Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #292

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again, it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today’s cartoon selection starts off with Three For Breakfast (1948). This movie is one of director Jack Hannah’s cartoons where he puts Donald Duck against Chip and Dale. Hannah had a gift for comedic timing and many of the Disney films that he directed were excellent slapstick outings. This film is a clear example of that and is simply a really funny cartoon. This film would make its TV debut on an episode of the Disneyland TV show entitled The Donald Duck Story (1954). 

Next comes Kiko the Kangaroo in The Hay Ride (1937). For Castle Home Movie prints this film was renamed, Danger on Thin Ice. Though the Terrytoons studio would later give us Mighty Mouse and Heckle and Jeckle, before this the studio had multiple failed attempts at creating a cartoon star. Kiko was one of these attempts. 

Now for the silent Out of the Inkwell film, Toot Toot (1926). 

Now for the Columbia Color Rhapsody cartoon, Little Rover (1935).

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Now for a true Disney classic, Alpine Climbers (1936). Though this film teams Mickey, Donald and Pluto, it follows the same format as the Mickey, Donald and Goofy cartoons that Disney made around this time. Like those films, here each of the characters goes his separate way and has a separate adventure. Mickey tries to collect an eagle's egg. Donald tries to pick flowers. Pluto has a run in with a St. Bernard dog (designed by Joe Grant). This other dog actually has a name, and that name is Bolivar. The character however is unnamed in the film, nor would he ever be used again in an animated cartoon. Instead, the character would be named in the Disney comics. He started appearing in 1938 in Al Taliaferro's Donald Duck newspaper comic strip. Bolivar would soon become the family dog of the duck family and would even be a reoccurring character in Carl Barks' beloved Donald Duck comic books. Despite this being an odd name for a cartoon animal the name had almost been used before. A cartoonist named Pinto Colvig (best known to cartoon fans today as the original voice of Disney's Goofy) was interested in entering the making of animated cartoons when sound came to the movies. He felt due to the fact that he was a cartoonist, who was also capable of doing various voices and playing multiple musical instruments, he felt sound cartoons were a wonderful opportunity for him. He created a character named Bolivar the Talking Ostrich. Teaming with Walter Lantz (later of Woody Woodpecker fame), he made a film with this character called Blue Notes (1928). In this film, the animated ostrich interacted with a live action Pinto Colvig. Unfortunately, this film is considered lost and despite Colvig's best efforts, a series never materialized. Colvig would however talk much about this ostrich in later years, however Lantz would barely ever mention the character. It may be possible that Al Taliaferro named the dog character after Colvig's ostrich character, but there is no real proof either way. Alpine Climbers would be reissued to movie theaters in 1948. The short film would make its TV debut on an episode of TV's Disneyland entitled, The Adventures of Mickey Mouse (1955). The following is a review of Alpine Climbers from a 1936 issue of World Film News. "I laughed immoderately at the latest Mickey Mouse, Alpine Climbers. The spectacle of the frozen Pluto getting tiddly with his savior, a St. Bernard with a handy keg around his neck is wonderful. - Ian Coster" 

Next is the Columbia cartoon, The Crystal Gazer (1941). This very strange short film was directed by Sid Marcus, who would later write cartoons for Warner Brothers including the first Tasmanian Devil cartoon. 

Now for the only Betty Boop cartoon in color, Poor Cinderella (1934). As you can see here despite much merchandise today picturing Betty as having black hair, this cartoon shows her to be a redhead instead. This movie is also the odd man out when it comes to Betty Boop films for another reason as well. This is because the cartoon is in many ways a more serious picture that is actually intent on telling a somewhat straightforward version of this classic fairytale (perhaps it is appropriate that this is part of the Color Classics series instead of the regular Betty Boop series). This cartoon also features an original song, and this song was published as sheet music as well as appearing in this cartoon. Film historian and critic Leonard Maltin states that Mae Questel (the usual voice of Betty) was not used here for the song, but another singer was used instead. I do not know who this other singer is so if any of you do, please let me know. The following are two exhibitor's reviews from the Motion Picture Herald. "POOR CINDERELLA: Betty Boop— Betty Boop in the best example of color cartoon work we have had. Running Time, 10 Minutes. - M.P. Foster, Granada Theatre, Monte Vista, Colo. General Patronage." "POOR CINDERELLA: Betty Boop Cartoon— First of Paramount's colored cartoons and it is a wonderful creation. Look for the third dimensional allusion [sic]. If the rest of Paramount's colored cartoons come up to this one everybody will be satisfied. - L.G. Tewksbury, Opera House, Stonington, Maine. Small Town Patronage." 

