Father Noah's Ark

Even though I am NOT a fan of singing cartoons (a BIG fad during the 1930s), I couldn't help but admire "Father Noah's Ark". From the opening screen to the end of the picture, it was a visual treat--one of the prettiest and most complex cartoons I have ever seen. First, as the cartoon began, it showed amazing colors--with wonderful blends and that you just need to see for yourself. Second, throughout the cartoon, the colors were amazingly rich and satisfying. Third, I was REALLY blown away by many of the early scenes in which MANY animals were moving independently of each other. I'd never seen so much action in a cartoon and it's obvious that this film was a labor of love, as it was VERY difficult to make. This is no ordinary cartoon, that's for sure!

As for the plot, it's about what you'd expect--it's a retelling of the story of Noah's ark. But, to sanitize it and make it more acceptable to a wider audience, there isn't any God in the cartoon--just Noah and his family and the animals. No condemned folks of the Earth, either, as showing the multitudes screaming in agony would have been a real downer! No, in this world, it's all happiness and fun as the animals work with the family (sort of like in "The Flintstones") to build the boat. It's all pretty clever and although I hate singing, the songs were pretty good for what they were. All in all, a sweet and eye-popping cartoon.

I loved this when I was a kid, and still do. It is everything I love in a Silly Symphony, lively, colourful and entertaining. The animation is fantastic, considering when it was made, and still holds up even after 70 plus years. The music is also beautiful, and all the characters are wonderful, particularly Noah, and the animals are both adorable and hilarious. It is constantly entertaining, and there is never a dull moment. This is definitely one of my all time favourite Silly Symphonies, right up there with The Band Concert, Flowers and Trees, Ugly Duckling, Skeleton Dance and The Old Mill. Everything about this is memorable, I loved it when I was little, and after all this time, not only it brings back so many fond memories, but I love it even more than I did when I first saw it.

A definite 10/10. Bethany Cox

I appreciated the building of the ark. There were many creative touches. I don't know if the helpful animals all made it on board (there seemed to be several elephants). The singing was spiritual style. God was supposedly around but we didn't hear much from him/she/it. Anyway, it was very colorful and joyful. The skunks almost got left behind. As good as such a far fetched story can be portrayed.

This is a nice little cartoon short from Disney, where Noah and his family and various animals all construct the Ark. After the rain starts pouring, all the creatures take shelter in the Ark as the gigantic boat floats through a sea of raging water. When the sun returns, the animals disembark and enjoy the new, luscious land and what God has to offer.

It's truly an innocent-filled cartoon to commemorate a biblical chapter and it is also filled with colorful animation, joyful songs, sweet music and funny sound effects.

A great Silly Symphony for the family.

Grade A

This short was Disney's first visit to Noah-it was followed up 26 years later by Noah's Ark. Of the two, this one is much closer to the typical Disney animated short and this one is very good. The other is more unusual in style and format, but both are fairly successful in what they try to do. Good to see this in-print. Beautifully executed. Recommended.