★ MINI-MATINEE at the BIJOU ★
BILLBOARD
To watch a Bijou Mini-Matinee - click on the MM Title to enter the Bijou Theater on YouTube
Grab some popcorn, pop open the soda pop - and join us in the theater that
never closes. Mini-Matinee at the Bijou on YouTube presents
films shown on the original Matinee at the Bijou PBS series, along with new
and often rare cartoons, short subjects, serial cliffhangers, trailers, theater
ads and extra added attractions - along with an occasional film tribute.
Admission is free and the billboard changes
every Wednesday. Fans of the original
Matinee at the Bijou series will enjoy our original opening sequence and the
song “At the Bijou” performed by Rudy Vallee.
Film quality varies on the YouTube
presentations. The upcoming Matinee at the Bijou sequel series is being
produced in High Definition from high quality film sources.
★
MM 1 - MINI-MATINEE at the BIJOU DEBUT
LET'S SING WITH POPEYE (1934)
Follow the bouncing ball and sing-a-long with Popeye the Sailor Man in this
brilliant Max Fleischer animated gem.
PASS THE BISCUITS MIRANDY (1942)
Zany Spike Jones & His City Slickers play silly hillbilly’s who serve up a
madcap musical meal. One of four “Soundies” (early music videos) made by Spike
and gang.
DAFFY DUCK & THE DINOSAUR (1939)
LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES (1948) Fascinating short subject produced in cooperation
with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, (the folks who bring us
Oscar®), traces the history of the movies from the first flicker of film thru
the 1940s.
LET’S ALL GO TO THE LOBBY (1953) Famous 1953 snack bar theater ad
designed to encourage audiences to visit the snack bar.
★
MM 2 - A FESTIVAL OF POP CULTURE
Join us as we attend a premiere of Mae
West’s I’m No Angel, and Opening Night at the opera with Cubby Bear, with
appearances along the way by Jimmy Durante, Peg Leg Pedro, and dashing Commando
Cody, Sky Marshal of the Universe.
OPENING NIGHT (1933)
Cubby Bear sneaks into the opera house only to become the orchestra leader
conducting for a sexy diva opera star. Even Miss Piggy would blush at the
antics of this oversexed cartoon pig. A pre-Hays code Van Beuren classic.
GIVE A MAN A JOB (1931)
Jimmy “Shnozzola” Durante jokes and sings “Give a Man a Job” in this short
film promoting FDR’s New Deal jobs program on behalf of the National Recovery
Administration. Moe Howard (Three Stooges) is featured briefly
RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON Trailer (1952)
Trailer for Republic Pictures serial featuring Commando Cody, Sky Marshal of the
Universe VS Retik; Dictator of the Moon.
PEG LEG PEDRO (1938)
Extravagant Technicolor cartoon spoof of pirate movies is a riotous cartoon
produced by Jam Handy Productions for Chevrolet
to introduce a spacious new 1938 Chevy model.
Mae West appears at Graumman’s
Chinese Theater premiere of I’m No Angel and big stars turn out for a Hollywood
costume party in this 1932
COCA COLA SNACK BAR THEATER AD
This vintage theater ad was designed to tempt the audience
to visit the snack bar and buy a Coke. Watch for a different theater ad at
the end of each Mini-Matinee.
★
MM-3 BIJOU HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Hollywood
BELA LUGOSI Trailers
Two campy Bela Lugosi trailers from 1941. In Spooks Run Wild it's
scary Bela VS the Eastside Kids (formerly the Dead End Kids, later to become
the Bowery Boys). The Invisible Ghost features a more seriously sinister
Lugosi.
MAGIC MUMMY (1933)
Let’s not play Cat and Mouse with Tom and Jerry. Originally Tom and Jerry
cartoon characters were two men; tall Tom and short Jerry. That was 1931-33.
Later, when these vintage toons were sold to TV, the original Tom & Jerry
names were changed to Dick and Larry. In Magic Mummy, seemingly gay cops, a crypt
crawling with sophisticated skeletons, and a Mummy doing a Betty Boop vocal
impersonation all add up to silly and surreal fun.
