I have shared many vintage cartoons on this blog that have caricatured old movie stars. However these weren't the only stars to be made into cartoon characters during Hollywood's golden age. Radio stars also got their share of kidding from cartoon makers. This next film is an example of that. It is a delightful Color Rhapsody from Columbia, The Big Birdcast (1938). Even if you are not familiar with the stars being kidded here this is still a fun little movie. One exhibitors review from the Motion Picture Herald, "After seeing Disney's cartoons, it's hard to speak highly of others. This one's fair." Another exhibitor's review took the film on its own terms stating, "This was in color and boy was it clever. Had plenty of birds pulling imitations of famous actors and actresses. Plenty of swing music too. An excellent short that deserves space on every exhibitor's program."
Next our friend Mighty Mouse heads out west to face an old west outlaw in Mighty Mouse Meets Deadeye Dick (1947). A review in Boxoffice magazine called this "... easily the best reel of the Mighty Mouse adventures." An exhibitor's review in the Motion :Picture Herald simply stated, "Excellent color cartoon." This is one of my favorite Mighty Mouse cartoons.
Next comes one of my favorite Terry Toons, a Dimwit cartoon called How To Relax (1954). The ending of this film is fantastic. Dimwit started life as a supporting player in other characters' cartoons, especially those of Heckle and Jeckle. Because of the popularity of Disney's hilarious Goofy cartoons of the 1950's, it was decided to put Dimwit in similar roles and similar films. How to Relax could have easily been a Goofy cartoon with no story changes at all. This idea would only last for three films (this one, How to Keep Cool (1953) and Daddy's Little Darling (1957)). However a movie like this makes you wish there were more.
Since Dimwit taught us How to Relax, I think it is only right for Goofy to teach us How to Fish (1942).
There are Teen Titans Go! fans, fans of the original Teen Titans cartoon and fans of the original original Teen Titans cartoon.
Now for a Garfield quickie from Garfield and Friends (1988-1994).
Ending today's selection of cartoon is a delightful Krazy Kat film, Whacks Museum (1933). A review in The Film Daily stated "This one ranks just so-so among animated cartoon comedies." The review also states "Nothing very exciting is devolved, however, and the action is a bit slow." However I find this to be a fun little movie.
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| Motion Picture Herald, 1935 |
Thank you for joining me come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then peace, love and cartoons.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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