The Juggler of Our Lady

It's the Gene Deitch era of Terrytoons, and Deitch encouraged people to do what they could with very small budgets, all that was available. This story about a medieval juggler is based on a story by Anatole France, and had been converted into a children's book by R. O. Blechman. He was a popular cartoonist for the New York, but that was a far piece from the animation world. So we have here a charming story narrated by Boris Karloff in his storybook voice, and despite some very minimal visual art, it was nominated for an Academy Award for best animated short.

I can understand why, but alas, it is what people generally mean when they speak slightingly of animated radio. It is very charming animated radio, but little more.

"Cantlebert" is a juggler whom nobody notices. He is routinely ridden over and ignored so decides that he might need to change careers. Some scissors, string and he's an ascetic - but all that gets him is the attention of a few other ascetics. Despondent, he espies a passing monk and decides that might be better. A new robe, a warm room, food - and, of course, the Virgin Mary would never shun him! He quickly discovers that each of his brothers had a skill - painting, carving, sculpting, writing, cooking. Still, poor old "Cantlebert" was determined to try and help - but he was of very little use to anyone and his newfound colleagues complained he was a nuisance. He was permitted to stay so long as he kept the place clean and lugged the groceries around. A snowy Christmas arrives and at the gift presenting, he has nothing to give - except, at night he creeps into the chapel and entertains her all night - by juggling himself to the point of exhaustion and into her heart, too! It's a simple, line-drawn animation that's nicely scored, narrated (by Boris Karloff) and one that goes some way to demonstrate that big isn't always better!