DEVILED HAMS (1936)
A sizzling musical short set in Hades, with vaudeville crooner Gus Van holding
court as ruler of the nether world. Those on trial must prove themselves thru
their music. Dancers Toy and Wing do some otherworldly “toe” dancing to big
band jazz. Erskine Hawkins and his band blend with Gus Van’s warbling to heat
up the satirically sinful shenanigans.
WINKY THE WATCHMAN (1945)
Blending real world characters with stylish animation, this colorful cartoon
delivers a spirited lesson in preventing tooth decay. The saintly “Good’uns” tackle tooth decay by battling the devilish “Bad’uns.”
Pioneer animator Hugh Harman is
credited on this cartoon, apparently on behalf of a Tennessee
DR. PEPPER SNACK BAR AD
This vintage theater ad was designed to tempt audiences to visit the snack bar
and buy Dr. Pepper. A different theater ad wraps up each Mini-Matinee.
★ MM-4 BIJOU TRIBUTE TO BETTY BOOP
Everyone’s favorite vamp, Betty Boop,
returns to the Bijou this week in a double dose of Boop-oop-a-doop.
In a rare treat, we present Betty in all her animated glory, followed by the
real life Betty Boop, Mae Questel,
in a terrific Paramount musical short subject, also starring Bijou favorite
Rudy Vallee.
BETTY BOOP’S CRAZY INVENTIONS (1933) Betty Boop
and her entourage, Bimbo & Koko the Clown, are hosting an invention convention.
Mae Questel, the famous voice of Betty Boop, sings "Keep A Little Song
Handy" a catchy number which is reprised in our Bijou short: "Musical
Doctor".
MUSICAL DOCTOR (1932) Then
pop-star Rudy Vallee and Mae Questel, the real
life Betty Boop, star in this zany musical romp.
Dr. Vallee provides a musical prescription for whatever ails his
patients at his syncopated “musical hospital.” Betty runs around "Boop-oop-a-dooping" her patients, and Rudy, as mentioned
above, croons "Keep A Little Song Handy" assisted by his band “The
THE SELF-MADE MONGREL (1945) Colorful NOVELTOON features Dog Face, a wise-cracking
mutt with a
TO OUR PATRONS is a brief theater ad trumpeting a “Sneak Preview” of a new
movie about to be shown to the audience. Sneak previews were a way
FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE
A sneak preview of the exciting cliff-hanger from
Chapter 4 of this action-packed 1940 Flash Gordon serial. Gone are the days
when you could conquer the universe and still be considered one of the good
guys. You can see Flash pursue his unbridled imperial ambitions on the Matinee
at the Bijou sequel series on PBS, and all in futuristic 21st century high
definition. Of course the bad part about conquering the universe is that everything
afterward seems a bit anti-climatic. No doubt there are good parts as well...
★ MM-5 THE BIJOU GOES TO WAR
Before television came
into
PRIVATE SNAFU - SPIES (1944)
Private Snafu cartoons were produced strictly for military audiences as part of
a series called the Army/Navy Screen Magazine, designed to educate and inform.
This one was created by Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel, Chuck Jones and
Phil Eastman at Warner Brothers. Snafu learns the hard way that in wartime
“loose lips sink ships”.
HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN (1944)
UNITED NEWS of 1944 (1945)
This is a newsreel chronicle of the crucial events of 1944, concluding with a
message about the world’s prospects and challenges ahead in 1945. Included is
the liberation of
RING OF STEEL (1942)
Spencer Tracy narrates this stirring and poetic portrayal of the American
soldier down through history. The film was directed by Garson Kanin and
produced for The Office for Emergency Management and shown in theaters as a
recruitment tool. The concluding narrative: "I'm the fighting men at every
outpost, from
BUGS BUNNY BOND RALLY (1942)
Bugs Bunny and compatriots Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig sing a rousing song called
“Any Bonds Today” in an entertaining theatrical encouragement for the audience
to buy war bonds. Bugs does an imitation of Al Jolson
singing “Mammy.”
