Flowers and Trees

This won the very first Academy Award given for animated short and even after close to 69 years, it is still a marvel to behold. It quite justifiably won its praise at the time and is one of Disney's high points. Everything about this is excellent: story, music, characterization, plot, layout, visuals-everything! Periodically, this is run on the Ink and Paint Club on the Disney Channel and should be out on video. Apparently the powers that make the decisions for The Mouse don't see a point in releasing shorts on home video. Such a shame to have such remarkable material out of circulation. *sigh* The winner, on points. Most highly recommended.

The first Silly Symphony to to be made in Technicolour, Flowers and Trees remains my favourite of the Silly Symphonies. It has a certain charm that is almost irresistible. Flowers and Trees is beautifully animated, with vibrant colours, and considering when it was made, I was most impressed. The characters, although they never speak, are very lovable, especially the Mushrooms. Even the evil tree stump was an engaging character in his own right. The music was wonderfully lyrical, and reminded me of the sort of music you'll find in a ballet. It was so charming and pleasant, it plays a significant role in justifying the undeniable charm of this gem. The story is very simple, and is fairly unrealistic, but everything else that is so good, more than compensate, and it is meant to be silly. The result is a beautiful and imaginative short, with a 10/10. Bethany Cox.

Indeed a very nice work of art on this one! I enjoyed it immensely. I'm certain you will too. It is definitely worth every bit of the few minutes to watch. More than flowers and trees though, even though that's just the title.

The forest awakens and rubs the sleep from it's eyes. The trees, birds, insects and even the bats emerge from the arms of Morpheus in varying humours ready to start their day. One of the trees is enraptured and serenades his intended with some hastily improvised harp music whilst his friend orchestrates a chorus of chirping and the sunflowers present a perfectly choreographed dance. She's gracious enough, but having none of it until pursued by a grisly old stump who has evil designs on her delicate boughs! A duel ensues and with a fire soon ablaze, all must flee for their very lives to find a pond or a stream and hope for some rain. A fine combination of Schubert and Rossini accompanies this enjoyable animation that shows us a bit of the fickleness of affection but also, more seriously, the effects fire can have on nature and of it's recuperative powers afterwards!

This is a beautifully done award-winning animation short, with cleverly done sequences such as the trees and flowers waking up to the day and the characters sounding off the alarm after an old, grumpy tree stump starts a forest fire in a fit of jealous rage.

Wonderful serene music, including some recognizable tunes, as well.

Grade A