweet qualities.

Disney animator Glen Keane was a big part of the Mermaidian mojo; he, after all, designed Ariel. Heard of her? Joking. You know every word to "Part of Your World," like everyone does and should.

Mr. Keane will be stopping by the Egyptian on Saturday afternoon to chat about his famous Titian-tressed heroine and "Tangled," too (he worked on the new Disney film as well as on "The Little Mermaid"). But do we mean "Titian" there? Ariel's hair is more coral-reef red.

"The Little Mermaid" will screen at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11.

Two more things: Mr. Keane worked on "The Rescuers," a film that included the voice of one Bob Newhart, who will be opening the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Friday, Dec. 10 at the Nokia. 

LA!!! Giving fans of good things everything they want, practically all the time.

Second thing: If the crowd doesn't do a bit of cheering for Flotsam and Jetsam during "The Little Mermaid," we'll have had it. They're only two of the best cinematic eels ever. C'mon. Their dorsal fins are practically mohawks. Awesome.

Can you name a better movie eel, or pair of 'em? Exactly.

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