SONG OF THE SOUTH (1946)

Directed by: Harve Foster, Wilfred Jackson
Written by: Dalton S. Reymond, Morton Grant, Maurice Rapf
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Starring: James Baskett, Hattie McDaniel, Ruth Warrick
Rated: Not Rated

About the film:
When Johnny arrives at his grandmother’s plantation, he learns that his parents are separating. Distraught, he befriends an old black man named Uncle Remus who delivers life lessons to Johnny by telling him stories about Brer Rabbit.

Movie Quote:
“So ‘scuse me for sayin’ so, but them who can’t learn from a tale about critters, just ain’t got the ears tuned for listenin’.”
Uncle Remus (James Baskett) in Song of the South (1946)

Bible Quote:
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”
Job 12:7-9 (NIV)

Commentary:
Uncle Remus uses a technique which the greatest teacher of all time used… and that teacher learned it from his father. God uses figures of speech throughout His Word in order to communicate truth to us in a deep and meaningful way. These figures of speech emphasize certain points He wants to make sure we understand.

There is so much we can learn about God, life, and truth simply by observing His creation in action. Many of the lessons recorded in the scriptures use the animal kingdom to figuratively illustrate the point being made.

In Proverbs 6, we are told to consider the ways of the ant and be wise. In 1 Peter 5, the devil is described as a roaring lion on the prowl. In Matthew 10, Jesus told his followers to go forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

In each case, by considering the illustration, we gain further insight into the spiritual lesson being taught. All it takes is tuning our ears or minds to God’s “channel.”

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why was Johnny’s mother insistent that Uncle Remus stop telling stories to her son? Was her concern justified?

2. What lessons have you observed by watching animals in action?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com