I can still recite large portions of the dialog even though it has probably been years since I've sat down and watched it. Back before home vcr's were so common Disney would release large LPs that were a read-along but contained substantial portions of the film's actual dialogue. The LP would also have select pictures from the film, too to keep the film fresh in my mind. The film is about a young orphan girl, Penny who gets mixed up with some villainous characters, Madame Medusa and her sidekick, Mr. Snoops to escape the orphanage. The two want her to retrive a large diamond from a cavern in the swamp that has an opening too small for an adult.
Penny sneaks out a message in a bottle at the film's beginning.
During the credits we watch this tiny lone bottle drift across the water, past large boats that appear to nearly smash it, through large waves brought on by storms until it rests in the NYC harbor. It is retrieved by the Rescue Aid Society, a group of mice from around the world who help those in trouble. Bernard and Bianca are selected for this mission. Their journey begins at the Morningside Orphanage where Penny's message in a bottle was addressed. They chat with Rufus, an aging mouser.