Balto

**Balto** is a 1995 American-British live action/animated adventure film directed by Simon Wells. The film was released by Universal Pictures on December 22, 1995.

The film is loosely based on a true story about a dog named Balto, who helped save children that were infected by the diphtheria epidemic in the 1925 serum run to Nome.

## Plot

A deadly epidemic of diphtheria strikes the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With the life-saving medicine located hundreds of miles away, the residents decide to send out a sled-dog team.

Balto (voiced by Kevin Bacon), a half-wolf dog, who is ignored by everyone except a goose named Boris (voiced by Bob Hoskins) & two polar bears, is chosen to run, but is disqualified by lead dog Steele (voiced by Jim Cummings).

When the other dogs get lost in the snow, Balto risks his life to rescue them and deliver the medicine.

## Voice Cast

* Kevin Bacon as Balto
* Bob Hoskins as Boris Goosinoff
* Bridget Fonda as Jenna
* Juliette Brewer as Rosy
* Jim Cummings as Steele
* Phil Collins as Muk and Luk
* Jack Angel, Danny Mann and Robbie Rist as Nikki, Kaltag and Star
* Sandra Dickinson as Dixie
* William Roberts as Rosy's father
* Donald Sinden as Curtis Welch

### Cast

* Miriam Margolyes as old Rosy (in the live-action sequences)
* Lola Bates-Campbell as Rosy's unnamed granddaughter (in the live-action sequences)

## Box Office

"Balto" grossed $1,519,755 during its opening weekend, ranking #15 at the box office. Overall, it grossed $11,348,324.

## Critical Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, "Balto" has an approval rating of 54% based on 24 reviews with an average rating of 5.90\10. The site's critical consensus reads: *"Balto is a well-meaning adventure with spirited animation, but mushy sentimentality and bland characterization keeps it at paw's length from more sophisticated family fare."*

Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film a positive review, describing it as *"a kids' movie, simply told, with lots of excitement and characters you can care about"* and praised every thrilling scene.

David Parkinson from Radio Times wrote: *"Kevin Bacon's voice turns the wolf-dog crossbreed into a no-nonsense hero with a sense of duty that far outweighs the pride of his deadly rival, Steele, while Bob Hoskins's eccentric Russian goose provides the comedy."*

Empire Magazine said: *"With no cheesy songs to slow proceedings down and some barnstorming chase sequences, this is enchanting, highly enjoyable and impressively crafted (not least for its adventurous "camera work") and would have made a pretty fair live action film."*

Variety magazine wrote: *"The goose and bears, in particular, don't add much to the proceedings, while Balto himself proves rather blandly heroic."*

Writing for the Los Angeles Times, David Kronke said: *"Even as voiced by [Kevin] Bacon, Balto doesn't have the sort of charisma to get kids to truly root for him."*

USA Today wrote: *"The love story is pure mush, not helped by the bland voice work done by Kevin Bacon as Balto and Bridget Fonda as dainty husky Jenna."*

The San Francisco Chronicle called the film an *"inspiring tale, ideally suited to animated treatment"*, adding: *" Balto, the lively and resolute hero, has the voice of Kevin Bacon. His only buddies are a silly goose named Boris (Bob Hoskins) and two landlubber polar bears, Muk and Luk (Phil Collins is the voice of both). A plucky dog story -- especially with funny friends -- is always a winning formula for the G-rated crowd."*

## Awards

**Annie Awards** (1996)

* Best Animated Feature [*Nominated*]
* Best Individual Achievement (Producing): Steve Hickner [*Nominated*]
* Best Individual Achievement (Production Design): Hans Bacher [*Nominated*]
* Best Individual Achievement (Storyboarding): Rodolphe Guenoden [*Nominated*]

**Young Artist Awards** (1996)

* Best Family Feature (Musical or Comedy) [*Nominated*]

## Production companies

* Amblimation
* Amblin Entertainment
* Universal Pictures