Howard Parent Guide

Howard Ashman may not be a household name, but you would be hard-pressed to find a person unfamiliar with his legacy. He was the lyricist who penned most of the now-classic songs in Disney’s adaptations of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast. His contribution also restored the studio to its former glory after a terrible string of lackluster animated movies seemed likely to permanently shutter the Mouse House.

This documentary about Howard’s life is written and directed by Don Hahn, a long-time creative force at Disney, who produced the Oscar winning Beauty and The Beast in 1991. Hahn starts his retelling at Ashman’s childhood, featuring interviews with Howard’s mother and sister. Then he follows the ups and downs of his career, which include being the owner of a struggling theater company in a low-rent section of New York City and developing the hit musical Little Shop of Horrors and the flop Smile. The film eventually culminates with Ashman’s collaboration with CEO Jeffery Katzenberg, composer Alan Menken and a group of aspiring artists at Disney’s animation lot.

A core part of the story, because it was a core part of the man, is Howard’s sexual orientation. His relationships with a college roommate and his later life partner are mentioned matter-of-factly- reflecting the contemporary acceptance of homosexuality. This is presented in contrast to the prejudices of Howard’s day that are depicted using archival footage of protestors and media discussion about the AIDS crisis. Those familiar with the biography of Howard Ashman will know he succumbed to the dreaded disease himself in March of 1991, while still working on the film Aladdin.

Created for TV to run on the streaming network Disney+, Howard offers a generous tribute to a man of talent whose life was cut short just as his true potential was being revealed. As a documentary, it is well-crafted and should please those interested in this history. But younger audiences are likely to fidget through this reflective foray. Parents interested in introducing their children to the accomplishments of Howard Ashman will likely be better rewarded by sharing the fruits of his labors rather than then this film showing the seeds of his genius.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.