Mickey's Follies 1929

Mickey's Follies: A Classic Cartoon Revue Mickey's Follies is a 1929 American animated short film produced by Walt Disney Productions. This early Mickey Mouse cartoon is a delightful revue featuring a variety of musical numbers and comedy sketches. A Whimsical Revue The film showcases Mickey Mouse and his friends in a series of vaudeville-style acts. The cartoon's vibrant animation and catchy music make it a timeless classic. Some of the highlights include: The Barnyard Ballet: A humorous dance routine featuring Mickey, Minnie, and other barnyard animals. The Jazz Band: Mickey and his friends form a jazz band and perform a lively tune. The Magic Act: Mickey attempts a magic trick, with hilarious results. A Significant Milestone Mickey's Follies is considered a significant milestone in the history of animation. It demonstrates the early development of Disney's animation techniques and the growing popularity of Mickey Mouse as a cultural icon. Legacy The film's enduring appeal has made it a beloved classic for generations of viewers. Its influence can still be seen in modern animation, and it continues to be celebrated as a groundbreaking achievement in the history of cartoons.

You Don't Know What You're Doin'! 1931

"You Don't Know What You're Doin'!" (1931): A Jazz Age Mishap In the early days of animation, Warner Bros.' Merrie Melodies series was a hotbed of innovation, and "You Don't Know What You're Doin'!" is a prime example of their early experimentation. Released on October 21, 1931, this short film stars the recurring character Piggy, a pig with a penchant for causing trouble.   The plot is simple yet hilarious: Piggy takes his girlfriend Fluffy to a jazz club, where he proceeds to mock the trumpet soloist and then takes the stage himself. Armed with a saxophone, he plays a corny rendition of "Silver Threads Among the Gold," much to the amusement of the audience. Led by a trio of drunken dogs, the crowd heckles Piggy with the titular song, but he remains blissfully unaware of his lack of talent.   One of the drunken dogs, perhaps a prototype of the later Looney Tunes character Goopy Geer, joins Piggy on stage and the two engage in a drunken duet. The chaos escalates as Piggy steals a bottle of bootleg hooch and the two stumble out of the club, causing mayhem wherever they go.   "You Don't Know What You're Doin'!" is a delightful blend of humor, music, and animation. The animation style, while simple by today's standards, is still charming and effective. The jazz score, performed by the Abe Lyman Orchestra, is energetic and perfectly captures the spirit of the Jazz Age. This short film is a testament to the creativity and innovation of early animation. It's a fun and silly watch that will appeal to both children and adults. If you're a fan of classic animation or simply looking for a good laugh, "You Don't Know What You're Doin'!" is definitely worth checking out.

Wackiki Wabbit 1943

Wackiki Wabbit: A Surreal and Colorful Adventure Wackiki Wabbit, a 1943 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon, is a visually striking and surreal adventure starring the ever-lovable Bugs Bunny. Directed by Chuck Jones and written by Tedd Pierce, this short film offers a unique blend of humor, animation experimentation, and a touch of the absurd.   Plot Summary: The cartoon begins with two shipwrecked castaways stranded on a tropical island. Desperate for food, they spot Bugs Bunny and immediately see him as their next meal. However, Bugs proves to be a formidable opponent, leading to a series of hilarious and imaginative chase sequences. The island setting provides a colorful and vibrant backdrop for the action, with the animation style taking on a more abstract and experimental tone.   Animation and Visual Style: One of the most notable aspects of Wackiki Wabbit is its innovative use of animation techniques. The film features bold, colorful backgrounds and exaggerated character designs, creating a visually striking and dreamlike atmosphere. The animation style often borders on the abstract, with scenes that seem to shift and morph before the viewer's eyes.   Humor and Character: As with many classic Bugs Bunny cartoons, Wackiki Wabbit is filled with witty humor and clever wordplay. Bugs' quick wit and ability to outsmart his pursuers are on full display, as he effortlessly dodges their attempts to capture him. The two castaways, though initially presented as antagonists, also provide comedic relief with their bumbling and desperate attempts to catch Bugs.   Legacy: Wackiki Wabbit is considered a classic of animation, praised for its innovative visual style and enduring humor. It remains a beloved entry in the Bugs Bunny canon, showcasing the talent of Chuck Jones and his team at Warner Bros.  

The Three Pigs in a Polka 1943

The Three Pigs in a Polka: A Forgotten Gem

A Whimsical Tune and a Swinging Tale

Released in 1943, The Three Pigs in a Polka is a charming animated short film that, despite its age, still manages to captivate audiences. This delightful piece of animation, produced by Walter Lantz Productions, offers a unique twist on the classic fairy tale, "The Three Little Pigs."

A Swinging New Take

Instead of the traditional building materials of straw, sticks, and bricks, the three little pigs in this version construct their homes out of discarded musical instruments. The Big Bad Wolf, ever the opportunist, attempts to huff and puff his way into these musical dwellings. However, the pigs, armed with their musical prowess, outsmart the wolf with a lively polka.

A Visual Treat

The Three Pigs in a Polka is a visual treat, with its vibrant colors and fluid animation. The film's art style is reminiscent of the classic cartoons of the era, with exaggerated character designs and dynamic movement. The polka sequence is particularly impressive, featuring a dazzling display of animation and musicality.

A Timeless Tale

While the film may be over 80 years old, its themes of creativity, resourcefulness, and the power of music remain relevant today. The Three Pigs in a Polka is a reminder that even the most familiar stories can be reimagined in surprising and delightful ways.

If you're a fan of classic animation or simply looking for a fun and heartwarming film, The Three Pigs in a Polka is definitely worth checking out.

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.