User Reviews

PECOS BILL is one of Rabbit Ears finest stories ever told and is probably just as funny as THE FOOL AND THE FLYING SHIP. Robin Williams' narration is a hoot as he gives an incredible John Wayne impersonation for the greatest cowboy hero. Tim Raglin's illustrations are colorful and beautiful, especially of the image of Pecos Bill himself with his red shirt, his red hair, and his white, furry pants that gives the perfect impression to Pecos Bill's style. Ry Cooder's music is probably the true highlight of this story as he makes the music sound so country. PECOS BILL is surely a classic hit that children will love for many years.

Here's the true, unvarnished tale of how old PECOS BILL became the greatest cowboy of them all.

The folks at Rabbit Ears have brought us this boisterous version of the seminal American legend from the Wild West. Its high spirits and sense of good natured fun are practically infectious. This Tale Tale is sure to tickle the funny bone of any ornery polecat willing to sit through half an hour of homespun hilarity.

Robin Williams' Texas cowpoke drawl narration is the perfect partner to Ry Cooder's tuneful Western guitar and Tim Raglin's colorful drawings, all adding up to a whole chili pot full of fun.

Pecos Bill as a character is an interesting one, one of the "big man legend" sort of characters, and his adventures are good fun. My first exposure to the character quite some while back was through the 'Pecos Bill' segment featured in Disney's 'Melody Time', a segment that did leave a sizeable impression on me and made me interested enough in hearing and knowing more about the character. Generally he is not portrayed enough.

Rabbit Ears Productions for just over a decade made a number of fine animated adaptations of classic children's literature, and their 'Pecos Bill' is one of their most acclaimed. It also doesn't hurt having the very talented Robin Williams during one of his peak periods, whose untimely death is still a loss deeply felt, as narrator. Seeing 'Pecos Bill' for myself, it is no wonder as to why it is considered one of Rabbit Ears Productions' best. It is certainly among my favourites of theirs, speaking as somebody that loves most of them.

There is so much to love here. My favourite aspect of 'Pecos Bill' is the music score. All solo guitar driven it is incredibly atmospheric and has real authenticity, also really liked the folksy and country music approach it had at points and thought they were very appropriate stylistically. In terms of atmosphere, the music was perfectly pitched (pun intended). The upbeat tone early on was really charming and the more intense moments later on contrasted very well and didn't jar, which it could easily have done and a potential trap for tonal changes.

Close behind is Williams' narration. He is immensely engaging and manages to be very funny (without going into overdrive) and energetic, as well as sincere. He really did sound like he was having the time of his life when recording and that level of energy and committment adds so much to the enjoyment, he even makes the perilous moments exciting when emphasising Pecos Bill's heroism. Even the cowboy accent, an easy one to stereotype, is nailed.

Am another person that loves the animation, which was hardly a surprise as all the adaptations in the series are well animated. It has a simple style but it is not too limited and contains some of the most colourful, rich and fun to watch visuals of the series. Loved the character design for Pecos Bill himself and there are some nice little moments like with the rattlesnake.

Furthermore, the writing is full of humour, never predictable shocks and intrigue. The storytelling is high in adventure in an exciting way and the darker moments are suspenseful but never too scary. Pecos Bill is a likeable character and is wonderfully heroic.

Overall, brilliant and one of the best of the series. 10/10

I remember watching the story of Pecos Bill when I was in middle school. The story was told by the late, and great, Robin Williams. He narrates it like nobody else can with a twangy Texan sort of drawl. The story of Pecos Bill, which was first released 35 years ago, is my all-time favorite story from the Rabbit Ears series. This legendary cowboy really put the wild in the Wild West. I even like Williams' impersonation of John Wayne.

If you love the story of Pecos Bill, I also recommend the Legend of Sleepy Hallow and the story of John Henry. You're going to love them! Don't forget to check out other great stories from the Rabbit Ears collection.

I had read so many positive reviews of this movie, just raving about it, that I couldn't wait to see it. Review after review book just raved about this little film.

I found it very disappointing; not anywhere near as humorous as the critics would have you believe. What is the big deal?

What this is, is a 30-minute animation featuring the voice of Robin Williams. The visuals are just "stills." Tim Raglin's drawings are okay, but nothing spectacular.

I did enjoy the guitar work of Ry Cooder, one of my favorites. To me that was a lot more enjoyable than the story or the artwork.