My friends... we are about to embark on the most odious, the most evil, the most diabolical scheme of my illustrious career. A crime to top all crimes, a crime that will live in infamy! Tomorrow evening, our beloved monarch celebrates her Diamond Jubilee. And... with the "enthusiastic" help of our good friend, Mr. Flaversham... it promises to be a night she will never forget. Her last night... and my first, as supreme ruler of all MOUSEDOM!
„
~ Ratigan announcing his plan to his minions.
“
Perhaps I haven't made myself clear. I have the power! I am supreme! This is my kingdom!
„
~ Ratigan rising to power as Britain's King.
“
THERE'S NO ESCAPE THIS TIME, BASIL!!!!
„
~ Ratigan after showing his feral nature to Basil and blocking him from reaching his dirigible, Dr. Dawson, and the Flavershams.
Professor Padraic Ratigan, better known as Professor Ratigan, or simply known by his surname Ratigan, is the main antagonist of Disney’s 26th full-length animated feature film The Great Mouse Detective, which is based on the children's book series Basil of Baker’s Street by the late Template:W\Eve Titus and the late Paul Galdone, and a minor antagonist in the 2001-2003 animated TV series House of Mouse.
He is a pernicious yet suave criminal rodent, Ratigan is the archenemy of Basil of Baker Street, who proves to be an obstacle in his grand scheme to control all of Mousedom. Ratigan is obsessed with his status as a mouse, but when labeled a rat, his ostentatious demeanor shatters and reveals a violent and savage mind.
Ratigan is based on the character of the same name from Basil of Baker Street and the story's version of Professor James Moriarty from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, and serves as the adversary to the Sherlock Holmes counterpart Basil of Baker Street.
In the original film, he was voiced by the late Vincent Price, who also portrayed Cardinal Richelieu in the 1948 film adaptation of The Three Musketeers, Henry Jarrod in the 1953 remake of House of Wax, Mr. Scratch in The Story of Mankind, King Richard III in the 1962 remake of The Tower of London, Prince Prospero in the 1964 adaptation of The Masque of the Red Death, Dr. Goldfoot in Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, Egghead in the 1960s Batman TV series, Matthew Hopkins in Witchfinder General, Lord Edward Whitman in Cry of the Banshee, Anton Phibes in The Abominable Dr. Phibes, January Q. Irontail in Here Comes Peter Cottontail, Edward Lionheart in Theater of Blood, one of the Sub-humans in Fire and Ice, Sinister Man in Bloodbath at the House of Death, himself in Escapes, Zigzag in The Thief and the Cobbler and Phantom in the Disneyland Paris attraction Phantom Manor.
In the Read-Along Storybook, he was voiced by Corey Burton, who also voiced the Hatbox Ghost in Disney Parks' "Haunted Mansion" attraction, Captain Hook and Shan Yu in Kingdom Hearts, Brainiac in the DC Animated Universe, Megatron in Transformers: Animated, Scarecrow in Batman: Gotham Knight, Quint in Disney's Timon & Pumbaa series. Chernabog in House Of Mouse, and Count Dooku in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
In House of Mouse, he was voiced by Maurice LaMarche, who voiced The Brain in Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain, Father in Codename: Kids Next Door, Mr. Big in Zootopia, Mortimer Mouse in the Mickey Mouse franchise, Alec Baldwin in Team America: World Police, Mr. Freeze and Calendar Man in the Batman: Arkham video game series, Yosemite Sam and Daffy Duck in the Looney Tunes franchise, Horace Badun in 101 Dalmatians: Patch’s London Adventure, Koto in All Hail King Julien, Dr. Nitrus Brio in Crash Bandicoot, Joseph Stalin in Histeria!, and Lrrr, Leonardo da Vinci, Walt, Francis X. Clampazzo, Schlump and Fleb, the Donbot, and The Big Brain in Futurama.
