The Fox and the Hound 1981

As a gentle young red fox suddenly finds himself orphaned, a caring group of companions springs into action. The wise and watchful Big Mama the owl, along with the whimsical Dinky the finch and the energetic Boomer the woodpecker, orchestrate a plan for his adoption by the kind-hearted Widow Tweed, who names him Tod. Meanwhile, on a nearby property, Amos Slade welcomes home a sprightly hound pup named Copper, introducing him to his seasoned hunting partner, Chief. Initially indifferent towards Copper, Chief gradually grows fond of the lively newcomer.

As fate would have it, Tod and Copper cross paths, forming a steadfast friendship and vowing to remain companions forever. However, as the seasons change, their bond is tested; Amos grows weary of Copper’s mischievous excursions, leading him to confine Copper with a leash. In a fateful encounter, Tod inadvertently rouses Chief, prompting a chase where Amos and his canine ally pursue him until Widow Tweed intervenes. This encounter entails a grave warning: should Tod stray onto Slade’s land again, dire consequences await him.

As time flows on, Tod and Copper evolve into adulthood. Copper returns as a proficient hunting dog, tasked with tracking down foxes. One fateful night, Tod ventures over to visit, setting off Chief’s alertness and consequently rousing Amos. A chaotic chase ensues, culminating in Tod being cornered by Copper before he distracts Amos. In a desperate attempt to flee across railroad tracks, Tod faces a devastating accident when a train collides with him, resulting in a debilitating leg injury. Fueled by betrayal and rage, Copper and Amos swear to seek vengeance against Tod, assuming his actions were deliberate. Realizing Tod can no longer be safe under her care, Tweed elects to relocate him to a game reserve.

In the reserve, Tod braves a tumultuous night until Big Mama reappears and introduces him to Vixey, a lovely female fox who aids him in adjusting to his new life. Before long, Amos and Copper find their way into the reserve, shifting their focus from mere exploration to a relentless hunt for Tod and Vixey. The chase reaches a breaking point when they unexpectedly confront a massive bear. In the chaos, Amos tumbles into one of his own traps, leaving his rifle maddeningly out of reach. Yet Copper remains steadfast, bravely defending against the enormous creature but finds himself moments away from disaster. Just then, Tod, the unexpected hero, leaps into the fray, clashing with the bear and engaging in a fierce battle that leads them both tumbling down a tumultuous waterfall.

As Tod lies battered and motionless on the lake’s bottom, Copper approaches him, just as Amos appears above, rifle drawn, ready for retribution. Nonetheless, Copper stands unwavering, unwilling to abandon Tod, prompting Amos to finally comprehend the severity of their situation. In a moment of profound realization, he spares Tod’s life for Copper’s sake, sheathing his weapon and departing with Copper at his side. The duo, once rivals, share a poignant moment of understanding before going their separate ways.

Meanwhile, Widow Tweed tends to Amos as he recovers, much to his embarrassment. As Amos drifts into sleep, Copper’s thoughts drift back to the day their paths first intertwined with Tod’s. Simultaneously, Vixey joins Tod atop a hill, and together they gaze down at the homes of Widow Tweed and Amos, forever altered by the events that have unfolded.