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.

This was an old-fashioned patriotic cartoon, not intended for laughs but to remind those at the time what "Old Glory" means. They didn't have to remind U.S. citizens for long since they learned a few years later with their entrance into World War II.

In this cartoon, Porky Pig is upset because he has to memorize the Pledge Of Allegiance. He tosses away a book where the Pledge is written and takes a nap. Suddenly, Uncle Sam appears and explains to the sleeping-yet alert Porky why he should learn it. One of the first things he tells him is "I'm afraid there are a lot of us who don't appreciate our freedom." Wow, how true, especially today when it seems fashionable by a number of ungrateful people to bash this country.

Uncle Sam's history lessons begins in 1775 with Nathan Hale and goes quickly through the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, the exploration and sacrifices made by pioneers going West, and finishing with the eloquent writing of Abraham Lincoln.

The artwork in here is super, just a great restoration job done by the people who present this one and many others on the Looney Tunes Golden Collection DVDs. To be fair, for those disappointed because they expect laughs in a cartoon, that's understandable.

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.

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

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.