Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast. It’s Women’s History Month, so today, we’re honoring the life of Jane Baer, a trailblazer for women in animation. We lost Jane on February 16, 2026, and though you may not have known her name, you have seen her work. Her work has been so influential that we’ve already talked about a few of her films here on the Video Store Podcast. We’ve selected 4 films for the staff picks wall this week, highlighting her work.
The Rescuers (1977)
First up is the underrated Disney classic, The Rescuers from 1977. Bianca and Bernard are sent from the Rescue Aid Society to save Penny, an orphan girl held captive by the evil Madam Medusa, who is hunting for the Devil’s Eye, an enormous diamond in a small cave that’s only big enough for a small girl to get into. Can they save her? You’ll have to watch The Rescuers to find out.
Pete’s Dragon (1977)
Combining live-action with animated sequences, Pete’s Dragon from 1977 made 5-year-old me believe that I could become friends with my favorite cartoon characters. Jane’s work on this film carries over to another film that her own animation company helped produce in 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
A vastly underrated and unsung Disney classic from 1986, The Great Mouse Detective is an adaptation of the book series of the same name. Basil of Baker Street must stop the nefarious Professor Rattigan from taking out the Queen and becoming the royal consort of all mousedom. This film is notable for its gorgeous styling and performance from Vincent Price as Professor Rattigan.
The Prince and the Pauper (1990)
Finally, we look at a lesser-known Disney short, The Prince and the Pauper, based on the Mark Twain story of the same name. This short features Mickey as both the titular Prince and Pauper, and was produced with the aid of Jane’s production company, Baer Animation.
For these films, as well as many more, we lift our glasses and bowls of popcorn in honor of Jane Baer’s life and work.
Happy Women’s History Month, and thanks for joining us here at the Video Store Podcast.
