Ron Clements and John Musker say Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective had about a year to complete its animation after studio leadership compressed the schedule.
In an interview published October 22 by TheWrap, the filmmakers recalled that the project had already spent two years in development before a management change. Clements said Michael Eisner liked the movie but wanted it finished in half the time and for half the money the team expected.
The shorter production forced cuts. Clements and Musker said a Henry Mancini song and the film’s daytime set pieces were dropped, along with a gag in which Basil interrogated a literal stool pigeon.
Disney released The Great Mouse Detective on July 2, 1986. Its official credits name David Michener, John Musker, Ron Clements and Burny Mattinson as directors.
The new interview arrives as the film marks its 40th anniversary.
Sources: TheWrap’s interview with Ron Clements and John Musker and Disney Movies.