02.06
Everybody who reads this blog should love Disney. Can you blame us? Arguably no one has done more for the animation industry than Walt, and just about everyone should have at least one project from the Mouse House that they enjoy, be it a particular movie, a Winnie the Pooh character, or if you just. really like Phineas & Ferb.
As you guys might know, I personally enjoy Disney quite a lot. The studio has left an undeniable impression on me, giving me some of my favorite movies, characters, animated series, and my biggest crush.
The more I think about it though, the more I realize how unfamiliar I have become with their theatrical shorts in recent years. I used to watch them often on VHS and Disney Channel when I could as a kid, but a bunch of random viewings aside, it’s been a while since I’ve really invested in the cartoons that made Mickey, Donald, and the gang American icons like I have Warner or MGM’s cartoons.
Since I recently got a weekly calendar which celebrates these cartoons, I think it’s about time I get to rewatching and analyzing some of these again. This will be the first time in years, if not ever, that I’ve seen some of these cartoons again, and I hope you enjoy going through my monthly commentaries as much as I enjoy doing them.
Thru the Mirror (1936)
An enjoyable Lewis Carroll-inspired sequence in which Mickey dreams about, as the title states, going through the mirror into a world of imagination. The animation is wonderful in this short, ranging from Mickey’s dancing to his card shuffle. As vibrant as anything Disney had done before or after, chances are that you’ll find a majority of the short familiar, even if this is the first time you’ve seen it in years, like it has been for me.
It’s not an outstanding cartoon, however. It’s more style over substance, a problem with a majority of Disney shorts from this era. The fluidity of the cartoon’s animation is endearing, but few laughs are found, since Mickey’s Fred Astaire-like dance sequences will probably be lost on modern audiences unaware of the great dancer.
If anything, this short is important for setting the groundwork for a couple of pieces of work featuring Mickey Mouse, including Disney’s Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse and Epic Mickey. The short is even included in the latter’s deluxe edition.
The Wise Little Hen (1934)
Based on the classic children’s story The Little Red Hen, this cartoon is mostly notable for being the first to feature Donald Duck. He and Peter Pig are asked by the Hen to help her plant and harvest her corn, but they can’t due to their “tummy aches”. In typical fashion, the lazy critters get their just desserts in the end, only this time to help them with their “aches”.
Despite it’s historical significance, this is a pretty average Silly Symphony, done in musical rhyme. Children and nostalgics will likely get a kick out of it, since it’s harmless entertainment, but older fans will probably get bored due to how basic and safe it is.
Pluto’s Judgement Day (1935)
Here’s one with Mickey’s best pal, Pluto. After chasing a cat around into mud, Mickey tells Pluto that he should be ashamed of himself, something that the pup takes to bed. After a little bit of rest, Pluto is taken by a bunch of cats to be on trial for his actions against cats.
Similar to “The Wise Little Hen”, the story is done in rhyme during the trial. The cartoon is well done, containing some vibrant animation, visual humor, and nice word play, but it’s a little disturbing for children considering it’s imagery of purgatory and Pluto’s actions. The occasional spook is good for children though, so while some parents may be against showing the cartoon to their kids, I’d personally recommend it.
On Ice (1935)
Here’s a fine gang’s all here cartoon, if not one of the best. Cartoons like these which give Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the gang have always been among my favorites, since they give the gang a chance to shine with their varied characteristics.
In this one, Mickey helps Minnie learn how to skate in disastrous but charming results, while Goofy tries to catch fish in ice water with chewing tobacco (something that dates the cartoon- today’s Goofy cartoons couldn’t get away with that). Meanwhile, Donald puts skates on Pluto to mess with him. Three fun subplots which make for an entertaining short. Admittingtly, better ones featuring the gang have been made, and the scene with Pluto trying to get up on his legs goes overlong, but it’s still a cute short.
Boat Builders (1938)
And here’s another classic short with the gang. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy decide to build a boat together and name it the Queen Minnie. As you’d expect, hijinks ensue.
This is a great short since the three characters get a chance to build upon their chemistry with each other and their own personalities. Mickey’s welcome, carefree attitude contrasts with Donald’s irritable temper, and both of which contrast from Goofy’s loving clumsiness. It’s a simple, funny cartoon that makes for a few big laughs. Probably the highlight of the entire cartoon is Goofy’s fling with a mermaid holster for the boat. Not counting the ending, of course.
Well, there we go, five classics. Are they are entertaining as Warner’s cartoons? To me, not so much, but they’re charming, and that’s good enough. I don’t think they were made to be anything else, and I enjoy these shorts all the same.
I can’t wait to see what comes next for me.
Originally posted on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.