The Jaywalker

This short, one of the three UPA shorts nominated for an Academy Award (a clean sweep for UPA that year), is almost the prototypical short for UPA: Limited animation combined with a clever, interesting idea that is fleshed out with a good script that uses the strengths of the animation style to best advantage for the concept. The idea here is simple: the main character has taken up jaywalkng as a hobby and it quickly becomes manic, almost obsessive, behavior. The cartoon is beautifully executed and is well worth getting a hold of for anyone who enjoys animation. Recommended.

"Milton Muffet" is the epitome of the arch criminal. Given his disrespect for the rule of law, he's lucky he's not in Leavenworth! What's his crime? Well he's a shameless jaywalker, that's what! He finds the whole thing exhilarating. He's addicted to the extent that he quit his job and just waited on street corners waiting for traffic to disrupt. His war of attrition involved him marching along the road playing chicken with the approaching vehicles. This strategy has mixed results, it has to be said! Indeed many of his techniques work intermittently as he tries to wind up road users - but that seems to make his hobby even more fun! Maybe he needs to see a shrink? Is he beyond redemption? This is quite an enjoyable feature with plenty of daft scenarios, a fitting final scene and even a bit of guidance offered should you ever wish to take it up yourself! If you haven't tried this, you haven't lived!

Milton Muffet is a jaywalker who scoffs at the law and has developed advanced techniques in his art. He's familiar with the court system too, and knows the fines for jaywalking.

This UPA cartoon directed by Robert Cannon has me in a bit of a bother trying to classify it. Is it a regular cartoon or intended as a public service announcement to warn people against jay walking. Or am I just being fussy for trying to classify it that way? Certainly the Academy did not think it worth an Oscar, even though it was nominated.