Now to close with a song.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons by Leonard Maltin

Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Three_for_Breakfast

https://leonardmaltin.com/the-other-cartoon-cinderella-betty-boop/

https://lantern.mediahist.org/

Movie Review: Cookie Queens

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C

An okay documentary. 

This documentary follows four girl scouts as the each try to reach a certain cookie selling goal that they set for themselves. 

The best thing about this documentary is the four main girl scouts themselves. They are all very likable and have a charm about them that comes through on camera. We can see a bit of ourselves in each of them and it is enjoyable to spend time with them. Ara is especially adorable and sweet. She was definitely a little scene stealer and there is a moment towards the end that is quite sweet and heartwarming. 

This was supposed to be a very uplifting movie that would make us cheer. However, perhaps I am too much of a cynical adult, but I found it anything but. This movie actually made me kind of hate the girl scouts as an organization. Being pushed to sell so many cookies at such a young age by a company that takes most of the profits seems wrong to me. The pressure obviously takes a real toll on them. Some of them are having their childhood's taken away for them by being pushed to do a job that would be this reviewer's personal hell (then again, I am an introvert). Meanwhile their parents (some who aren't well off financially) have to pay for any cookies their children can't sell. This movie briefly touches on these problems but refuses to truly delve into them. Instead, it just goes back to trying to be a feel-good family film. It is hard to feel uplifted when you are so angry at the reason these girls are setting these goals. It doesn't help that many of the so-called uplifting scenes, are so obviously staged. There were moments where the audience is being so obviously manipulated that they are put off rather than charmed. The above-mentioned scene with Ara is the only heartwarming scene that doesn't feel manipulative. It helps that that scene has little to do with the selling of cookies and instead focuses on the sweetness of one little girl. 

While the girls were charming and likable, I would have preferred a more honest and less cowardly documentary on the Girl Scouts. 

 

Cowboy Church #282

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Have You Read the Bible Today. It is important for each of us to read our Bible each and every day. The Bible is not just some book, it is the living breathing word of God. It is easy for our faith and Christian walk to become idle and stagnant and the easiest way for this to happen is to simply not read our Bible. Taking some time each day to read the Bible is the best way for our faith and our walk with God to continue growing and maturing.  This recording is the B-side of a 1955 Little Golden Record by Roy and Dale. The A-side was The Bible Tells Me So. 

This is followed by Dailey and Vincent with Joshua Fit the Battle of Jerico. This recording comes from the bluegrass duo's 2009 gospel album, Singing from The Heart. 

Afterwards is Johnny Cash with You'll Never Walk Alone. This recording was made in a church using a real church pipe organ. Playing that pipe organ was Benmont Trench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fame. There was a plan for Johnny Cash to make a whole album in a church with an organ before John passed away. In the liner notes for the Unearthed box set, producer Rick Rubin remembered, "Yes it was one of our future plans. We have a whole lot of stuff that was still left to do. This was one of two songs we recorded in a church in L.A. with Johnny singing live -because we wanted it to sound like he was in a church - and Benmont Trench from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers playing the church organ. He played the hands and the feet and the church organist pulled all the stops because it was a complicated instrument and unique. We decided to use just one of the songs on The Man Comes Around, and Johnny preferred the other one, 'Danny Boy.'" Tench remembered (in the same linear notes), "It was a really remarkable experience, because the way the organ is set up is so you can see the preacher through a mirror for your cues. I could see Johnny sitting in the chair the preacher sits in when the choir is singing, and he was in the center, facing the congregation, with headphones on. It's hard to paint into words, but the record will tell you what it was like. Indescribably moving." 

