Plane Crazy 1929

Plane Crazy is a groundbreaking animated short film that marked the debut of Mickey Mouse. This iconic character, along with his love interest Minnie Mouse, was introduced to the world in this silent film.   The cartoon follows Mickey's ambitious attempt to fly a plane, inspired by the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. With the help of his animal friends, Mickey constructs a makeshift aircraft and takes Minnie on a wild and chaotic flight. The animation is full of slapstick humor, exaggerated expressions, and inventive visual gags that have become synonymous with Disney cartoons. Despite its early release, Plane Crazy showcases the innovative animation techniques and storytelling that would define Walt Disney's legacy. While it may not have the same level of polish as later Disney classics, it remains a significant piece of animation history and a beloved introduction to Mickey Mouse.

Jungle Jitters 1938

"Jungle Jitters" is a 1938 animated short film produced by Warner Bros. Cartoons as part of their Merrie Melodies series. Directed by Friz Freleng, the cartoon is set in a jungle inhabited by a tribe of dark-skinned natives with exaggerated features. The film follows a hapless salesman who stumbles upon the tribe and becomes the target of their cannibalistic desires.

The cartoon is known for its stereotypical portrayal of African cultures and its use of blackface humor. It has been criticized for its offensive and insensitive content, and it is considered one of the "Censored Eleven" Warner Bros. cartoons, which were banned from television broadcast for many years due to their racially insensitive content.

I Wanna Be a Sailor 1937

"I Wanna Be a Sailor" is a classic 1937 Looney Tunes cartoon directed by Tex Avery.

The story follows a young parrot named Peter, who dreams of becoming a sailor just like his father. Despite his mother's disapproval, Peter teams up with a chatty duck and sets sail on a homemade boat. Their adventure takes them through stormy seas and comical mishaps, ultimately leading to a heartwarming reunion with Peter's mother. The cartoon is known for its distinctive animation style, quirky humor, and memorable characters

Hittin' the Trail for Hallelujah Land 1931

Hittin' the Trail for Hallelujah Land is a 1931 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated cartoon directed by Rudolf Ising. The short was released on November 28, 1931, and stars Piggy.  

The minimal storyline centers on the plucky Piggy's efforts to rescue his girlfriend and a doglike Uncle Tom from perilous predicaments and villains. The short's use of the racial epithet "Uncle Tom" and use of blackface stereotypes prompted United Artists to withhold it from syndication in 1968, making it one of the Censored Eleven.  

The cartoon features a rudimentary plot, unlike most of the Merrie Melodies of the time, which barely have any plot at all.

The cartoon stars the Mickey Mouse-esque Piggy, his girlfriend Fluffy, and a canine Uncle Tom. The film opens with a singing steamboat dancing down a river. On the deck, three blackface caricatures play the song for which the short is named on the harmonica, banjo, and bones. Meanwhile, Uncle Tom drives Fluffy toward the boat by donkey cart. The scene shifts to Piggy the riverboat captain in a sequence reminiscent of Disney's 1928 film Steamboat Willie.

Gold Rush Daze 1939

Gold Rush Daze (1939) is a classic Warner Bros. cartoon directed by Ben Hardaway and Cal Dalton. It tells the story of a dog-faced prospector who is determined to strike it rich in the gold rush. He stops at a gas station to fill up his car and chats with the attendant, who turns out to be a seasoned prospector himself. The attendant recounts his own history of failed gold-seeking adventures, from the California Gold Rush to the Klondike Gold Rush, always ending in disappointment. Just as the attendant finishes his tale, a rider gallops up with news of a new gold strike in the hills. The prospector, eager to try his luck, trades his car and equipment for the rider's horse and tools, setting off on his own gold-seeking journey.

Fresh Hare 1942

In the classic Looney Tunes cartoon "Fresh Hare" (1942), Elmer Fudd, a portly Mountie, is hot on the trail of the elusive Bugs Bunny.

Bugs is wanted for a laundry list of misdemeanors, ranging from jaywalking to "conduct unbecoming to a wabbit." The chase takes place in the snowy Canadian wilderness, with Bugs leading Elmer on a wild goose chase through tunnels and over frozen lakes. Along the way, Bugs plays a series of tricks on Elmer, including handcuffing him to a bomb and impersonating a Mountie to humiliate him. The cartoon ends with a classic Bugs Bunny twist, leaving the audience laughing and Elmer Fudd frustrated once again

Freddy the Freshman 1932

Freddy the Freshman, a classic Merrie Melodies cartoon released in 1932, is a lighthearted and energetic depiction of college life. The story revolves around the titular character, Freddy, a charismatic and upbeat freshman who quickly becomes the most popular guy on campus.  

