Young Wart is an orphan who lives in a castle, serving in the kitchens of the local lord. He’s a small and gangly boy, with no real talent but he’s got a big heart and is always trying to help, even if it’s to his own detriment. But when Wart falls through the roof of Merlin’s hut during a hunting trip, his life is turned upside down as he receives education and advice about his potential future.

This is an old, old movie. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman in 1963, The Sword in The Stone is one of my favorite movies from Disney’s golden age of animation. I loved the King Arthur mythos as a kid and thought it was the coolest thing ever to just pull a sword out of a stone and be made king. Despite the cost-cutting efforts and rough animation, this movie has a lot of heart. It’s quick, funny, and reminds me of a time when swords and magic were all I wanted as a kid.

The Sword in The Stone is available to stream on Disney+.