Tin Pan Alley Cats

This cartoon is a wonderful example of Robert Clampett's genius. Perfect musical score; the scene with the scatting trumpet player who blasts Waller "out of this world" into a "Porky in Wackyland" world is an unheralded masterpiece. This one equals or even tops the infamous "Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs" for sheer enjoyment. Certainly worth seeking out.

Uggghhh!!!! This is one of several Looney Toons cartoons that were shelved decades back due to their strongly racist content. And while SOME of them are actually highly offensive BUT well-made, this one is a bore even if it weren't full of racial stereotypes. For some of these offensive cartoons, I have recommended people watch them--particularly for their historical value. However, this one has really nothing to recommend it--being a long cartoon with nothing but stupid music and very, very big-lipped Black characters acting,...well,...STUPID! So, the film is offensive, poorly made and not particularly entertaining--everything you'd like in a cartoon, huh?! (this is sarcasm, by the way)

Merrie Melodies short, directed by Bob Clampett, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. This one bears some similarities to two of Clampett's other shorts, Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs (also on the Censored Eleven list) and Porky in Wackyland. The plot, such as there is one, is about a black cat going to a night club where the music works him into such a frenzy he has surreal hallucinations. Look, the stereotypical way black people in this are drawn and speak is gross. I don't think anyone will reasonably deny that. But there is some value in this cartoon that's missing from some of the other Eleven. For one thing, the music is terrific. For another, the animation is really nice (offensive parts aside). The trippy hallucination scene is right up Clampett's alley. No one did these types of scenes better than him at that time. So see it if you're a fan of Clampett's and if you don't have a delicate stomach with regard to the offensive elements.

...that some of the cleverest cartoons were also some of the most racially offensive? Among the examples are Bob Clampett's "Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs" and "Tin Pan Alley Cats". This one portrays a Fats Walker-resembling feline who gets blasted outta this world into a setting lifted out of Clampett's earlier "Porky in Wackyland".

Yes, it seems like every time that they came up with a particularly novel idea, it came out like this. Well, maybe not every time. I would advise not watching this for straight-forward entertainment, but rather as a look at Hollywood's portrayal of African-Americans over the years. Available on YouTube.

What marvelous things the animators once did! Seek this out ... great jazz music and Salvador Dali-esque monochrome background art. Brilliant! This inspired cartoon is from the age of pride in creative filmmaking, and as such it is most highly recommended to all. Adults and children alike will appreciate the masterful imageries to be seen and heard.