I think a lot of animation enthusiasts take for granted the importance of secondary children characters in Traditionally Animated Films; despite the fact they are often the engine that drives a movie forward. In the last article I touched on the Importance of Robyn Starling in Tom and Jerry the Movie. In this Article, I want to explore Rosy from the 1995 masterpiece Balto, and her importance in the film
The Movie Balto, Which is one movie I believe every child must watch once before they turn thirteen, is told from the perspective of a grandmother (Who is later revealed to be an older Rosy) telling the story to her granddaughter.
In the Story, Balto is a Half Dog-Half Wolf who is mocked and scorned by his fellow dogs while feared and stigmatized by the humans of the town of Nome, Alaska. The only exceptions are Jenna and her human owner; A little girl named Rosy.
Now In the Film, Rosy starts off as an energetic little girl with a bit of a tomboyish streak; being that one of the first scenes we see of her is her joy and excitement at getting her first dog sled.
Now beacause of Balto's frienship with Jenna, Rosy also shows more compassion to Balto while the human adults would write him of as a "part wolf" stray. Even Balto has a difficult time embracing himself; Initally rejecting his wolf identity while knowing hes still an outcast as a dog.
Later in the film, a diphtheria outbreak strikes the Children of Nome; With Rosy herself falling ill to the disease
The situation would only get worse as Rosy's Condition deteriorates; all while weather conditions would delay a medicine shipment to cure the disease, and the dog team sent to retreive the medicine (led by the conceited and cruel natured Steele) would go missing due to the team [leader]'s incompetence. It is here we see the once playful and energetic Rosy deteriorate into a horribly sick and saddened child.
As it becomes clear (especially to Balto and Jenna) that Rosy & the other children could perish (as shown through a scene where the same man who built Rosy's Sled is now building her coffin); Balto decided to take action and bring home the team himself. It is also during this journey that Balto embraces his wolf side, in which his gained senses ends up bringing the team safely home.
When Balto arrives back at Nome, He is welcomed back as a hero. It is here where we see Rosy recover (after getting the medicine) and embraces Balto; stating "I'd be Lost Without You"
At the end of the film, The now older Rosy repeats her line to Balto through a statue in Central Park
Now I think a lot of people, even fans of the movie Balto, often overlook her importance as a character. While definetely a secondary character, she does provide the foundation on which the original Movie could've been built upon.
First off; she's telling the story to her granddaughter as an adult. While seemingly minor as a creative choice; it does subtly inform the audience that the Grandmother's story could be a fictionalized account (possibly assisted by her granddaughters imagination), but is still a personal and real story to her as she was saved by Balto.
As for the animated movie proper; Rosy is ultimately the motivating factor of Balto's actions. Balto, being selflessly motivated, is more concerned with Rosy's welfare than that of his own; hence why he risks his life to go on the adventure in the first place. Even in the moment Balto believes "all is lost", he cries out to Rosy because he belives he failed her. but it is also here he embraces his wolf side for her sake; in turn learning his purpouse.
Simply put; Had the story took a more pragmatic approach and rosy never got sick, there would have been no reason for Balto to do what he did and grow from it
Unfortunately, Its a plain fact that the squeals mostly ignored; as Rosy is barely seen or mentioned in either film. In fact this scene from Balto 3 below is the only I can find of her for the most part
In a way, it would have been difficult to make a sequel from Balto and do it justice simply because of Rosy. With the day being saved in the first film; all we could really focus on after would be Balto's new life with Jenna & Rosy (probably Slice-of-life material more or less).
All in all though, I belive Rosy is one of those characters who probably deserves more appreciation from the fandom; even if its only through fan art
Good on ya Balto