The Screwy Truant

This was my second look at the "Screwy Squirrel" character of the mid 1940s, a character invented by the great Tex Avery and writer Heck Allen. Only five cartoons featuring this squirrel were made. That's too bad, because this humor is just pure genius.

The sight gags almost from the start are absolutely fantastic. The dumb dog I saw in the first Screwy cartoon is now the "villain," as truant officers are always the bad guys, aren't they? Of course, the squirrel's attitude is pure juvenile delinquent. The opening scene has Screwy outside the school house and telling us, the audience, "Can you imagine those chumps going to school on a nice day like this?"

Screwy may not be Avery's super-nice little "Droopy," but he is just as fascinating to watch and a great vehicle for laughs and because he's different, I appreciated the character. It's almost refreshing to see a wise-guy "good guy," just for variety sake. His violent nature, however, is sometimes shocking. This squirrel is a killer!

I don't know if all the Screwy cartoons as good as this one, but it is the best of the three I've seen, just squeaking out "Lonesome Lenny," which also was outstanding. Reviewers here mainly think this is the best of the SS cartoons, and I wouldn't argue with that.

I also have to believe that audiences back in 1945 had never quite seen the inventive tricks that Avery and Heck played in here. This is a wild, outrageous cartoon and I can't rate it high enough! Great stuff!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't really care for the character of Screwy Squirrel. Of all of Tex Avery's wonderful cartoon creations, he is the one I could really do without. That being said, The Screwy Truant has to be one of, if not the best cartoon featuring this extremely annoying character. In this one Screwy is chased by a truant officer dog. The result is some very funny gags that remain fresh due to the fact that they have not been over used in other cartoons. My favorite bit involves Red Riding Hood and the Wolf getting lost in the wrong cartoon.

First thing that caught my attention was that my dad was fighting in the Pacific WWII when this was released. Things where not going well over there, but America still has to laugh. Right? The violence and incredibly dizzying speedy scene changes are pure Tex Avery. There is no limit in animation and Tex pushed every limit. The Screwy Truant doesn't push too hard, but I could not hold in the laughs as I watch it today, probably 55yrs since I first saw it. Truant Officer sure had a thick skull. Take my word.

The Screwy Truant (1945) follows the further exploits of one Screwball Squirel! This time his out playing hooky from school. Whilst he's enjoying himself, a real stupid Truant officer spends the whole day trying to catch the wayward Squirrel and drag him back to school. But the wacky Squirrel has other plans and does everything within his power to try and stop the dopey officer and enjoy his day out in the forest. Will Screwy get the day off or will the moronic Truant Officer drag him back into the classroom? Check it out!

Tex Avery has created another classic short. That's what I like about Screwball Squirrel. He left everyone wanting more. At

the right time (before it got stale) he decided to end the lifeline of the character. It was fun while it lasted however. Long live Screwball Squirrel!

A+

Screwy Squirrel is skipping school to go fishing. Truant officer dog is hot on his tail. It's not an easy chase. This is Tex Avery doing an MGM cartoon short. Screwy Squirrel is basically Bugs Bunny without his nice personality or Deadpool without his charms. He's not my favorite character but he works in this one. I love the irreverent turns and breaking conventions. I like this despite Screwy.