The cartoon is filled with humorous antics and musical numbers, showcasing Freddy's infectious energy and charm. He wins over his fellow students, including the lovely co-ed Betty, and becomes the star of the campus football team.  

The highlight of the film is the big football game, where Freddy's athletic prowess and determination are put to the test. As the underdog team faces off against a formidable opponent, Freddy's quick thinking and upbeat spirit lead to a thrilling and comedic climax.  

Overall, "Freddy the Freshman" is a delightful and timeless cartoon that captures the fun and excitement of college life. Its catchy tunes, vibrant animation, and endearing characters make it a must-watch for fans of classic animation.

Foney Fables 1942

Foney Fables is a classic Warner Bros. cartoon from 1942, directed by Friz Freleng. It's a comedic take on classic fairy tales, with a twist of wartime humor. The cartoon features a series of fractured fairy tales, each with a unique and often absurd twist. For example, Sleeping Beauty is awakened by a kiss from a prince who has just finished a hard day at the war plant. The grasshopper and the ant story takes a turn when the grasshopper buys war bonds instead of working, leaving the hardworking ant to wonder about his life choices. The cartoon's humor is derived from its clever parodies, slapstick comedy, and witty dialogue. While some of the jokes may seem dated by today's standards, Foney Fables remains a fun and entertaining watch for fans of classic animation.  

Fifth Column Mouse 1943

"Fifth Column Mouse" is a 1943 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated cartoon directed by Friz Freleng. This short film uses World War II as its backdrop, with a group of mice representing the Allied forces and a cunning cat symbolizing the Axis powers.   The cartoon begins with a carefree group of mice enjoying their lives in a kitchen. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted by the arrival of a menacing cat. One timid mouse, swayed by the cat's promises of cheese and safety, becomes a traitor, turning the other mice against each other and ultimately paving the way for the cat's invasion.   This animated short serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of appeasement and the importance of unity in the face of a common enemy. It highlights the destructive power of a fifth column, a group within a nation that aids an enemy during wartime. The cartoon's message resonates even today, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and solidarity in the face of adversity.  

Farm Frolics 1941

"Farm Frolics" is a classic Warner Bros. cartoon from 1941, directed by Bob Clampett. It's a series of vignettes showcasing quirky and humorous aspects of farm life.

One memorable scene features a show horse, trained to perform various gaits. When asked to canter, the horse breaks into an unexpected rendition of an Eddie Cantor song, much to the narrator's surprise.

Another segment involves a field mouse who's convinced he's hearing things, leading to a comical misunderstanding. The cartoon also includes a grasshopper who, while chewing on a tobacco-like substance, is prevented by the Hays Code from spitting it out.

Throughout the film, there's a running gag with a group of piglets intently watching a clock, adding a layer of mystery to their behavior.

"Farm Frolics" is a delightful blend of slapstick comedy and witty dialogue, showcasing Bob Clampett's unique style of animation.

Falling Hare 1943

In 1943, Warner Bros. released the animated short film "Falling Hare," starring Bugs Bunny. This cartoon is a classic example of Warner Bros.'s wartime humor and animation style.

The story begins with Bugs Bunny reading a book titled "Victory Thru Hare Power," a spoof of the book "Victory Through Air Power." Bugs is then drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps and assigned to a top-secret mission. However, his mission is sabotaged by a gremlin, a mischievous creature known for causing trouble in wartime.

The gremlin, a small, green imp, wreaks havoc on the plane, causing a series of mishaps and near-disasters. Bugs, ever the resourceful and quick-witted hero, must outsmart the gremlin and save the day. The cartoon is filled with slapstick humor, visual gags, and witty dialogue, all hallmarks of classic Looney Tunes.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the climax, where Bugs and the gremlin engage in a high-speed chase through the skies. The sequence features stunning animation and breathtaking stunts, as the two adversaries battle for control of the plane.

"Falling Hare" is a beloved classic that continues to entertain audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, action, and wartime themes make it a timeless piece of animation history.