Some Cartoons For Saturday Morning #93

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

Though Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was the Disney studio's first feature film, it was not the first time Disney animation appeared in a feature length movie. One of the best examples of this was the all-star MGM comedy, Hollywood Party (1934). The basic storyline of this movie involves Jimmy Durante throwing a party inviting many big name Hollywood stars. One of the biggest Hollywood stars is one who shows up uninvited. This is Mickey Mouse. After him and Durante get into a playful argument, Mickey introduces a brand new cartoon (made specifically for this movie), Hot Chocolate Soldiers. While the Mickey and Durante parts were in black and white (like the rest of the movie), while the cartoon was the only portion of the film in color. If the cartoon feels like a Silly Symphony there is a reason for this. A contract between Disney and MGM (May, 1933) described the cartoon as "of the so called 'Silly Symphony' type." The movie itself is a bit uneven but these Disney scenes (as well as some scenes featuring Laurel and Hardy) make up for any faults the film may have. 

Screenland, 1934

Though Columbia's Krazy Kat cartoons barely resembled George Herriman's great comic strip, there were times when they could be very charming and clever. Up next is one of the finest Krazy Kat cartoons, The Hot-Cha Melody (1935). The following is an exhibitor's review from Motion Picture Herald (dated 1934) about the Krazy Kat cartoons as a whole, "THE: Krazy Kat Kartoons—These short subjects are fine. Good music and entertainment throughout. Running time, seven minutes.— Edward L. Ornstein, Vernon Theatre, Mt. Vernon, Ky. Small town patronage." 

One of my favorite post-code Betty Boop cartoons is Judge For a Day (1935). Even the nicest of us have times when we simply want to get back at those who annoy us and that is what makes this cartoon so satisfying. Despite the cute and really catchy song at the beginning, this film turns into an excellent dark comedy as it goes along.  A review in The Film Daily stated, "A neat little idea, and one that will evoke plenty of audience response, has been utilized in this car- toon comedy."

Unlike Popeye and Bluto, I don't think any of the presidential candidates this year will help us with our household chores in order to get our votes. I also don't think any of them are concerned about important issues like free ice cream for all the kiddies, and bigger elephinks in all our zoos. 

As promised here is the next Ruff and Reddy cartoon. Come back next week to find out what happens to our heroes. 

-Michael J. Ruhland