Cartoon a Day: Mexican Boarders

Mexican Boarders
1962
Directed by Friz Freleng & Hawley Pratt
Available on: Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 4

We've talked before about how Speedy Gonzalez cartoons were left off the Cartoon Network rotation for years, a casualty of political correctness run wild. Yet, it eventually came out that Mexicans didn't see the character as negative, but saw him as a national hero. I sometimes wonder if the true controversial character in the world of Speedy Gonzalez is one who appeared only twice...one of those times is today's cartoon. Tonight we experience the one and only Slowpoke Rodriguez.

In this cartoon, Sylvester has barely any energy left to chase the fastest mouse in all Mexico. But when Speedy's cousin Slowpoke comes for a visit, the putty tat is re-energized. Both Speedy and Sylvester are soon overshadowed by the scene stealing Slowpoke.

This cartoon came close to the end of the golden era of cartoons, yet this is a strong cartoon. Slowpoke is a hilarious character, it's a shame he was only used twice. Some might see him as a Mexican stereotype, but really he's simply the opposite of the leading man...a classic comedic situation. Like the slow wolf from some Droopy cartoons, I love the way Slowpoke moves and minimal amount of animation used to bring him to life.

Cartoon a Day: Cat-Tails for Two

Cat-Tails for Two
1953
Directed by Robert McKimson
Available on: Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 4

Many cartoon characters go through changes in their history. Everyone from Bugs Bunny to Bart Simpson have had their look altered as the characters developed over time. "Cat-Tails for Two" marks the first appearance of a beloved Looney Tunes character, Speedy Gonzales, but it also shows what is perhaps one of the most drastic changes in character design of any major character.

This short actually focuses on two cats, George and Benny, who are parodies of the George and Lennie characters from Of Mice and Men. They wander onto a Mexican ship in search of a Mexican dinner...a Mexican mouse, of course. They happen upon "the fastest mouse in all Mexico" and the hilarity ensues. And this is a very funny short. There are many great reaction shots from the two cats. Stan Freberg's voice work as Benny is also a highlight.

It is very interesting to see the change that would happen in Speedy's design. The studio must've realized after this short that they'd created a great character, but that they'd given him a really annoying look. With his flat head and over sized front teeth, he just doesn't look like able in this short. Lucky for us he would go through a dramatic makeover and become the Speedy we all love.

Cartoon a Day: A-Haunting we will Go

A-Haunting we will Go
1966
Directed by Robert McKimson
Available on: Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 4

To close out Halloween week we have "A-Haunting we will Go," an odd film from the final years of the Warner Brothers shorts. Budgets had been cut by this point, and it shows in this short, but the story is just plain weird. It's Halloween and Daffy's niece or nephew (it is isn't clear which, it talks like a he but wears what appears to be a dress!?!?) is out trick or treating. After being scared away from Witch Hazel's house, the youngster drags uncle Daffy out to see the witch.


Meanwhile, Hazel decided she needs a vacation but has to have someone to fill in for her while gone. So she decided to change a mouse that lives in the wall, Speedy Gonzales, to look like her. While Speedy is filling in, he messes with some potions which cause Daffy some trouble. Got all that?


There are just so many "huh?" moments in this short. Speedy Gonzales seems to have been just thrown into the short because he was popular, there's no other reason to include him. And could someone please tell me why Daffy Duck is wearing Elmer Fudd's hunter's cap during this short?


The animation is good but not as detailed as in earlier Looney Tunes offerings. It's also disappointing that more originality isn't shown here. When Speedy changes Daffy into a strange creature, it's a design used in the great Chuck Jones short "Duck Amuck." Why not create something new? Despite the disappointing aspects of this short, it's still interesting to look at as an example of a late Warner Brothers short.

Cartoon a Day: Here Today, Gone Tamale

Here Today, Gone Tamale

1959

Directed by Friz Freleng

Available on: Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 4

For a long time, Speedy Gonzales was a victim of political correctness taken to the extreme. Some claimed that he was a negative stereotype of Mexicans. Yet when he was pulled from the air by Cartoon Network, who had exclusive broadcast rights to his cartoons beginning in 1999, the fans cried out. They learned that Speedy is a hero to many Latin Americans. He's certainly always been a favorite of mine.

"Here Today, Gone Tamale" features a group of Mexican mice starving due to a cheese famine when a boat full of cheese rolls into port. Sylvester the cat guards the ship, so Speedy is called in to get the cheese. There are plenty of great gags here, though the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" ending is a bit disappointing and abrupt.

This is also another great example of beautiful Looney Tunes background art. Both the scenery of the port and layout of the ship use some very creative elements. Just check out the interesting depth of field used in the background of the above shot.

Though I've never thought that Sylvester quite gelled as a great nemesis for Speedy like he did with Tweety, this is still a fun offering from the fastest mouse in all Mexico.