While Black representation in the Warner cartoons was never in good taste, it significantly declined after World War II. This was due to growing pressure from Civil Rights groups, urging producers for better portrayals. Since the Schlesinger cartoons were about brash slapstick comedy, the jokes around blacks were bound to be harmful.
The last short to feature black culture in any capacity is arguably not as harmful as those that preceded it. The fact that all the characters are drawn in blackface led UA to remove it from television in the late 60s.
The strong points are Ernest Whitman's narration, the appealing design of Goldilocks, and of course the swingin jazz score. A pity that Stalling didn't utlize any authentic black jazz for the score; a typical trend for cartoons attempting to depict black jazz.
The short was reissued in 1951, which I always found odd. The racial imagery would have still been in vogue, although it was already dying out. It is also moderately war themed. References to shortages, lockheed, and dog fights would have already dated it then.
The concept of the two fairy tales crossing over had been done more effectively by Tex Avery in THE BEAR'S TALE, whereas here the reveal is done so mundanely.
Despite the problematic content, I do hope a restored print becomes accessible in some form.
The last short to feature black culture in any capacity is arguably not as harmful as those that preceded it. The fact that all the characters are drawn in blackface led UA to remove it from television in the late 60s.
The strong points are Ernest Whitman's narration, the appealing design of Goldilocks, and of course the swingin jazz score. A pity that Stalling didn't utlize any authentic black jazz for the score; a typical trend for cartoons attempting to depict black jazz.
The short was reissued in 1951, which I always found odd. The racial imagery would have still been in vogue, although it was already dying out. It is also moderately war themed. References to shortages, lockheed, and dog fights would have already dated it then.
The concept of the two fairy tales crossing over had been done more effectively by Tex Avery in THE BEAR'S TALE, whereas here the reveal is done so mundanely.
Despite the problematic content, I do hope a restored print becomes accessible in some form.