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Old Glory

  • 1939
  • G
  • 9m
IMDb RATING
5.2/10
808
YOUR RATING
Mel Blanc in Old Glory (1939)
AnimationDramaFamilyHistoryShort

Porky suddenly refuses at learning the Pledge of Allegiance until Uncle Sam appears to him in his dreams and gives him a lesson in American history.Porky suddenly refuses at learning the Pledge of Allegiance until Uncle Sam appears to him in his dreams and gives him a lesson in American history.Porky suddenly refuses at learning the Pledge of Allegiance until Uncle Sam appears to him in his dreams and gives him a lesson in American history.

  • Director
    • Chuck Jones
  • Writers
    • Robert Givens
    • Rich Hogan
    • Dave Monahan
  • Stars
    • Mel Blanc
    • John Deering
    • John Litel
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.2/10
    808
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Chuck Jones
    • Writers
      • Robert Givens
      • Rich Hogan
      • Dave Monahan
    • Stars
      • Mel Blanc
      • John Deering
      • John Litel
    • 17User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos7

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    Top cast4

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    Mel Blanc
    Mel Blanc
    • Porky Pig
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    John Deering
    • Uncle Sam
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    John Litel
    John Litel
    • Patrick Henry
    • (archive sound)
    • (uncredited)
    Shepperd Strudwick
    Shepperd Strudwick
    • Paul Revere
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Chuck Jones
    • Writers
      • Robert Givens
      • Rich Hogan
      • Dave Monahan
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews17

    5.2808
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    Featured reviews

    7TheLittleSongbird

    American history with Chuck Jones

    Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.

    Chuck Jones is one of the greatest geniuses in animation history, or at least to me and many others. 'Old Glory' is a different effort for him, being focused more on history and education rather than wit and humour (fans of the Jones and Looney Tunes that they're familiar with will be disappointed). It's a pretty decent one too and an interesting look at what he was capable of in his early days before he found his style. It is fair to say though that Jones did go on much better things when his cartoons became much funnier, wittier, more inventively animated and iconic characters introduced and made household names.

    'Old Glory' does have segments that are agreed on the brief side and end rather abruptly.

    Porky is likable enough but a bit bland (with all of the featured supporting historical characters and Uncle Sam making more of an impression), while the story tends to be episodic.

    However, the animation is very good. It's beautifully drawn, very detailed and the colours are vibrant, complete with some great expressions for particularly the rabbit.

    Carl Stalling's music score is typically lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms, it's also beautifully synchronised with the action and gestures/expressions and even enhances the impact. All of those things Stalling was an unparalleled master at in animation, or at least in my view.

    Despite it lacking Jones' usual wit and humour, 'Old Glory' offers a very interesting glimpse at American history, doing it in a way that's educational and makes some good points without laying it on too thick. Any patriotism feels neither too preachy or tacky. The supporting characters are fun to spot and the voice acting is good.

    Overall, not one to be seen for humour's sake but well-made and interesting. 7/10 Bethany Cox
    6Doylenf

    Uncle Sam teaches Porky Pig a history lesson...

    At a time when the war clouds in Europe were gathering and it looked as though America might be drawn into the conflict of WWII, this Looney Tune with Porky Pig, OLD GLORY, served as a patriotic reminder to everyone about America's place in history. Only the politically correct hard line liberals who object to any show of patriotism would be objecting to this sort of thing today.

    The human characters are drawn more realistically than usual for a cartoon, and this is appropriate since this not your typical slapstick cartoon. Fans expecting the usual from Porky Pig are bound to be a bit disappointed, but it's worth viewing for the brief history lesson it gives, full of pioneer spirit and uplifting words from men like Patrick Henry, Paul Revere and Abraham Lincoln. Well done.
    10tavm

    Porky Pig gets an education in Old Glory

    I first saw this Porky Pig educational cartoon short on Buskin Bill's Storyland in the Bicentenial year of 1976. I later saw it after James Cagney's Yankee Doodle Dandy on a Saturday night on that same channel of WAFB-9, Baton Rouge, La. (possibly on the 4th of July). Having recently seen it on YouTube, I must marvel at how bright the colors are compared to the washed-out tones I remember from way back when. Great use of having Uncle Sam telling our stuttering hero about the American Revolution and subsequent events with wonderful realistic animation throughout to make their point. Highly recommended to any child who wonders why history is so important to learn.
    7hcshannonart

    A cartoon doesn't have to be funny to be good...

    I remember seeing this cartoon as a child and I have always enjoyed it. Porky is having trouble learning the Pledge of Allegiance, when he's about to give up, Uncle Sam himself shows up and gives him a history lesson. I like the semi-realistic portrayal of Uncle Sam and the historical figures, though it's nothing like later Looney Tunes and/or Chuck Jones' trademark style. Also, I'm surprised most people don't know that the "Under God" line is a later addition! It was always in heavy rotation around the 4th of July on various syndicated Looney Tunes packages, so I and lots of others my age are very familiar with it.
    10Vimacone

    The Symbolism of the American Flag

    With the rise of facism in Europe and war right around the corner, there was a concern in America about the future of Democracy. Hollywood produced a number of films illustrating American History and the importance of democracy.

    Chuck Jones had fairly recently become a director and was trying to emulate Disney by using extensive realism in his shorts. An approach that was very contrary to his colleagues. However, that is probably what led him to producing a contribution to the patriotic films that were being produced in 1939. It's been noted as one of the few WB cartoons that was devoid of any gags or humor. Yet, it is one of the greatest that the studio ever produced.

    It's a concise overview of American history with an emphasis on the struggles for liberty and freedom; the theme being the importance of reciting The Pledge Of Allegiance as told by Uncle Sam to Porky Pig.

    It's a very stirring and patriotic film. The lush visuals and strong orchestra make this a timeless American classic.

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    Short

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The Pledge of Allegiance in 1939, as shown in the film, is two words shorter than the modern version. The words "under God" were added to the text in 1954, after a bill was signed into law, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 14, 1954.
    • Goofs
      The states shown during the "vast movement to the west" sequence omit Georgia as an original state/colony. It appears after the Midwest/Great Lakes region is filled in on the map.
    • Quotes

      Paul Revere: To arms! To arms! To arms!

    • Alternate versions
      In the original release, the end titles were super-imposed over the closing shot of the American flag with the words "The End" instead of the standard "That's All Folks!" In the Blue Ribbon reissue, however, this was replaced with the standard "That's All Folks!" closing (with a fade-to-black on the closing shot of the flag), in addition to the replacement of the original opening titles. The original end title has been restored to the version on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two DVD set.
    • Connections
      Featured in Boyz n the Hood (1991)
    • Soundtracks
      The Battle Hymn of the Republic
      (uncredited)

      Music by William Steffe

      Played when Abraham Lincoln is presented

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    FAQ1

    • Which series is this from: Merrie Melodies or Looney Tunes?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 1, 1939 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Merrie Melodies: Old Glory
    • Production company
      • Leon Schlesinger Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 9m
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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