★
MM-6 SPOOFING THE MOVIE-MAKERS
BRIDE OF THE MONSTER Trailer
(1955)
This is the original trailer for Edward D. Wood’s cult classic starring the
ubiquitous Bela Lugosi and featuring wrestler Tor Johnson. The trailer promises
IT'S A WORLD YOU CAN’T IMAGINE! The tagline for this low-budget Ed Wood vision
was: “The Screen's Master of the WEIRD in his NEWEST and MOST DARING SHOCKER!”
Indeed.
MAKING ‘EM MOVE (1931)
“I always wondered how they were made,” sighs a curvaceous visitor to an
enamored guard at an animation studio. the guard takes
us on a cartoon studio tour in this clever Van Beuren version of one of Aesop's
fables. Note that the actors are all portrayed as “humans” while the animators
and the audience for the “cartoon-within-a-cartoon” are all portrayed as
“animals.”
SO YOU WANT TO BE IN PICTURES (1947)
Joe McDoakes steps out from behind the 8-ball to demonstrate a lesson in how
NOT to break into the movies. George O’Hanlon (later the voice of George Jetson) appeared in 63 of these “Behind the Eight Ball”
shorts from 1942 to 1956. Watch for a famous former president among several
celebrity cameos. We’ll have more on this series of comedy shorts in a future
post
THE WABBIT WHO CAME TO SUPPER (1942)
The gags come fast and furious when Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd spoof the classic
1942 Betty Davis/Monty Woolley WB movie The Man Who Came to Dinner. In this
Technicolor cartoon romp, Elmer is set to inherit 3 million dollars, but only
if he doesn’t harm Bugs - who goes all out to provoke Elmer into hostilities.
SNACK BAR THEATER AD
A vintage theater ad promoting four candy bars available at the snack bar: Big
Time, Butter Nut, Milk Shake and Pay Day. The ad copy was crafted to tempt the
sweet tooth: “All Topped With
★
MM-7 SALUTE TO THE BOUNCING BALL
THE
Here is an enjoyable sample from the colorful 1940s
IN MY MERRY OLDSMOBILE (1931)
This risqué pre-code gem looks like one of the most typical Song Cartoons
directed by Dave Fleischer, except it’s not! As the title indicates, it’s a
rare advertising film made for Olds Motor Works. Yet it was enjoyed by movie
audiences as a regular sing-along. Pretty sneaky! Our hero rescues his lady
fair from a villain, then takes her for a spin in his new car. Guess which?
I FEEL LIKE A FEATHER IN THE BREEZE (1936)
This “Famous Bouncing Ball” cartoon typifies the many Max Fleischer Screen
Songs produced between 1929 and 1937. The formula is now familiar; cartoon gags
abound at the swanky Roof Garden Night Club, setting the stage for the big
number - but in this delightful variation, animated characters watch
live-action performers take over once the song begins. In this case Jack Denny
and His Orchestra lead the bouncing ball in an infectious song called “I Feel
like A Feather in the Breeze.”
SHOWTIME PRESENTS JOY HODGES (1944)
The Army-Navy Screen Magazine series was a bi-weekly collection of short
subjects produced for servicemen during WWII. A recurring segment called
SHOWTIME would present popular performers of the day in often provocative
musical numbers. This one features sexy and alluring Joy Hodges, accompanied by
the ubiquitous bouncing ball, singing “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”
STARRING BING
In another segment from the Army-Navy Screen Magazine series, Bing Crosby
croons two great songs. “Accentuate The Positive” (without the bouncing ball)
is followed by a comedy routine with comic Ukie Sharin, after which Bing sings
“Don’t Fence Me In” accompanied by the bouncing ball
LET’S SING WITH POPEYE (1934)
A reprise of a bouncing ball cartoon from our very first Bijou Mini-Matinee #1
★
MM-8 GIANT CLAWS and SANTA CLAUS
CHRISTMAS NIGHT (1933)
In 1931 Otto Soglow created a comic strip character
called The Little King for The New Yorker magazine. The character, who never
speaks, was licensed by Van Beuren Studios for 10 animated cartoons that were
produced during 1933-34. In this one, it’s Christmas Eve and The
Little King shows his Christmas spirit when he invites two homeless hobos to a
Christmas party at the castle. Santa supplies the toys while the boys take a
bubble bath in this silly and surreal romp.
