People often argue these days about who the most powerful superhero is. However all of you reading this blog know the answer to that. It's Mighty Mouse of course (and as we learn from today's first cartoon, he is "the world's greatest thinker"). While most superheros take a whole feature length to save the day, Mighty Mouse does so in films that last less then seven minutes. In fact considering that he often doesn't show up until near halfway through his cartoons, he does it much quicker. Just a few slapstick gags and the villains are defeating. In The Electronic Mouse (1946), he faces on of his toughest foes.
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| The Film Daily, 1930 |
Speaking of superheros. I have to wonder what the heck is up with all he flashing bright colors at the beginning of the Filmation superhero cartoons and if they ever hurt anybody's eyes.
Next up comes a very fun early Terry Toon, Cocky Cockroach (1932). The following is a review from The Film Daily, "A lively animated Terry-Toon recounting the adventures of hero cockroach saving his darling from spider villain. The cartoon is done in the heroic manner of grand opera and also melodrama and is very amusing. The musical scoring by Phillip Scheib is original for this opus, and helps to put it over with class." The animation of the cockroach singing to his lady love is by one of my favorite animators Bill Tytla.
Next is an absolute joy of a cartoon from Poland, Cat and Mouse (Myszka i Kotek) (1958).
Following is a delightful animated short film from Yugoslavia, Cow on the Moon (Krava na mjesecu) (1959).
Come back next week for more animated treasures. Peace, love and cartoons.
-Michael J Ruhland
Cat and Mouse seems to have been largely inspired by a Tom and Jerry cartoon from three years prior, Designs on Jerry. Cute and well-designed, though.
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