Huff, Puff, and Repeat

Mmmwwwwwaahaaahaaahaaahhaaaaaa! We’re switching from laughs to scares this week as Cartoon BOO-reakdown celebrates Halloween with a spooky selection of shorts. Are mice scarier than ghosts? What’s a proportionate punishment for unsuccessful chicken theft ? Are all cartoon skeletons contractually obliged to be played like xylophones? And what’s the link between Edgar Allan Poe and a really good burger? Todd and Andy answer these questions and more as they make their way through creepy cartoons from four different studios.SHORTS DISCUSSED:The Skeleton Dance (1929, Walt Disney)Swing You Sinners! (1930, Dave Fleischer)Scaredy Cat (1948, Chuck Jones)The Tell-Tale Heart (1953, Ted Parmelee)

It seems that almost every major animated star fought a bull at some stage in their career! Pared down from a huge shortlist, Andy and Todd take a look at four different studios’ takes on the controversial subject of bullfighting. As well as examining the inherent comedic potential of two adversaries trapped together in an arena, we discuss early awakenings to the image of Lina Romay, whether Popeye was a vegan, which Disney film was the horniest, and whether there was an orange toupee lying around the MGM props department. SHORTS DISCUSSED:The Hollywood Matador (1942, Walter Lantz, Alex Lovy)Señor Droopy (1949, Tex Avery)For Whom the Bulls Toil (1953, Jack Kinney)Bully for Bugs (1953, Chuck Jones)

In the third and final episode of our three part look at Tom & Jerry, Todd and Andy discuss Chuck Jones’s take on the characters. While agreeing that Jones never quite got a handle on the cat and mouse, we find things to enjoy in the psychedelic layouts and unusual gags. Todd tells the story of how Jones ended up taking on these characters and we discuss thick eyebrows, strange endings, intergalactic adventures and why exactly lemons are supposed to make people pucker. SHORTS DISCUSSED:The Cat Above and the Mouse Below (1964, Chuck Jones)Is There a Doctor in the Mouse? (1964, Chuck Jones)Advance and Be Mechanized (1967, Ben Washam)

In the second part of our three part look at Tom & Jerry, Todd and Andy discuss the short-lived Gene Deitch era, in which American director Deitch and his team of Czech animators produced some of the strangest and least acclaimed films in the characters’ history. From odd animation to misjudged violence and surreal soundtracks, we look at the problems with these infamous cartoons, while also acknowledging the parts that do work. Plus we take a glimpse at Deitch’s far more stellar reputation outside of his work with the cat and mouse.SHORTS DISCUSSED:Tall in the Trap (1962, Gene Deitch)Landing Stripling (1962, Gene Deitch)The Tom and Jerry Cartoon Kit (1962, Gene Deitch)ALSO DISCUSSED BRIEFLY:Munro (1961, Gene Deitch)Self-Defense...for Cowards (1962, Gene Deitch)J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit (1967, Gene Deitch)

In this episode we begin our three part look at the theatrical era of Tom & Jerry. First up is the golden age of the Hanna-Barbera shorts that saw the cat and mouse win seven Academy Awards and the hearts of cartoon-lovers everywhere. Andy and Todd examine four shorts that represent the characters in their natural domestic setting, and discuss co-stars like Spike and Mammy Two-Shoes, the art of slapstick timing, and whether Andy’s choice for the best Tom & Jerry short makes him a sadist. Plus, for those who are counting, there are more animated butts in this episode! SHORTS DISCUSSED:Puss Gets the Boot (1940, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera)Mouse Trouble (1944, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera)Little Runaway (1952, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera)Pet Peeve (1954, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera)

In this episode we take an in-depth look at the career of Stan Freberg, from his radio work and hit records to his voice work for Warner Bros. Todd introduces Andy to Freberg’s comedy album Stan Freberg Presents The United States of America, and Andy introduces Todd to a mysterious stop-motion animation of Freberg’s Banana Boat Song. And, of course, we look at some of Freberg’s most famous characters including Junyer Bear, the infamous Pete Puma and the tuneful narrator of the all time classic Three Little Bops.SHORTS DISCUSSED:A Bear for Punishment (1951, Chuck Jones)Rabbit’s Kin (1952, Robert McKimson)Three Little Bops (1957, Friz Freleng)

We’re all about pigs again this week as Andy and Todd take a look at other studios’ takes on the Three Little Pigs story. Wartime themes, musical arrangements and swapping pigs for pups: Do these fresh approaches work? Andy and Todd are finding out.SHORTS DISCUSSED:Blitz Wolf (1942, Tex Avery)Pigs in a Polka (1943, Friz Freleng)The Three Little Pups (1953, Tex Avery)

In this episode we take a look at one of the most important cartoons ever made, Disney’s Three Little Pigs, and the three sequels that followed (three and a half counting the propaganda short The Thrifty Pig). Can you top pigs with pigs? Which of the Big Bad Wolf’s disguises is the sexiest? And are there too many butts in these cartoons? Andy and Todd will answer these questions and more.SHORTS DISCUSSED:Three Little Pigs (1933, Burt Gillett)The Big Bad Wolf (1934, Burt Gillett)Three Little Wolves (1936, David Hand)The Practical Pig (1939, Dick Rickard)The Thrifty Pig (1941, Ford Beebe)

In this episode we’re taking a close look at the iconic little black duck himself. Andy attempts to convince a very receptive Todd that Daffy Duck is not only the greatest cartoon star but also one of the greatest movie stars of all time, animated or not. Using three shorts by different directors, we take a look at how Daffy’s personality developed over the years from unhinged screwball to boyish optimist to fame-hungry narcissist.SHORTS DISCUSSED:The Daffy Doc (1938, Robert Clampett)Yankee Doodle Daffy (1943, Friz Freleng)Duck Amuck (1953, Chuck Jones)

In this inaugural episode, Andy and Todd take a look at some of their personal favorite animated shorts and discuss what each one means to them. Avoiding obvious choices, Andy aims to illustrate the many facets of animation beyond just the gags, while Todd’s picks provide a glimpse of the later years of the golden age. Examining six cartoons across five different studios, this bumper crop of animated gems kicks off Cartoon Breakdown in the joyous fashion in which we hope to continue.SHORTS DISCUSSED:Puss n’ Booty (1943, Frank Tashlin)Pecos Pest (1955, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera)Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor (1936, Dave Fleischer)From Hare to Heir (1960, Friz Freleng)The Old Mill (1937, Wilfred Jackson, Graham Heid)Billy Boy (1954, Tex Avery)