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101 Dalmatians was based on the novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956) by British author Dodie Smith. Walt Disney loved animals, especially dogs, which were often characters in his animated and live-action films, including the Pluto cartoon shorts, Lady and the Tramp (1955), Old Yeller (1957) and The Incredible Journey (1963). The great character possibilities of Smith's unusual story about stolen puppies caught Walt Disney's attention. Smith could bring lively personality  to the dogs in her story because she really had Dalmatians as pet - one was even named Pongo! Two of her dogs, Folly and Buzz, were parents of 15 puppies, one of which appeared to be stillborn, but was revived, just as in the scene in the book and movies.

Walt Disney's 101 Dalmatians premiered on January 25, 1961. Mel Leven wrote the songs for the film, including "Kanine Krunchies," "Dalmatian Plantation." and the unforgettable "Cruella De Vil." Although the villianous character originated in the novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians, Cruella was further developed by artist Marc Davis, Based on a fashion-designer acquaintance and the famous actress Tallulah Bankhead. In the live-action version of 101 Dalmatians (2000), Cruella is a fashion designer, played by another famous actress, Glenn Close. The Dalmatians' wonderful story continues in the animated film 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure (2003).

PLOT SUMMARY

The Dalmatians Pongo and Perdita happily raise their 15 puppies in a small, loving home on the edge of Regents park in the city of London. Nanny cares for the lot of them, including their human pets: Roger, a composer, and Anita, an artist. Part of the family's routine is watching and singing along with their favorite TV show.

One day, their fabulously rich neighbor Cruella De Vil stops by for a visit and notices a potential source for her new black-spotted fur coat! After Roger refuses to sell the puppies, Cruella storms off and plots with her henchmen to steal them. With Nanny and Anita out of the house and Roger asleep at the piano, Horace and Jasper lure the puppies away to Cruella's fur vault using Kanine Krunchies as bait. Realizing their beloved puppies were stolen, Pongo and Perdita appeal to the dogs of London for help.

Despite the fact that she's now wanted by the police, Cruella is determined to get her new fur. Headed by the resourceful cat, Sergeant Tibbs, the dogs rescue the puppies from the fur vault, along with dozens of other Dalmatians, and capture the theives. As the police take away Cruella and her nincompoop helpers, Roger, Anita and Nanny decide to live with all 101 Dalmatians happily ever after.