Scamp (Lady and the Tramp)

In the 1955 movie "Lady and the Tramp", Scamp is the son of the title characters, Lady and Tramp, seen only briefly at the end of the movie. He struck a chord with viewers and went on to have a long career in Disney comics, ultimately starring in his own movie, "" in 2001.

The "Scamp" Comic

The "Scamp" comic strips were written by Dick Moores, Manuel Gonzales and later Ward Greene [ [http://coa.inducks.org/character.php?c=SIB&view=4&c1=date Inducks] ] and was published from October 31, 1955 until 1988. In these versions Scamp is a young pup, not much older than the end of "Lady and the Tramp", as he is only a little larger in size. These comics were produced in the 1950s and re-released many times.

Recap

Scamp is a trouble-prone pup who decidedly takes after his father, Tramp. In "Lady and the Tramp: Scamp's Adventure", he starts off completely unaware of his father's "footloose and collar-free" past, going so far as to say, "You've been a housedog all your life. How would you know (what it's like to want to run free)?" Oblivious though he is, he is determined to follow in Tramp's footsteps. But when he finds out that Tramp is "the" Tramp, a former street dog and literally a legend in his own time, he becomes confused as to why Tramp would give up the wild and free life. By this point, ironically, he has already begun to discover part of the reason: love. In his case it comes in the form of the lovely Angel, a girl pup about Scamp's age. His growing relationship further fuels an internal conflict which lasts for most of the movie, with one part of him longing for a free life while the other half, accompanied by Angel, urges him to go home to his loving family where he belongs.

During Scamp and Angel's romp in the park they visit several of the landmarks from Lady and Tramp's walk in the park in the original movie. They even run right over the spot where Lady and Tramp had left pawprints when the cement was still wet- Scamp is quite literally following in his father's footsteps.

In the end, after having been betrayed by Buster, Scamp comes to realize that Angel was right. And when she and Tramp come to his rescue, he admits that he was wrong to question his dad's judgement. He goes home, although he doesn't do so without dealing one parting blow to Buster's ego. Nor is he willing to return unless Angel comes with him. Between this and the agreement Scamp made to meet his father halfway behavior/discipline-wise, the future looks bright all around.

Personality

Scamp decidedly takes after his father, as evidenced by his appearance. It comes as little surprise that he feels stifled by life as a housedog, and still less surprise that he runs away as soon as he gets the chance. He has an over-blown image of his own abilities, leading to some comical sequences such as when he tries to impress Angel in the alley. His ego leaves him easy prey to Buster's flattery. During the course of the movie, however, he gradually comes to grips with the fact that he does not belong on the streets. He almost accepts the truth too late, but when he gets a second chance he's wise enough to take it. In short, Scamp is not perhaps the smartest dog out there, but in the end he is not above learning his rightful place. [ Disney DVD "Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp's Adventure" - Special feature Disney Backstage the making of feature and second audio track commentary]

References

External links

* [http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/ladyandthetramp2/ Lady and the Tramp 2 Official Website]
* [http://disneyvideos.disney.go.com/moviefinder/products/5033803.html Second official Website] DisneyVideos.com
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* [http://www.ultimatedisney.com/ladyandthetrampII.html Review with additional pictures] Ultimate Disney.com