Peace On Earth

On this Friday before Christmas, I wanted to again post one of my favorite holiday cartoons.  Although some of the imagery in this film seems a bit dark for a holiday cartoon, the message is always relevant.  This short was released in 1939, when Europe was either on the brink of or already at war, many in the U.S. were not interested in reliving the horrors of World War I, and the Japanese had not yet attacked Pearl Harbor.  From the Internet Archive, here is Peace On Earth.

I'll be taking a break for a week, but I'll back in January.  Until then, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Comes But Once A Year

Today we revisit one of the Fleischer Studios' Color Classics in which Grampy uses a little innovation to bring Christmas joy to some orphans.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1936 animated short, Christmas Comes But Once A Year. 

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

My non-Sunrise Serenade posts have dropped off a bit recently due to work and other annoyances, but I figured I could at least start up the holiday cartoons again. This encore from Christmas posts past is a Jam Handy animated short directed by Max Fleischer.  From the Internet Archive, here is Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.  According to legend, Gene Autry, who first recorded this song, did not want to record it.  His wife persuaded him. 

There's Good Boos Tonight

Since this is the Friday before Halloween, I thought I would dust off this cartoon featuring Casper the Friendly Ghost.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1948 animated short, There's Good Boos Tonight.

Droopy's Double Trouble

Droopy is one of those cartoon characters to admire.  A quiet, noble soul, whose courtesy and kindness to everyone ends up working out just fine for him, despite others attempts to take advantage of his good nature.  That is the case in this Tex Avery short.  From MGM and the Internet Archive, here is Droopy's Double Trouble (also starring Droopy's twin brother, Drippy).

Porky's Pastry Pirates

I have never seen this one.  Porky Pig operates a bakery.  A fly sits hungrily outside his window, but is afraid to go inside because of Porky's violence with a fly swatter.  Along comes a bee, who sounds a lot like Edward G. Robinson, who shows the fly how to get some of the sweeties.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1942 Warner Bros. animated short, Porky's Pastry Pirates. 

Teachers Are People

While perusing the Tube of You, I came across this Walt Disney short featuring Goofy as an elementary school teacher.  Never having seen this cartoon before, and remembering that my kiddos start school next week, this seemed an appropriate tribute to those in the educational profession on whom I inflict- er, I mean - to whom I entrust my children. 

As you watch this short, please remember it was made at a time when several of the jokes were just that, jokes.  The thought of knives, guns and explosives in schools was so absurd as to be laughable.  Unfortunately, in the 60+ years since this cartoon was released, times have changed to the point that some of those situations are no longer so absurd.  It is not my intention to be insensitive to that fact.  On the contrary, it is my hope that eventually, we can have schools where such concerns will again be laughable.  With that in mind, please enjoy Teachers Are People. 

Falling Hare

This great Bugs Bunny cartoon has several WW2 references:  censorship, 4F, fuel ration cards, etc.  Found on the YouTube channel 8thManDVD, here is the 1943 Warner Bros. animated short, Falling Hare. 

Pigs In A Polka

Here is another partial Fantasia parody from Warner Bros.  Set to the music of Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dances, this short retells the fairy tale of the Three Little Pigs.  From the 8th Man DVD channel on YouTube, here is the 1942 cartoon, Pigs In A Polka. 

Superman: Secret Agent

Being the Friday before Independence Day, I thought it would be a good time to call up the Man of Steel who fights for truth, justice and the American way - Superman.  In one of the few cartoons in which Lois Lane makes no appearance whatsoever, a beautiful blond secret agent is on the run from foreign (i.e. German) saboteurs, and Superman shows up to lend a hand when they try to stop her.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1943 animated short, Secret Agent.

Prest-O Change-O

This short features the same two dogs that appeared in another cartoon with a similar story.  In the previous short, the dogs - one large and one small - enter a "Home of Tomorrow," that features all sorts of fancy futuristic, automatic gadgets that soon cause the curious canines some trouble.  In this version, our furry friends escape the dog catcher by slipping into the house of a magician - "Sham-Fu."  Although the magician himself never shows up, his pet rabbit (a Bugs Bunny prototype) and an Indian Rope Trick give the puzzled pooches as bad a time as the futuristic house did.  From the 8th Man Video channel on YouTube, here is the 1938 short, Prest-O Change-O. 

Sport Chumpions

Since the weather is warming up, I thought this 1941 Warner Bros. short featuring a number of warm weather outdoor athletic activities would be a good pick.  Posted on the YouTube channel 8thManDVD, here is Sport Chumpions. 

Bars And Stripes Forever

I've seen this one before, but it has been a really long time.  This 1939 Warner Bros. short features the story of one prisoner's escape from Alcarazz prison, with a little parody musical number toward the end.  Here is Bars And Stripes Forever.

The Dover Boys At Pimento University

I stumbled across this old favorite of mine featuring the Dover Boys and their arch rival, Dan Backslide.  This Warner Bros. gem from 1942 was directed by legendary animator, Chuck Jones.  From YouTube, here is The Dover Boys At Pimento University (or the Rivals of Roquefort Hall).

Motor Mania

While Goofy was a character in many Walt Disney shorts, I have always liked the cartoons in which he was essentially the subject of a "documentary," with a narrator dryly commenting as Goof engaged in specific activities such as dancing, fishing, photography, skiing, or in this case, driving.  From YouTube, here is the 1950 animated short, Motor Mania. 

Birds In The Spring

Since Spring officially starts next week, I thought this cute Walt Disney Silly Symphony short from 1933 was appropriate.  A young bird strays a little too far from the nest and gets in trouble.  Here is Birds In The Spring. 

The Village Smithy

Ever tried to get something done, and quickly learned that it is just going to be one of those days?  That is pretty much the majority of Donald Duck cartoons, and this one, posted on YouTube, is no exception.  From 1941, here is The Village Smithy. 

Betty Boop: Mother Goose Land

We have not had a visit from Betty Boop for some time, so this little 1993 flight of fancy featuring our favorite cartoon flapper seemed like a good idea.  From the Internet Archive, here is  Mother Goose Land.
 

Snow Foolin'

With the 2018 Winter Olympics about to conclude, I thought we would stick with that theme.  No real story here, just a bunch of animals having fun with winter sports, followed by a sing along with "Jingle Bells."  From the Internet Archive, here is Snow Foolin'.

Hockey Homicide

With the 2018 Winter Olympics now in progress, this 1945 Walt Disney animated short seemed appropriate.  It reminds me of the old question:  "Did you ever go to a fight and have a hockey game break out?"  Posted on YouTube, here is Hockey Homicide.