Interesting Facts About The Secret Of NIMH

The Secret Of NIMH might not be Don Bluth's highest grossing film (that honor goes to Anastasia), nor is it his most popular film of all time (that's split between An American Tail and The Land Before Time).

But the animated adaptation of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH was Don's first film after he, John Pomeroy and Gary Goldman left Disney in 1979 to form Don Bluth Productions, and it totally blew 80s kids away.

The Secret of NIMH had suspense, intrigue and mice in mortal danger. There were sword fights, an old wizard and a magic amulet, and the characters are so sympathetic viewers can't help but hiss at the wicked rats led by Jenner and root for the Brisby family.

Speaking of the Brisbys- their name in the book is "Frisby" but Wham-O, makers of the Frisbee, made them change the name because it was too similar.

(YouTube Link)

There's also the matter of Jenner's reluctant sidekick going nameless in the film, and since he's the one who puts an end to Jenner he deserves his name to be known, so here's to you Sullivan!

But what's up with the name NIMH? It stands for National Institute of Mental Health, which was only mentioned by the Farmer's Wife once in the film, but explains a lot about those rodents going psycho!

Read 12 Facts About 'The Secret Of NIMH' at mental_floss


Comments (1)

Newest 1
Newest 1 Comment

Well, it's hard to listen to the lyrics and not agree with (1971) John's assessment that it is virtually the Communist Manifesto. It's so obvious that I don't think one even needs to do a point-by-point.

I am a big John Lennon fan. He was tremendously talented. At that time, he was also incredibly naive, a nasty drunk and, frankly, a bit of a dick even when sober. Let's not forget that he was barely 31 when this song was released, and a very immature 31 at that - given what had happened to him to that point, that's hardly a surprise.

This is one of the saddest aspects of his assassination just 9 years later. By that time, it seemed like he had broken through at least some of his issues and was just about to hit a new gear - sadly, it is left to us to "Imagine" what might have been...
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I disagree a bit. It does say "imagine" all these things. I don't believe he is advocating for communism so much as saying that when you deal with other people and argue about, say, religion, or possessions, then think about a world without them and treat people that way. I think it strives for a better understanding of people in different situations. At least, that's the way I like to interpret it.

All this reminds me of the WKRP episode dealing with a religious leader attempting to censor the station's programming. They used this song in it.

One more note - it is funny that performers wish to exclude the "no religion" line. I mean, I see where they are coming from, but considering religion has, throughout history, been a huge source of conflict in the world, it would be totally wrong to exclude it. Good for you, Yoko!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Never a big fan of the song. And I completely disagree with Eddie about George Harrison's signature song. I would argue it's "Something", the favorite Beatle song of Frank Sinatra (who considered it the greatest love song written in the 20th century). He also incorrectly credited it to Lennon-McCartney.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
One of the greatest songs ever written. To me, it was song that showed the REAL John Lennon, or at least the one influenced by Yoko. Too bad not that many people really listened to what he was trying to say. I live about 20 minutes from where Mark David Chapman is being held and this time of year always makes me depressed. Seems like yesterday (no pun intended). Hard to believe it's been 32 years now.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I agree that "Something" is George Harrison's signature song. It was the only Harrison song to be released as a single by the Beatles. Interestingly, it's also the second-most covered song recorded, with "Yesterday" the first.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
It's funny... I was a big Beatles fan during their heyday - but I was never much of a John Lennon fan.

Feeling a sense of negativity and rebellion in the aura Lennon gave off, I thought the balance of McCartney's warmer disposition brought John Lennon more towards the middle.

I liked "Woman" and "Imagine", but "Give Peace a Chance" and "Instant Karma" eluded my tastes. Teenage life was already hard enough... I think I was wanting to have music as an escape from the worries and challenges, more than having to make heavy statements.

Oh............ and somehow I NEVER understood "Yoko Ono" - Period.

Still, a very interesting article Eddie, it helps peek into that mysterious mind of John Lennon that I just never quite adjusted to.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Commenting is closed.

We hope you like this article!
Please help us grow by sharing:

Get Updates In Your Inbox

Free weekly emails, plus get access
to subscriber-only prizes.

We won't share your email. You can cancel at any time.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Interesting Facts About The Secret Of NIMH"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
neat stories? Like us on Facebook!
Close: I already like you guys!