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101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians is a 1961 Disney animated adventure comedy film based on Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

101 Dalmatians is a 1961 Disney animated adventure comedy film based on Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It follows two Dalmatian dogs, Pongo and Perdita, as they try to rescue their stolen puppies from Cruella de Vil. The film later inspired a 1996 live-action remake and other adaptations.

Plot

The story centers on Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatian dogs whose puppies are kidnapped by Cruella de Vil. The dogs travel with allies to rescue the puppies before Cruella can turn them into a coat.

Production

The film was produced by Walt Disney Productions and adapted for the screen by Bill Peet. It is also notable for being the first Disney feature to rely entirely on the Xerox process for transferring drawings to animation cels.

Reception and legacy

101 Dalmatians became an important title in Disney history and remained popular enough to inspire later adaptations. Its success helped establish the property as a long-running Disney franchise.

Adaptations

The 1961 animated film was followed by a 1996 live-action remake and later sequel and related works. The story has also appeared in other media, including television and stage adaptations.

Key facts

  • 101 Dalmatians is a 1961 Disney animated feature based on Dodie Smith’s novel.
  • The film follows Pongo and Perdita rescuing their puppies from Cruella de Vil.
  • It was the first Disney feature to use the Xerox process for animation.
  • The film inspired a 1996 live-action remake and other adaptations.
  • 101 Dalmatians has been widely distributed in Canada through various media.
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Canadian context

101 Dalmatians has long been part of Disney’s international catalog and has been widely shown in Canada through theatrical re-releases, television, home video, and streaming distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is 101 Dalmatians based on?
It is based on Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians.
When was 101 Dalmatians released?
The film was released on January 25, 1961.
Who directed 101 Dalmatians?
The film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, and Wolfgang Reitherman.
Who is the villain in 101 Dalmatians?
The villain is Cruella de Vil, who tries to steal Dalmatian puppies for a fur coat.
Is 101 Dalmatians an animated or live-action film?
The 1961 original is an animated film; Disney later made a live-action remake in 1996.

References

  1. Disney — https://www.disney.com
    Supports: Official film title, release date, runtime, genre, and production credit for the 1961 animated film.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Hundred_and_One_Dalmatians
    Supports: Plot, directors, source novel, and basic film identification.
  3. Animated Views — https://am.animatedviews.com/101Dalmatians.html
    Supports: Release date, runtime, budget, box office, and historical significance.
  4. Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/facts-about-101-dalmatians-film-2019-1
    Supports: Use of the Xerox process and adaptation background.