Physical Appearance[]
Ratigan is a towering mouse with grey fur dressed in a black tuxedo suit complete with a long black cape with a red underside similar to Count Dracula's. His face is shaven and has yellow eyes with lavender circles around them, above them are thick eyebrows. Although he lavishes himself as a mouse, he has rat-like characteristics, such as sharp fangs and fingers, a large nose, and a long, pink tail. On his head, he sometimes wears a black top hat with a grey band, which covers his black combed hair. His suit includes a high white collar and a dark gray vest with buttons on it with a pink-and-purple striped cravat. On his hands are white gloves and cuffs with golden cufflinks. He is always seen carrying a gold cane.
However, when Ratigan becomes completely enraged, he becomes incredibly feral, running on all fours in a hunched position. His hair becomes messy and his clothes become torn exposing his intimidating physique as Ratigan becomes vicious as he obtains a more rat-like appearance. His nails and teeth also grow longer and gnarly.
Personality[]
“
I AM NOT A RAT!!! I love it when I'm nasty.
„
~ Ratigan's most famous quote
Ratigan has a variety of henchmen that follow him, including his pet cat Felicia, a lizard, a small mouse named Bartholomew, and his right-hand man, a peg-legged bat named Fidget. The rest of them are a large gang of mice including Red, Snakes, and Peewee Pete. Personality-wise, Ratigan is very charismatic, calm, and calculating, but can easily be sent into a violent rage at the mention of Basil or by the incompetence of his minions. He has a very dark, malicious sense of humor and an inflated ego. Unlike most Disney villains, Ratigan is an ebullient, lip-smacking jester who has a tendency towards big movements and long rants or speeches.
Even though he is one, Ratigan detests, above all else, being referred to as a rat, preferring the description of a "big mouse," and fed Bartholomew to Felicia when Bartholomew calls him the "world's greatest rat" while intoxicated. Despite his hatred of being labeled as such, he possessed enough self-control to barely react when Basil referred to him as a rat, which is evidenced with two instances in the film: The first, right after he trapped Basil and Basil called him a sewer rat, Ratigan retained his cool demeanor, only closing his watch, and the second time, when Basil revealed his survival after the literal breaking down of the fake Queen of Moustoria by finishing her sentence of Ratigan being a rat, only growling in irritation. In the Basil of Baker Street book series, Ratigan's first name is revealed to be Padriac, and he is in fact, portrayed as a mouse (in contrast to his depiction in the movie).
Biography[]
The Great Mouse Detective[]
Ratigan in The Great Mouse Detective.
Ratigan makes plans to take over London by replacing the Queen with a robotic fake built by a toymaker named Hiram Flaversham, whom he has Fidget kidnap. He will then have the real Queen fed to Felicia, ensuring his reign as permanent supreme ruler of all Mousedom. Although Flaversham is reluctant to help, Ratigan threatens to harm the former's daughter Olivia, and this gets the prisoner back on course. He then reveals his plan to his followers, but not before having one gobbled up by Felicia for "insulting" him. Just as his plan is nearing completion, Basil and his new companion, Dr. David Q. Dawson, bring Olivia along and they are able to intervene in the final stages. Learning of their involvement from Fidget, Ratigan constructs a very complicated trap consisting a barrage of life-size weapons to pummel Basil and Dawson before leaving for Buckingham Palace with his thugs and the Robot Queen boxed in a package, flying off in his blimp. However, unbeknownst to Ratigan, Basil uses the trap to free himself, Dawson, and Olivia.
At Buckingham Palace, Ratigan's plan is set into motion. His thugs, disguised as guards, enter the Queen's room, where they unbox the package to reveal the Robot Queen, to the confusion of the real Queen. As the robot chases her, Ratigan reveals himself. The real Queen orders the guards to seize him, but Ratigan, shouting into a speaker built into the robot's controls that makes the Robot Queen speak, orders his thugs to seize the real Queen, then rings his bell to summon Felicia. As the Diamond Jubilee takes place, the Robot Queen names Ratigan as her new "Royal Consort", and Ratigan, dressed in an ornate robe, immediately presents himself in front of the gathered citizens of Mousedom, terrifying them. Ratigan then proceeds to read over his long list of tyrannical laws, one of which is a heavy tax policy for people he deems parasites, such as the elderly, infirm, and even children.
