Disney has been experimenting a lot with its classics these past few years with live-action remakes of some of its most beloved films. From its very first attempt with The Jungle Book and this year's Aladdin and The Lion King, the studio seems to be on a roll with Lady and the Tramp now available for streaming on Disney+.
Originally premiered in 1955, Lady and the Tramp tells the story of a pampered cocker spaniel Lady, who finds herself left in the streets before meeting stray mutt Tramp, who protects her and eventually develops a romance with. Given that this is a live-action remake, after all, this 2019 rendition features two real dogs playing Lady and Tramp and mostly stays true to Disney's classic animated tale. Well, for the most part.
Remakes, of course, often take the liberty of swaying from its source material but with this film, keen fans may notice a key and appropriate difference—the removal of The Siamese Cat Song.
At the time of the original's release, it was common to portray Asians with bucked teeth and with the case of the Siamese Cats, in a seemingly caricature fashion. In the 1955 film, Peggy Lee voiced Darling, the cats Si and Am, and Pekingese Pig. According to Flavor Wire, the song was a reflection of the era's anxieties towards what they deemed as the "other" and made use of stereotypical Oriental music.
Additionally, the cats were portrayed as intimidating and untrustworthy, which further contributed to the negative narrative. In other words, the song has long been deemed racist and naturally, now untimely. The song is replaced by a new recording from Janelle Monae.
Lady and the Tramp is now available for streaming on Disney+.
Related: Disney+'s Lady and the Tramp Gets a New Trailer
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