Camel: Total Pressure

Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure is a 1977 animated musical fantasy film loosely adapted from the 1924 novel Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees. It was directed by Richard Williams, produced by the Bobbs-Merrill Company, and released theatrically by 20th Century Fox. A 1941 short film had previously featured the Raggedy Ann and Andy characters created by Johnny Gruelle. The first feature-length animated musical comedy produced in the United States, the plot follows Raggedy Ann and Andy, who, along with other toys, live in the nursery of a little girl named Marcella. During Marcella's seventh birthday, Babette, from France, is introduced as the new doll from a large package. Meanwhile, the infatuated Captain Contagious kidnaps Babette in his pirate ship and escapes from the nursery. Ann and Andy must explore and find Babette in the Deep Deep Woods to save her. The film began development when producer Richard Horner chose the characters from a conversation surrounding promotions of children's products. The Bobbs-Merrill Company became its financer, and the film was a stage musical and a live-action television special before it was decided to become an animated film. Director Williams controlled most of production, which lasted for more than two years, budgeting to the cost of $4 million. As a result, the release date was pushed back for an extra three months of work. Joe Raposo contributed all of the music and songs for the film. The film's promotional campaign cost $2 million. Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure premiered on March 20, 1977, in nine major cities before it was generally released on April 1, 1977, in the United States. The film received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics lauded the animation, voice cast, and songs, while others criticized some of the characters and its writing. Since its release, there were a few home video releases and some television broadcasts of the film. It was adapted by the 1981 drama adaptation and the 1986 Broadway musical Raggedy Ann. In recent years, it has developed a cult following for its songs and characters.