The Dover Boys of Pimento University 1942

The Dover Boys of Pimento University: A Forgotten Gem of Animation

The Dover Boys of Pimento University is a largely forgotten animated film from 1942, produced by Fleischer Studios. While it may not be as well-known as other classic cartoons of the era, it's a charming and inventive piece of animation history.

A Tale of College Life and Mischief

The film follows the antics of the titular Dover Boys, a trio of mischievous college students who constantly find themselves in humorous predicaments. Their escapades involve everything from wild parties to outlandish pranks, all set against the backdrop of their quaint university campus.

Fleischer Studios' Unique Style

The Dover Boys showcases the distinctive style of Fleischer Studios, known for its fluid animation and vibrant colors. The characters are expressive and dynamic, and the backgrounds are detailed and imaginative. The film's humor, while somewhat dated, is still enjoyable, relying on slapstick comedy and witty dialogue.

The Barn Dance 1929

The Barn Dance is a classic Mickey Mouse cartoon from 1929. It's a lighthearted story of love, rivalry, and a bit of misadventure.   The plot revolves around Mickey and Pete, both vying for Minnie's attention at the barn dance. Mickey arrives in his trusty horse-drawn cart, while Pete shows up in a flashy new automobile. Minnie is initially impressed by Pete's car, but when it breaks down, she turns to Mickey for a ride.   At the dance, Mickey's clumsy dancing skills threaten to ruin his chances with Minnie. However, he cleverly uses a duck as a makeshift horn to create a lively tune, winning back Minnie's affection. Pete, feeling defeated, ends up dancing with another girl.   The Barn Dance is a delightful short film that showcases the charm of early Mickey Mouse cartoons. It's filled with humor, catchy music, and memorable characters.

Prest O Change O 1939 1

Prest-O Change-O is a 1939 Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Chuck Jones, and first released on March 25, 1939, by Warner Bros. It is the second appearance of Bugs Bunny as a manic white hare who made his first appearance in Porky's Hare Hunt, a cartoon that was produced and copyrighted in 1937 and released in April 1938, featuring him in the same early design. This is also the character's first appearance in a Merrie Melodies color film. The prototype of Bugs Bunny the screwy rabbit makes his third appearance in the next hare-based short film, Hare-um Scare-um (1939).   The cartoon follows two dogs, who are being pursued by a dog catcher, and hide in an abandoned house. There, they encounter a tricky rabbit (Bugs Bunny prototype), who is a more than competent illusionist capable of all sorts of acts of cartoon physics. The big dog is left to defend himself against the rabbit, while the little one does battle with a Hindu rope and a magic wand, the latter of which he ends up accidentally swallowing, giving him bizarre hiccups through the rest of the movie.   Prest-O Change-O is a classic Looney Tunes cartoon that is still enjoyed by audiences today. It is a great example of Chuck Jones's early work, and it features some of the most iconic moments in Bugs Bunny's history.

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.