Fox and The Hound Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer, and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 21, 2023
Fox and The Hound (1981)
The Fox and the Hound is a 1981 American animated film produced by Walt Disney Productions, loosely based on Daniel P. Mannix's novel of the same name from 1967. The story revolves around the unlikely friendship between Tod, a red fox, and Copper, a hound dog. Despite societal pressures and their natural instincts making them enemies, they struggle to maintain their bond. When Copper's mentor, Chief, is injured while chasing Tod, Copper seeks revenge.
However, in the end, they reconcile and save each other from danger. The movie was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens, and it marked the directorial debut of Berman and Rich. The voice cast includes Mickey Rooney as Tod and Kurt Russell as Copper, with other notable actors contributing to the ensemble. The musical score was composed by Buddy Baker.
Walt Disney Productions acquired the film rights to the novel in 1967 but didn't start active development until 1977. The film saw the transition from Disney's Nine Old Men animators to a new generation of animators, including future directors like Tim Burton, Brad Bird, and John Lasseter.
After a delay caused by the departure of some animators, the movie was released on July 10, 1981. It performed well at the box office and received praise for its animation and voice acting, though some critics felt it lacked groundbreaking elements. The film won one award and was nominated for three. Additionally, it was the most expensive animated film produced at the time, costing $12 million. A direct-to-DVD follow-up titled The Fox and the Hound 2 was released on December 12, 2006.
Fox and The Hound Ending Explained
At the end of The Fox and the Hound, Amos lowers his gun and leaves with Copper. Tod and Copper share a final moment of friendship before parting ways. Back at home, Widow Tweed takes care of Amos, nursing him back to health, while the two dogs rest. Copper smiles as he remembers the day he first met Tod before going to sleep.
As for why Tod's mother leaves him in the woods at the beginning of the movie, during the opening credits, she is fleeing from a hunter and a hunting dog. To protect Tod from danger, she leaves him at a farm and quickly bids him a goodbye nuzzle before running off, tragically getting shot soon after.
Regarding the saddest Disney moment, many consider the heart-wrenching scene in "Dumbo" when the titular character visits his mother to be one of the most emotional moments. In the film, Dumbo, a circus elephant with oversized ears, faces ridicule from both other animals and humans, and the scene highlights the bond between Dumbo and his mother, who is caged due to trying to protect her son.
In the movie, Widow Tweed makes a tough decision to release Tod into a nearby game preserve (a forest) to ensure his safety and to allow him to live where he truly belongs. This choice is made after Amos threatens Tweed, realizing she can't protect Tod from danger forever.
Fox and The Hound Cast
Character
Voice Actor
Tod
Mickey Rooney
Young Tod
Keith Mitchell
Copper
Kurt Russell
Young Copper
Corey Feldman
Big Mama
Pearl Bailey
Amos Slade
Jack Albertson
Vixey
Sandy Duncan
Widow Tweed
Jeanette Nolan
Chief
Pat Buttram
The Porcupine
John Fiedler
The Badger
John McIntire
Dinky
Dick Bakalyan
Boomer
Paul Winchell
Fox and The Hound Plot
After a young red fox named Tod is orphaned, he is adopted by a kind farmer named Widow Tweed, with the help of Big Mama the owl, Dinky the finch, and Boomer the woodpecker. At the same time, a hound puppy named Copper is brought home by the hunter Amos Slade, and he becomes best friends with Tod. Despite warnings from their animal friends, Tod and Copper believe their friendship will last forever.
As they grow older, Copper becomes an expert hunting dog, and Tod visits him at night. One night, their play accidentally awakens Chief, Amos' older hunting dog. A chase ensues, resulting in Chief falling into a river and getting injured. Amos and Copper blame Tod and vow vengeance. Feeling it's no longer safe for Tod, Widow Tweed leaves him at a game reserve. There, Tod meets Vixey, a female fox, who helps him adapt to his new life.
Amos and Copper trespass into the reserve to hunt Tod and Vixey. The situation escalates when they inadvertently provoke a dangerous bear. During the fight with the bear, Copper is almost killed, but Tod saves him. They both end up falling down a waterfall. As Copper approaches the wounded Tod, Amos is ready to shoot him in revenge. However, Copper positions himself in front of Tod, protecting him. Understanding that Tod saved their lives, Amos lowers his rifle and leaves with Copper.
Tod and Copper share a final moment of friendship before parting ways. Back at home, Widow Tweed takes care of Amos, nursing him back to health. Copper remembers the day he first met Tod and smiles. Meanwhile, Tod and Vixey watch from a hilltop, content with their new lives.
Fox and The Hound Where to Watch?
The Fox and the Hound is readily available for streaming on Disnet+ Hotstar. Audiences can enjoy this beloved animated film through the platform's online streaming service. "The Fox and the Hound" is a heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between a young fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper.
The story takes viewers on a journey through their childhood bond, which is put to the test as they grow up and their natural instincts as a fox and a hunting dog come into conflict. The film's emotional depth, memorable characters, and beautiful animation have made it a timeless classic cherished by both children and adults alike.
Now, with its availability on Hotstar, fans can relive the heart-touching moments and valuable life lessons depicted in this endearing Disney classic from the comfort of their own screens.
Fox and The Hound Ending Explained - FAQs
"The Fox and the Hound" is a Disney animated film that tells the touching story of the unlikely friendship between a red fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper.
"The Fox and the Hound" was released on July 10, 1981. It was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens, marking the directorial debuts of Berman and Rich.
Yes, a direct-to-DVD follow-up titled "The Fox and the Hound 2" was released on December 12, 2006.
The film was a financial success, becoming the 14th highest-grossing film of the year and earning $39.9 million in the United States.
The main themes of "The Fox and the Hound" are friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of societal expectations. It explores the enduring bond between Tod and Copper despite the odds and pressures trying to tear them apart.