Old Glory

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.

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.

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

This is one of those Looney Tunes cartoons used by Warner Brothers not mainly to entertain kids, but to educate them about the USA. In other words: Tell the children how good and brilliant and important the USA is and how many good and brave people died for 'this great country'. This is why Uncle Sam tells a dreaming Porky Pig to learn his Pledge of Allegiance. That's obviously the educational part of this 9-minutes long film, logically would be to start with the entertaining/funny things now, but in 'Old Glory' there is no fun. There isn't even an attempt made to be funny! As if the creators forgot that Looney Tunes cartoons are supposed to be witty or spoofing or something, but this particular one is tasteless in it's lack of entertainment what so ever!

In the era this little film was made, it wasn't unusual to promote the greatness and beauty of the USA or to make the USA-enemies look dumb/stupid. For instance in 'Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips' (1944) Bugs blows up several Japanese with exploding ice-cream! This all happened during the Second World War and although it's immoral to influence children the way it's done in this cartoons (and other Looney Tuners), you have to admit it's smart to use the Looney Tunes for this purpose. The cartoons are funny ('Old Glory' being the exception to this rule) and kids (and adults as well) adore Bugs, Daffy, Porky and all the others.

And that is why we see Porky Pig in 'Old Glory' studying and dreaming of the greatness of his country. With Uncle Sam explaining him (and the unknowing little viewers) all about how important loving the USA is. In an immoral, joke-less, spoof-less, un-witty cartoon.

I have mixed feelings about this Merrie Melodies short. What I mean is, I don't love it as much as I do some, certain others, but at the same time, I don't detest it either. Since it deviates from the norm of these usually comedic cartoons, it would come as both an unexpected surprise and a disappointment. I agree that not all cartoons have to be comedy-driven and this educational rather than entertaining one is alright for what it is. But regardless, many people still would expect all of them to bring the funny to them simply because it's for which they're known in most cases. It was a fair attempt at doing something different.

As other reviewers have explained, Porky Pig, as a schoolboy, finds learning the Pledge Of Allegiance dull, since he can't quite get the hang of the recitation. But after falling asleep, he meets the spirit of Uncle Sam, who explains the significance of it. And we're shown some scenes that go over the history of how that came to be. Another reason why I may not frequent viewing this short on the third disc of Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 2 (other than on the special occasion of Independence Day) as much as I do several others whether on DVD or online, is because of the reputation of the two historical figures who are discussed, the very first U.S. president, George Washington and Patrick Henry, as both of them are slave owners. So the fact that they were touted as so-called great men is iffy. This is not even edu-taining, but purely educational. Like I said, I found it alright, but not among the best for me. Do I recommend this to others who may be reading this? Well, it all depends if anyone doesn't mind the break too much from the hilarity and thrill of the WB cartoons. But for those who don't have a high enough tolerance and appreciation for that, then you're all welcome to skip it.