THE GIANT CLAW Trailer (1957)
This very campy trailer features many terrific action shots of one of the
fakest-looking monsters ever manifested for the silver screen. A giant ugly and
laughable prehistoric bird is eating people and planes, threatening New York
and even the U.N. – while every weapon the U.S. military attempts has failed to
foil the giant puppet.
HECTOR’S HECTIC LIFE (1948)
Hector’s life really becomes hectic when three little puppies are left on his
doorstep in this colorful
THE GREEN ARCHER Serial Chapter (1940)
Here we present the opening to Chapter 4 of The Green Archer, followed by an
excerpt leading up to the exciting cliffhanger ending.
SANTA CLAUS QUIZ SHOW (1950s)
A promotional film designed to involve local audiences in chances to win prizes
for Christmas, with invitations for merchants in the theater’s town to
participate in the sponsorship of the contest. Santa asks questions on various
history topics and we see film clips concerning the questions. Santa gives away
everything but the answers.
★
MM-9 CHRISTMAS AT THE BIJOU
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1948)
The Fleischer Studios were acquired by
MERRY CHRISTMAS (1950)
“Far up in the snow lands, no one know’s where …” we visit St Nicholas at his
Christmas work shop and meet three of his special elves busily preparing for
the big night. The setting shifts to a family preparing for a traditional
Christmas while singing "Come All Ye Faithful". The kids go to bed
and we watch Santa arrive, depositing his goodies for the big family
celebration the next morning
SNOW FOOLIN’ (1949)
The famous bouncing ball returns in this colorful Paramount Screen Song. The
formula is familiar, a gallery of gags leading up to the introduction of the
“bouncing ball” – in this case an egg – to dance above the words of a famous
sing-a-long crowd-pleaser, “Jingle Bells.”
A CHRISTMAS DREAM (1946)
A little girl is gifted on Christmas with all she could wish for, but discards
the common old rag doll she also received. While sleeping she
dreams of the rag doll coming to life to create mayhem and delight all around
the room, dancing on piano keys and bringing other toys to life. The girl
awakens in more ways than one.
CHRISTMAS THEATER ADS (1950s)
A trio of vintage theater ads begins with the theater management and staff
wishing our audience a very merry 1954 Christmas. Then Warner Bros. delivers “A
Christmas Message from Virginia Mayo” inviting the audience to purchase
Christmas seals to help fight Tuberculosis. Lastly, a 1959 theater ad wishing a
“Merry Christmas Wish to All the World.”
★
MM-10 SANTA CLAUS FILM FESTIVAL
CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR (1936)
We begin with an enchanting Fleischer Color Classic relating the tale of tiny
tots at an orphanage who experience a downer Christmas until Grampy dons a
Santa suit and invents a joyous and inspired Christmas morning surprise
NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1946)
This is an imaginative cinematic interpretation of Clement Clarke Moore's
classic Christmas poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." The famous poem
was first published anonymously in 1823 and has been endlessly adapted since.
Here is a charming theatrical short subject version utilizing live actors mixed
with animation in faithfully following the poet’s vision. Not-so-faithful is
whatever Santa is packing under his jacket to make him look rotund...perhaps
some kind of flotation device?
THE SHANTY WHERE SANTY CLAUS LIVES (1933)
Cartoon pioneers Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising produced a series of jazzy WB
Merrie Melodies cartoons in the early 1930s. In this cheerful Christmas story,
an orphan is invited by Santa Claus to fly away with him in his sled to a
tuneful and toy-filled Christmas party at the North Pole Next week’s Bijou
Mini-Matinee will spotlight more of Harman-Ising’s delightful creative output.