Meanwhile, Basil, Dawson, and Olivia rush to the palace, arriving just in time to save the real Queen. They then take control of the Robot Queen and reveal the scheme in front of the citizens, foiling Ratigan's plans. The citizens then ambush Ratigan and his thugs, but Ratigan fights off his attackers by shedding off his robe. Just then, Fidget reveals that he had captured Olivia again, and Ratigan, rushing over to Fidget, orders Basil, Dawson, and Flaversham to remain where they are, threatening to kill Olivia if they attempt to stop his escape. The three mice quickly rush outside the palace and improvise a flying apparatus to pursue Ratigan above the city. Fidget, who is pedaling Ratigan's blimp to speed it up, cannot take the extra weight and tells Ratigan they have to lighten the load, meaning to throw Olivia off the balloon. Ratigan, out of sheer bad temper, instead throws Fidget (who cannot fly) off the blimp and into the Thames. With Fidget gone, Ratigan pedals the blimp himself. Basil jumps onto the blimp, distracting Ratigan and causing the blimp to crash into one of the clock faces of Big Ben.
Ratigan in dark shadow
Inside the clock tower, Ratigan recovers, seizes Olivia in one hand, and prepares to ambush Basil. Basil, however, notices him, and the two fight atop the gears of the clock tower. While Oliva bites Ratigan's hand, causing him to scream in pain and let her go, Basil traps Ratigan by throwing his cape into the gears. The two mice then escape and Basil is able to take Olivia to safety. This finally sends Ratigan over the edge. Breaking free from the gears, he pursues Basil, tearing his clothes in the process, somehow turning into a raging beast. Ratigan tackles Basil and they both fall onto the clock's hour hand; Ratigan stops Basil from reaching the others. Finally, he extends his long, strong fingernails and begins scratching, punching, and strangling Basil continuously. The attack leaves Basil with torn clothes and several wounds. Attempting to finish him off, Ratigan knocks him off the clock hand and yells in triumph, thinking he has won. However, Basil called him, saying to him that the game was not yet over. Ratigan glances down and sees Basil holding on to the broken blimp. Basil rings Ratigan's bell which he used to summon Felicia, realizing that he stole the bell during the fight and already lost the battle. Suddenly the clock bell tolls, causing Ratigan to lose his balance, and plunge off the hand, taking Basil with him. Basil manages to save himself while Ratigan plummets to his death.
His death later makes headlines in newspapers (via a sub-headline that reads "Time Runs Out for Ratigan"), of which one copy is kept by Basil.
House of Mouse[]
Ratigan's most notable cameo on House of Mouse was in the episode "Donald's Lamp Trade", in which he tries to lure Dr. Dawson with cheese on a mousetrap, but Basil stops Dawson and tells him it's a trap, at which point the nearby Ratigan groans, "Curses!" He is also seen with several other mice in "House of Scrooge".
Ratigan can also be spotted seated alongside other Disney villains and Fidget in recurring crowd shots. This shot is also included in Mickey's House of Villains.
Printed Media[]
Descendants: Isle of the Lost[]
Professor Ratigan is one of the villains brought back to life to be imprisoned in the Isle of the Lost. It is mentioned once that he and his crew went to Ursula's Fish and Chips Store and every time they go there, Ursula chases him out.
Disney Parks[]
Ratigan was once a walkaround character at the Disney parks during the film's initial release. But he has been retired, rumour has it that it was because he frightened children. His last appearance was at a special event at the Magic Kingdom in 2004.
Quotes[]
“
What was THAT?! What did you call me? I AM NOT A RAT!!!
„
~ Ratigan after drunkenly being called a rat by Bartholomew.
“
SILENCE!!! (to his henchmen before throwing Bartholomew out) Oh, my dear Bartholomew. I'm afraid that you've gone and upset me. You know what happens when someone upsets me.
„
~ Ratigan about to feed Bartholomew to Felicia.
“
Oh, Felicia, my precious, my baby. Did Daddy's little honey bunny enjoy her tasty treat? (Felicia burps) I trust that there will be no further interruptions. And now.... as you were singing...
„
~ Ratigan cuddling Felicia after feeding Bartholomew to her.
