Scrap Happy Daffy

Americans were asked to do their part by saving up and donating anything metal. It was a just war but it also shows the terrible waste that war entails. That aside, Daffy Duck is the chosen one to organize scrap metal drives to the Nth degree. At one point he doesn't think he can do it and he is accosted by a series of American patriots. Pretty well done for its type.

As others have explained here, this cartoon was made as part of the film industry's bid to help the U.S. and Allies with the World War II effort. The message in this one, with Daffy Duck providing the message with laughs, was to encourage people to save scrap so that it could be converted to weapons and ammo.

Signs like "Get that lead out! (along with iron, brass, tin, etc.) are at Daffy's Scrap Heap, where he does his bit to help win the war. Any question that this cartoon is anything but that is erased in his first scene when we see him with an air-raid helmet on and he's singing, "We're in to win, turn in your tin......To our nation's call every rubber ball, Goes to conquer freedom's foe." You get the idea: this is more of a patriotic message instead of the normal wacky Looney Tunes effort. However, that's not to say you won't laugh with Daffy in here, or enjoy the inventive artwork and direction by Frank Tashin.

Much of the story tells of Hitler hearing about Daffy's scrap pile and he sends a billy goat (don't ask) to destroy it. The German leader is shown, it's safe to say, in a very unflattering light! No objections there, from anyone I've hear, and none from me. It's ironic that our foes in WWII were depicted so negatively but Hollywood doesn't say one word today about the Islamic terrorists trying to destroy the U.S. Today, as I write this, there are several anti- American military films that are being shown and nothing which makes the enemies look bad. Over 3,000 citizens are murdered in the World Trade Center buildings and today's Hollywood only makes films mocking our soldiers? Unbelievable! Think about it. Watching this cartoon really makes the contrast really stand out, especially at the end when Daffy Duck is transformed into "SuperAmerican." .

Another propaganda gem!

This is dated beyond belief, which makes it easier to watch.

This harped on recycling before it became the norm. Speaking of which, I think it was "Norm" McCabe (rimshot) behind this one too. Tashlin gets deserved credit too.

The Nazi stereotypes gave a laugh to everyone who saw this at my place that night. I have a DVD chock full of animation like this.

Just remember that this is a propaganda cartoon from a long time ago. There's no need to get uptight about it anymore.

That said, the animation itself is limited. But it's still worth a look or three.

One of the many WW2 looney tunes that don't air on TV.

This is a black and white short of Daffy Duck telling every one to recycle anything that's alumna, metal, tin, for the war.

His job is to be sure the USA gets all that Scrap Metal to win the war.

But when it comes to Nazis and Metal Eating Goats that can be a problem.

It's up to Daffy Duck to save all that Scrap Metal.

If you like Daffy Commandos, you'll like this one as well.

It's a real fine treat from the WW2 era.

Even has Hitler acting crazy.

Daffy Duck is one of Looney Tunes' best, most interesting in personality and most iconic characters and one of my favourites in animation. His best cartoons are cartoon masterpieces and there is good reason as to why Daffy is used frequently.

'Scrap Happy Daffy' is not one of his very finest cartoons, but it is still great and an interesting piece of history. It is not subtle in its treatment of Hitler, clearly intentional and not objectionable (if slightly too unsubtle for a cartoon), and paints him in the very opposite of a positive light (then again when was he never not?). Few people are going to object to this portrayal, it is widely acknowledged that Hitler was a terrible man and a cartoon portraying him in this way is for the time quite brave.

The animation as to be expected is very good. The black and white is crisp and there is meticulous background detail and smooth character drawing.

Carl Stalling to me was always the best Warner Brothers/Looney Tunes composer as well as the most consistent. 'Scrap Happy Daffy' is another example of consistent greatness, his music is lushly orchestration, cleverly synchronised, vibrant, characterful and not only fits and adds to the action but actually enhances it.

While there is a seriousness in the message it's portraying, which makes its point but never preachy, 'Scrap Happy Daffy' doesn't forget to be funny. Sometimes it is even hilarious and is timed very well. Daffy has his manic, energetic and witty persona and carries the cartoon with aplomb.

Voice acting is very good, superb in the case of Mel Blanc. 9/10 Bethany Cox