SANTA CLAUS’ STORY (1950s)
“Yes,
CHRISTMAS THEATER ADS
A trio of theatrical Christmas-themed ads begins with “A Christmas Message from
Rosemary Clooney,” wherein George Clooney’s soulful and glamorous aunt sings a
song and makes a pitch for Christmas Seals. Another ad is a “Majestic Theater
Box Office Ticket
★
MM-11 THE BIJOU SWINGS
RED-HEADED BABY (1931)
First up is a sassy WB Merrie Melodies cartoon from Hugh Harman and Rudolf
Ising, who made last week’s Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives. The Oscar-winning
“Harman-Ising” team created the original Oswald Rabbit and Bosko cartoons and
will be the subject of an upcoming feature post. A lively song called Red-Headed
Baby drives the action as toys come to life to sing and dance,
while a Napoleon wooden-soldier battles a giant spider.
A FELLER WHO PLAYS IN THE BAND (1941)
Will Osborne and his Orchestra and singer Susan Miller perform the swinging
title song while upsetting the sleep of the neighbor next door The musicians in
this SOUNDIE short turn into a marching band when grumpy neighbor turns up.
Answers the burning question - how many musicians with instruments can you
stuff into one small closet?
A CORNY CONCERTO (1943)
Elmer Fudd conducts a pair of colorful animated classic concerts featuring a
trio of WB cartoon stars. First, Porky Pig stalks Bugs Bunny to the tune of
Tales from the
ARTIE SHAW’S CLASS IN SWING (1939)
A
HAPPY NEW YEAR THEATER ADS
A quartet of HAPPY NEW YEAR Theater Ads begins with a jazzy musical jolt as
Little Boy Blue trumpets in 1960; then election headquarters awaits Baby New
Year 1957; an old man rockets in 1960; and Father Time lights up 1956.
★
MM-12 SLIGHTLY STRANGE
LADY PLAY YOUR MANDOLIN
(1931)
This is the very first in the WB Merrie Melodies early 1930s cartoon series,
and another Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising gag-filled fantasy. This one is set in
a cantina and revolves around all of the characters getting drunk. Even the
horse gets untied to tie one on. Curious for a cartoon made prior to the repeal
of prohibition. The Big Cartoon Database suggests It may have even been banned. The central character, Foxy,
looks and sounds suspiciously like Mickey Mouse, and was created by Rudolf
Ising, who, along with partner Harman, worked for Disney during the 1920s.
DESERT DEMONS (1932)
Educational Pictures “The Spice of the Program” released this documentary short
subject focusing on desert life and the survival of the creepiest. Early
naturalist photographers Nathan, Woodard and Fairbanks produced; snakes,
spiders and reptiles star, while Gayne Whitman narrates.
JACK FROST (1934)
This classic Cinecolor fantasy was directed by Ub Iwerk’s, who animated
Disney’s first Mickey Mouse cartoon “Steamboat Willie.” After leaving Disney in
1930, Iwerks went on to produce this and other animated gems for investor P.A.
“Pat” Powers. The plot concerns a young Grizzly Bear threatened by Old Man
Winter and rescued by Jack Frost.
THE WIZARD’S APPRENTICE (1930)
This surreal 1930 musical short subject was produced by Hugo Riesenfeld &
William Cameron Menzies for Joseph M. Schenck Productions. Mickey Mouse’s
struggle with the multiplying dancing brooms and water buckets in Walt Disney’s
classic Fantasia surely was inspired by this dramatic film.
We wrap up this week’s Bijou mini-extravaganza with a vintage snack bar ad
produced by Pepsi Cola and intended to entice theater patrons to visit the
snack bar and order a Pepsi product.
