Between 1981 to 1983, Disney made its first attempt at adapting Gary K. Wolf’s book “
Who Censored Roger Rabbit.” Below, is an eight-minute video that contains test footage and concept art. It looks a bit different from Robert Zemeckis' final version of
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which hit theaters in 1988. Most the obvious differences are with the final looks of two of the main characters, Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit. This is because the animated in the footage below was directed by Darrell Van Citters, but the animation in the 1988 version was directed by Richard Williams. You'll also notice that Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) voiced Roger Rabbit, Peter Renaday and Mike Gabriel as Eddie Valiant and Russi Taylor voiced Jessica Rabbit.
Why don't you do right, like some other men and women do and watch it.
It's 1947 Hollywood and Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a down-on-his-luck detective is hired to find proof that Marvin Acme, gag factory mogul and owner of Toontown, is playing hanky-panky with femme fatale Jessica Rabbit, wife of Maroon Cartoon superstar, Roger Rabbit. When Acme is found murdered, all fingers point to Roger, who begs the Toon-hating Valiant to find the real evildoer.
Actors: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer & Joanna Cassidy
Director: Robert Zemeckis * Screenwriters: Jeffrey Price & Peter S. Seaman