Sunday Go to Meetin' Time

Most notable for being one of the cartoons from the group "Censored 11", cartoons withheld from syndication for being deemed as having offensive content, 'Sunday Go to Meetin' Time' is not one of the worst, being better than 'Angel Puss'.

It is also not as racist as 'Jungle Jitters', 'Angel Puss' and 'All This and Rabbit Stew', in fact apart from one bit, the portrayal of its stereotypes and the character designs 'Sunday Go to Meetin' Time' is one of the tamer ones from the group. However, it takes a decent if very familiar premise of a character going to hell but executes it in a less than memorable or imaginative manner.

Not as dull as 'Angel Puss' or 'Hittin' the Trail for Hallelujah Land', but when it comes to the "Censored 11" cartoons there are a few that still entertain hugely such as 'Goldilocks and the Three Jivin' Bears' and 'Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs', a level that 'Sunday Go to Meetin' Time' never quite reaches.

The best thing about it is the music score, it's not Carl Stalling but it's still lively, characterful and beautifully orchestrated stuff that fits very well. Most of the animation is also very fluid and detailed with lovely use of colour. There are a few amusing moments, such as the citing of the charges, which is the most imaginative the premise gets.

On the other hand, the premise could have been more imaginatively and energetically handled. It just lacked zip and doesn't do much new with a premise done to death in cartoons and much more memorably, not enough stands out here. There are amusing moments certainly, but they come sporadically and sharper timing generally would have helped to make it more consistent. While it has been said that there are far more offensive cartoons in the "Censored 11" group, it is easy to see why 'Sunday Go to Meetin' Time' is seen offensive enough to withhold it from being distributed.

There is one scene that is racially offensive, which involves shoe polish, that scene was just not in good taste not just for now but back then too. The very exaggerated character designs are grotesquely and unnecessarily ugly, and the characters are stereotypes not painted in a good light, if nowhere near as objectionable as the likes of 'Jungle Jitters', 'Tin Pan Alley Cats' and 'All This and Rabbit Stew' as prime examples of the "Censored 11" cartoons.

In conclusion, forgettable cartoon with moments but could have done much more with a decent if familiar premise. 4/10 Bethany Cox

While it's true that "Sunday Go To Meetin' Time" contains very stereotypical portrayals of African-Americans, it appears that the people behind the cartoon were actually taking some interest in African-American culture. The cartoon has a man skipping church, but then getting knocked out and dreaming that Satan sentences him to eternal damnation for his misdeeds. Personally, I'd rather go out and entertain myself than spend all day in any religious institution. Maybe I'd go out and watch a movie (in religious people's minds, it would easily get me sent to Hell if the movie starred someone like Elke Sommer; if so, then Hell here I come!).

But I digress. This cartoon is worth seeing, just as long as you understand the offensive content.

Nicodemus sneaks out of church, only to find himself knocked unconcious by a fence post. He awakens in the devil's court, and has to "give the devil his due". The cartoon isn't really racist at all, except for a scene in which a mom is putting shoe polish on her child's head. The rest of it really celebrates African-Americans as singing, happy folks, and isn't ment to be malicious. Then again, it might not appeal to everyone, but it was made 66 years ago (almost 67), and things have changed. Worth seeking out.

This was the second, in chronological order, of the Censored 11 Warner Bros. cartoons I've watched on Thad's Animation Blog. Sunday Go to Meetin' Time has the stereotypical drawn caricature of African-Americans with big white lips as well as the Stepin' Fetchit prototype in leading character Nicodemus. A really offensive scene has a mother putting shoe polish on her bald kids' heads then the father shining them on the other side. Other than that, this was a pretty entertaining musical cartoon about the leading character going to Hell and back. That Friz Freling directed this should come as no surprise since his musical shorts are usually some of the most entertaining. Worth a look for any animation buff who's aware of certain time period acceptance of certain stereotypes.

"Sunday Go to Meetin' Time" is a short from Looney Tunes which was pulled from circulation long ago due to its dates content. And, while the short has some good and interesting things about it, you can't divorce this from much of the material...which is seriously dated and offensive.

The story begins on a Sunday and almost all the black characters are heading to church. All this occurs with a very catching tune...and these black characters all have very large, stereotypical lips...though they are also portrayed as decent people. However, one of them (a guy who looks a lot like Stepin Fetchit) is out trying to steal chickens...when he accidentally knocks himself out. He then is transported to Hell for a variety of reasons...including stealing watermelons and chickens as well as shooting craps! But when he awakens, he realizes the error of his ways and rushes to church.

The quality of the animation and music are excellent. Also, this could have been a pretty good short but all the stereotypes are pretty offensive to most and I can certainly see why they pulled it from circulation.

If you do want to see it, it's posted on YouTube...though the copy is in horrendous shape.