Next is Porter Wagoner and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet

Then comes Elvis Presley with his 1957 recording of Peace in the Valley. As much as Elvis is known as the King of Rock and Roll, perhaps no other type of music was nearer and dearer to his heart than gospel music. This was the music he grew up with and that continued to have a major influence on him through all the years. Elvis has been quoted as saying "I know practically every religious sing that's ever been written." There is no doubt that these songs moved him very deeply. After Elvis had made his first two appearances on TV's The Ed Sullivan Show, he was clearly a very controversial figure. These performances consisted of pure rock and roll music and Elvis shook his hips to them in a way that was considered much too suggestive for the 1950's. Many groups were quick to condemn this as a horrible influence on the kids and some even claimed it to be demonic. Yet Elvis' third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was quite different. This time Elvis did not perform rock and roll but instead did a gospel number in a slow and traditional manner. The song was Peace in the Valley and the performance was a huge success. Elvis had never done a studio recording of any gospel songs, but fans of the performance quite writing letters requesting a recording of Elvis singing Peace in the Valley. RCA quickly rushed Elvis to make a four-song gospel EP entitled Peace in the Valley. This EP of course included the title song, as well as Take My Hand Precious Lord, It is no Secret and I Believe. The EP was a huge success, and gospel music would soon play a major role in Elvis' singing career.

Next is Ricky Skaggs with a cover of the Ralph Stanley song, Hallelujah I'm Ready. This comes from Ricky's 1982 album, Family & Friends.

Today's musical selection ends with  The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually, the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.

Now for a message from the Reverand Billy Graham. 

Now for the 23rd episode of TV's The Lone Ranger.

Book of 1 Peter

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Be Holy

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,

“All people are like grass,

    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #292

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again, it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with Oswald the rabbit in Everybody Sing (1937). Many animation histories end Oswald's story with when Walt Disney learned that he did not actually own the rights to this character he created, which lead to him creating Mickey Mouse. However, the rabbit's story does not end here. He would appear in many cartoons afterwards, first produced by Charles Mintz and then Walter Lantz (later of Woody Woodpecker fame). In the earlier Walter Lantz Oswalds, the character was very recognizably the same character that Walt Disney used. However, in the later ones (including this film), he was redesigned to the point where he no longer looked like the Walt Disney character. Though this is technically an Oswald cartoon, the rabbit actually receives quite little screen time here. 

Next comes Cubby Bear in Mischievous Mice (1934). This short film is one of three that Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising made three shorts for the Van Buren studio after leaving Warner Brothers (where the made the earliest Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies). The first two of these (Cubby's World Flight (1933) and Gay Gaucho (1933)) received a theatrical release. However, this third film didn't. In the late 1940's Hugh Harman Productions did however release a print of this film with music from the studio's Industrial film, Easy Does It (1946). Enjoy. 

Next comes one of my favorite cartoons from director Norm McCabe, Daffy's Southern Exposure (1942). I absolutely love the way this film treats Daffy. He is very much in his early wild and crazy mode. But at the same time there is a bit more to him than just being crazy. He is also the type of duck who is always simply looking for a good time and will ignore the warnings of others if they try to get in the way of him having fun. Still even when getting his comeuppance, he never learns any sort of lesson and remains the same duck he was the beginning of the cartoon. This is a fun characterization for Daffy, especially as he is still fun of the pure energy that makes the early Daffy so popular. This is just as much of a fully formed character as the one we would see in the later Chuck Jones classics of the 1950's. The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "DAFFY'S SOUTHERN EXPOSURE: Cartoon- Good black and white cartoon. Enjoyed by people that saw it. —Conrad H. Tapia, Chief Theatre, Casa Grande, Ariz."

Now we join Donald Duck in Donald’s Happy Birthday (1949). This short film made its TV debut on an episode of the Disneyland TV show entitled At Home with Donald Duck (1956). It later appeared on an episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color entitled Kids is Kids (1961). 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Next, we join Popeye in Greek Mirthology (1954). This short film is the Hercules story as told by Popeye. The cartoon was directed by Seymour Kneitel, who started working with Popeye when the Popeye theatrical animated shorts began in the mid-1930's. He would continue working with the character through his 1960's TV cartoons. 

Now for the Terry Toons cartoon, The Old Oaken Bucket (1941). The following is a review from Showman's Trade Review. "No wonder quartets continue to sing of 'The old oaken bucket that hangs in the well,' if the story behind it is as pleasant and delightful as the animators have made it here. The bucket is an elevator which lowers the hero, a frog, to his sweetheart, whom he takes to his sweetheart, whom he takes to neighborhood amusement park, where they try the parachute jump, the tunnel of love, the roller coaster and other 'thrills' before returning home. While this is no 

'Great shakes' as a cartoon, it is still entertaining, and a good subject to brighten any program. Paul Terry produced." 

Next is the Pink Panther in Pink Arcade (1978). 