“
You fool!... isn't it clear to you? The superior mind has triumphed! I've won! *laughs*
„
~ Ratigan berating Basil for falling into his trap.
“
Ooooh, this is wicked! So delightfully wicked. Mr. Flaversham, let me congratulate you on a superb piece of craftsmanship. See what you can do with the proper motivation? (cackles evilly)
„
~ Ratigan commending Flaversham for his excellent skills of creating the robot Queen.
“
Ratigan: It was my fond hope to stay and witness your final scene, but you were 15 minutes late, and I have an engagement at Buckingham Palace. Now, you will remember to smile for the camera, won't you? Say cheese! Dawson: You FIEND!! Ratigan: Sorry, chubby. You should've chosen your friends more carefully.
„
~ Ratigan telling a trapped Basil about his true plan and mocking an angry Dawson.
“
Robot Queen: I present to you a stateman among mice, a gifted leader, a crusader for justice... a majestic mountain of humility, and my new royal consort: Professor Ratigan! (The mice gasp in horror) Ratigan: Thank you, Your Majesty! And now, as your royal consort, I have a slight few suggestions. (clears throat) Item 1.....
„
~ Ratigan presenting himself as the Queen's 'royal consort' to the mice of Buckingham Palace.
“
Ratigan: Item 96: a heavy tax shall be levied against all parasites and spongers... such as the elderly, the infirmed, and especially, heh heh, little children. Old Mouse: That's ridiculous! You're INSANE!! Ratigan: Perhaps I haven't made myself clear.... I have the power! Robot Queen: Of course, you do. Ratigan: I AM SUPREME!!! Robot Queen: Only you! Ratigan: THIS IS MY KINGDOM!!!(laughs maniacally)
„
~ Ratigan addressing his new laws to his 'subjects'.
“
Stay where you are... or the girl DIES!
„
~ Ratigan threatening to kill Olivia Flaversham.
“
Would you kindly sit down and SHUT UP?!
„
~ Ratigan threatening Olivia Flaversham.
“
Ratigan: I've WON!!! (laughing) Basil: On the contrary, the game's not over yet!
„
~ Ratigan's last words after he thought Basil fell off the Big Ben clocktower and believing he has won the battle against him. Actually, he lost the battle.
Trivia[]
Although Professor Ratigan's first name is not mentioned in the film, in the Basil of Baker Street book series it is revealed to be Padraic in Basil in Mexico.
Furthermore, he is in fact, referred to and portrayed as a mouse on multiple occasions, and Basil calls him a rat out of jest, such as in the book Basil and the Pygmy Cats/Cave of Cats; in contrast to his depiction in the film.
Ratigan can easily be identified as a rat since he has five-fingered hands, while all the other mice have four fingers. Also, the mice in the movie have fur-covered tails that much thinner than Ratigan, who has a pink, fleshy segmented tail.
Ratigan is shown to have an animation flaw. If one looks ever so closely during the course of the film, they can see that Ratigan has five fingers on his hands (see the above fact). However, during the battle sequence from when he goes feral to when he falls to death, he is shown to have four fingers on each hand minus when he flared his claws and before he punches Basil off the clock hand.
Though not too noticeable, Ratigan actually seems to grow in size during his breakdown in Big Ben, and his claws are shown extending out of his hand. This transformation could be compared to that of a stereotypical Werewolf.
According to a deleted lyric in "The World's Greatest Criminal Mind", the Tower Bridge Job involved hurling several innocent mice into the River Thames and then shooting whoever attempts to come up to the surface.
Vincent Price, the voice of Ratigan, said that doing Ratigan was his favorite role because he had two songs written for him.
Ratigan is the first Disney villain to just fall to his death since the disguised Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney's first feature length film. Maleficent's death included falling, but she already suffered a fatal wound from the Sword of Truth piercing her heart before falling to her death.
In the novel that the film was based on, Ratigan is actually a mouse, despite his name. This was changed for the film.
Despite his death, some European follow-up comics depict Ratigan as having survived the fall.
There is a level in Disney Heroes: Battle Mode called Ratigan Street, named after Ratigan. In 2024, Ratigan became a playable character.
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