Want More Disney magic? Subscribe to DISNEY MAGAZINE now & save 50% MARCH 24 THROUGH APRIL 6, 2003 Piglet's Big Chance Ever since 1926 -- when the first Winnie the Pooh story that A. A. Milne penned for his son Christopher Robin was published -- people have come to rely on comforting tales from the Hundred Acre Wood. In "Piglet's Big Movie," the spotlight shines on Winnie's tiny pink friend. Piglet grapples with the pain of exclusion when the old gang goes on its annual honey harvest without him. Their reason: He is just too little to be of any help. That is something children often hear, explains producer Michelle Pappalardo- Robinson. "They say, 'Hey, I'm small and want to do things, too!' but are often rebuffed and left feeling deflated, just like Piglet." Though hurting inside, Piglet proves his strength when he rescues Pooh from his precarious perch atop a raging river -- waters that have swallowed up his treasured scrapbook. John Fiedler, who has voiced Piglet since the beginning of the character's screen career, brings Pooh's pal to life in a familiar, yet fresh, fashion. "When I first recorded Piglet, I never dreamed it would grow to this," remarks Fiedler, who sports an oversize Winnie the Pooh watch. "I was appearing a lot on camera then," says Fiedler, who might be familiar to some as Mr. Peterson, the whiny patient from The Bob Newhart Show," and this was just something you did on occasion, almost for fun." Another familiar voice on the "Piglet" set belonged to songstress Carly Simon, with whom a delighted Fiedler harmonized at an impromptu "jam session" as he was leaving the recording studio one day. "She was just coming into the lobby and I said, 'I'll show you what I did,' and started singing 'tiddly-dum, tiddly-dum,' and she joined in. It was a thrill," adds Fiedler. "She said she'd been working on the film so much, she felt she knew me. Of course, I went and told all my friends I was singing with Carly Simon." Fiedler, who first thought Simon was only going to sing over the credits, was impressed with the extent of her involvement in the project. "The songs she has written act as a wonderful narrative for the film, commenting on the action and helping move the story along. It's really lovely." In perfect Piglet pitch, Fiedler says of Simon, "Her voice is so right for this film." Takes one to know one. "Piglet's Big Movie" is now in theaters. Where Learning & Fun Go Hand in Hand Explore the fun of Disney's Blast with Piglet, Pooh and their pals. Start your special free trial today! Return to Page 1