Let us close with a song. 

Thank you for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Brothers Cartoons by Jerry Beck and Will Friedwald 

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/harman-isings-mischivous-mice-1934/

 

Movie Review: Sheep in the Box (箱の中の羊)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A moving and thought provoking Japanese sci-fi film. 

This movie takes place in the not-so-distant future, where through AI and robotic technology people can get a cybernetic version of lost loved ones. A couple who lost their 7-year-old son gets a cybernetic version of their son. The mom immediately accepts this as their son, while the dad finds it insulting that his son was replaced by (in his words) "a Roomba."

This film is not necessarily a movie for everyone. It's a slow paced and meditative film, that will bore some and fascinate others. Yet for those of who love these types of movies, this is where much of its charm comes from. This movie talks on some weighty subject matter including how we deal with grief, the nature of AI and what makes us human. All of this subject matter is handled in a very intelligent way. Unlike many films featuring AI as a major plot point, this film actually has subtlety in its messaging. The AI version of the young son is not dumb, evil or unsympathetic. However, he is also not their son. Even if outwardly, he looks and acts like the son, deep inside he is something else. The movie doesn't treat him as subhuman but rather just something different from humanity. We like and care for this character, but it becomes increasing obvious that he never quite fits in with the human world. This shows brilliantly that while it has it purposes, AI can never truly be a replacement for humanity. This all leads to an emotional and thought provoking third act, that even the most seasoned movie goers won't see coming. As we see how this AI cyborg is outwardly seemingly human but still can't fully be a replication of humanity makes the audience think about what it is that actually makes us human. Like all great movies, this film doesn't give any easy answers to such questions. The theme of grief is brilliantly explored with how the parents immediately react to this new kid. The mother is immediately willing to accept this cyborg as the reincarnation of her child before even getting to know him. The father on the other hand isn't willing to even get to know the child before dismissing him. They are not reacting to the child itself but instead are reacting to preconceived notions that are formed by how they are grieving the loss of their son. 

Though this quiet, mediative, slow-paced film may not be for everybody, it is a very smart and captivating movie for those willing to give themselves over to it.    

Movie Review: Hadestown the Musical

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A+

A brilliant, filmed stage musical. 

The stage play combines the myths of Orpheus/Eurydice and Hades/Persephone into a beautiful moving story. 

As someone who has never really kept up with popular stage plays, despite always enjoying them, the way I do with movies, I came into this knowing pretty much nothing about the play coming into this movie. I honestly wasn't expecting a whole lot but found myself blown away. Everything about this play was incredible. The storyline is incredibly smart and finds the heart of these myths and understands why they can still speak to an audience today. I found myself deeply moved by this story and wanting to shed a few tears sometimes. The acting is fantastic from the main characters to the bit parts. The musical numbers are incredible. They are catchy and fun but listening to them closer shows the real depth and emotion put into this film. This play can often be simply one musical number after another. Yet the musical numbers tell the story so perfectly, that this feels like the natural and only way to tell this story. The sets and costumes are fantastic, giving this a larger than life feel. As a film, the camera work is fantastic and keeps what is clearly a filmed stage play still feeling like something truly cinematic. Despite this being obviously a stage play, I got so immersed in the story and characters that there were moments I forgot I was watching a filmed stage play. It felt so real to me. 

I am keeping this review short because I hope you go into this film knowing as little as I did. Just known you are in for a real treat.     

Movie Review: Ice Cream Man

 

Michael's Movie Grade: D

A horror-comedy that is neither funny nor scary.

In this film, an ice cream man gives kids some demonic ice cream that turns them into zombies that kill all the adults in town.

This premise could have easily resulted in some genuine scares or some real laughs. Unfortunately, in place of these we simply get loads of gore. As soon as the story gets underway it becomes pretty much nothing but gore. The humor comes completely from kids killing people in gory ways and turning this into childish games. This is a very one joke idea that quickly wears out its welcome. Perhaps in a short film this could have been funny but in a feature film it is simply tiresome. As horror this doesn't work because with the constant gore there is no time to stop and build any sense of dread or suspense causing it to be simply not scary. 

Adding to this is that the characters are all one note horror movie tropes that always feel more like plot points than real people. 

There is one moment that kind of worked for me and this was a parody of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. Unfortunately this was just one moment in an otherwise dismal excuse for a horror film and a comedy.

Stay away.