Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again, it is time for some classic cartoons.
Today's cartoon selection begins with Krazy Kat in Ritzy Hotel (1932). These Columbia Krazy Kat cartoons bare scant resemblance to George Herriman's Krazy Kat comic strip on which they were supposedly based. If it wasn't for the main character having the same name, you could never tell that there was supposed to be any connection between them. As a fan of the comic strip, I was originally put off by these cartoons. However, over time, I learned to enjoy them for what they are.
Next is the early Porky Pig cartoon, Plane Dippy (1936). This is the movie in which we learn Porky's full name, Porky Cornelius Washington Otis Lincoln Abner Aloysius Casper Jefferson Philbert Horatius Narcissus Pig. I'm sure you all will memorize that name. As well as Porky this film also has some other characters that also premiered in the Merrie Melodies cartoon, I Haven't Got A Hat (1935) such as Little Kitty (who plays an important role here). Comic fans may also notice that the character of Professor Blotz looks extremely similar to a character from the Mickey Mouse comic strip, Professor Ecks. Though this movie is directed by Tex Avery, don't except the pure insanity of his later cartoons, as this was still early in his directorial career and he hadn't fully developed his style yet. Still this cartoon has many very funny gags in it, I especially love Porky writing his name. The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "PLANE DIPPY: Looney Tune—This is a very comical cartoon. Above the average.—Paul J. Pope, Avon Theatre, Geneva, Ala., Small Town and Rural Patronage."
Now for the Terry Toons cartoon, Bird Symphony (1955).
Next comes an early Silly Symphony cartoon, Frolicking Fish (1930). Like all Disney cartoons of this period this movie benefits from a great cast of animators. Ben Sharpsteen, who would later be supervising director for such Disney feature films as Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940) and Dumbo (1941) animates the opening scene, the octopus dancing with the fish and the fish dropping an anchor on an octopus. Les Clark, who would become one of Walt's famed Nine Old Men and be one of the greatest Mickey Mouse animators of all time, animates the fish riding the seahorse and the octopus punching the bubbles. Dave Hand, who would later be Supervising director on such Disney feature films as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942) animated the fish dancing on the anchor chain. Wilfred Jackson, who would later become a fine director of both Disney shorts and features animates the octopus chasing the fish to the sunken ship. Norm Ferguson, a wonderful animator whose gift at character animation would later help define the character of Pluto, animates the trio of fish tap dancing. Jack King, who would later director some wonderful Donald Duck cartoons as well as a few cartoons for Warner Brothers, would animate the lobster dancing and playing the harp. Johnny Cannon animates the fish dancing on the springboard. Tom Palmer, who would later direct cartoons for both Warner Brothers and Van Bueren, animates the majority of the bubble dance and the big fish blowing bubbles. Merle Gilson animates the anchor falling on the octopus. The animation for this film was completed between April 22 and May 10, 1930. It would make its TV debut on an episode of The Mickey Mouse Club that aired on February 24, 1956.
Now it is time for a commercial break.
Next up comes the Betty Boop cartoon, Pudgy Picks a Fight (1937). Much like how Mickey's Mouse's cartoons would be overtaken by Mickey's co-stars, the same thing would happen with Betty Boop. Though Betty was unquestionably the star of the earlier Betty Boop shorts, as the series reached its later years, the attention would later shift to her supporting characters. This led to many cartoons, where her dog Pudgy was the main character. Here is an example of that.
Now for the Terry Toons cartoon, Mrs. Jones' Rest Farm (1949).
We continue with Popeye in I'm in the Army Now (1936). This short film is a bit of a cheater and features clips from previous Popeye cartoons. The cartoons that clips are used from include Blow Me Down (1934), Shoein' Hosses (1934), Choose Your 'Weppins' (1935) and King of the Mardi Gras (1935). This is one of my favorite cheater cartoons, because the new scenes are just as entertaining as the clips. I especially love Bluto talking about what a big star he was in the movies. This serves as a good reminder for those of us who grew up watching these films on TV that they were originally made for movie theaters.
Now 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
Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman
Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin
Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Brothers Cartoons by Jerry Beck and Will Friedwald
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