101 Dalmatians (franchise)
The 101 Dalmatians franchise is a media property originating with the 1956 children's novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. It centers on a family of Dalmatian dogs and their struggle against Cruella de Vil, a wealthy and eccentric woman who wants to skin them for a fur coat. The franchise encompasses various adaptations and spin-offs, including animated and live-action films, television series, video games, and merchandise.
The core narrative generally follows Pongo and Perdita, two adult Dalmatians living in London, who meet, fall in love, and have fifteen puppies. Cruella de Vil, an acquaintance of their owner(s), becomes obsessed with acquiring the puppies, and eventually orchestrates their kidnapping. Pongo and Perdita embark on a perilous journey across the English countryside to rescue their puppies, eventually discovering that Cruella has captured a total of ninety-nine Dalmatian puppies, all intended for her planned coat. With the help of other animals, they outsmart Cruella and her henchmen and return all the puppies home.
Key elements and recurring themes within the franchise include:
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Cruella de Vil: The iconic villain of the franchise, known for her distinctive black and white hair, extravagant fashion sense, and ruthless determination to acquire the Dalmatian puppies.
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The Dalmatian Breed: The franchise has significantly popularized the Dalmatian dog breed, showcasing their spotted coat and energetic nature.
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Family and Loyalty: The strong bond between the Dalmatian parents and their puppies, and their unwavering commitment to rescuing them, is a central theme.
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Good vs. Evil: The clear distinction between the virtuous Dalmatians and the malevolent Cruella de Vil provides a straightforward moral conflict.
Adaptations have varied in their specific details and interpretations of the source material, but generally retain the core narrative and key characters. The franchise has enjoyed widespread popularity and continues to be a recognized and beloved part of popular culture.