★
MM - 13 WORLD WAR II and the HOME FRONT
This week we present another
in our occasional series of short films produced by the Hollywood studios
and the
THE HOME FRONT (1943)
Private Snafu is homesick and imagining how sweet life must be like on the home
front. Snafu’s obsessing is interrupted by “Technical Fairy Foist Class” who
conjures up a TV screen to show our anti-hero some of the important things
being done stateside on behalf of the war effort. The Technical Fairy
caricature is especially curious and amusing given the era in which this film
was made, which was decades before “Don’t ask. Don’t tell.” This is another gem
from the Army-Navy Screen Magazine series created strictly for viewing by
soldiers in military theaters worldwide.
YOU, JOHN JONES! (1944)
James Cagney, Ann Sothern & Margaret O'Brien star in a starkly dramatic
short subject about duty and patriotism on the American home front during WWII.
Cagney plays an air raid warden who visualizes his daughter being the victim of
warfare in various countries where war is raging. Cagney’s poignant prayer and
O’Brien’s reciting of The
SO’S YOUR OLD MAN (1943)
Dramatization shows that age didn't matter when it came to helping out and
serving on the home front. The film portrays how the "old man" could
still volunteer for homeland security duty and serve as watchmen helping to
protect our ports and other duties not restricted due to age.
ROOKIE REVUE (1941)
Zany Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies color cartoon spoofs military basic training
techniques as we join raw WWII recruits being put through various drills before
shipping out. Rapid fire gags abound and celebrity caricatures add to the fun.
WOMEN IN DEFENSE (1941)
Katharine Hepburn narrates this fascinating look at the many necessary jobs
performed by American women during WWII. The narrative, written by Eleanor
Roosevelt, extends beyond the stereotypical Rosy the Riveter and focuses on
women working in industrial, scientific and volunteer service activities.
★
MM-14 SERIAL CHEATS
In Friday’s post we talked
about how the studios sometimes cheated in their cliffhanger endings. Today’s
Bijou Mini-Matinee is an action-packed quartet of preposterous “serial cheats”
all produced in 1936. We set the stage with an elaborate theatrical trailer
on today’s Mini-Matinee...
ROBINSON CRUSOE OF
Government undercover agent Mala, assisted by Rex the Wonder Horse, Buck the
canine star and Polynesian princess Melani, matches wits with a death-ray
toting villain. At the end of chapter 2, we see Mala speared into a pit of
death – yet in the next chapter, something altogether different happens. It
only goes to show that fate is not inexorable!
UNDERSEA KINGDOM (1936)
Cowboy star Crash Corrigan becomes a sci-fi super-hero for this insanely silly
Republic serial set in the undersea
ACE DRUMMOND (1936)
The Dragon is a jaded villain, lusting to make off with a
THE VIGILANTES ARE COMING (1936) Part 1
Over-the-top plot pits our masked hero, The Eagle, against the Dictator of
California and his Cossack cohorts struggling to make a Russian colony of old
California. Chapter 4 ends with a gasp, from The Eagle as well as the audience,
as we witness a huge millstone drop from a guillotine onto the chest of our
hero. See for yourself just how far the studios sometimes went to lure
audiences back next week.
THE VIGILANTES ARE COMING (1936) Part 2
Here we have two cheat endings in the same serial. Chapter 7 ends with our
hero, The Eagle, apparently sliced to ribbons by 5 Russian swordsmen, only to
escape into the next chapter before they get the chance in Chapter 8.
★
MM-15 JUNGLE QUEENS & JUNIOR G-MEN
SUPERMAN (1941)
This is the first in the Max & Dave Fleischer series of 17 Superman
cartoons produced between 1941 and 1943 by
JUNGLE QUEEN (1945) Trailer
Next up is a pair of 1940s serial trailers that today may seem strange or
campy, but at the time thrilled audiences who would then line up at the box
office week after week anxious to see what would come next. The studios knew
exactly what they were doing in exploiting the chapter plays.
The Jungle Queen, in reality the
JUNIOR G-MEN OF THE AIR (1942)
What celluloid could contain content more preposterous than that, you ask? The
trailer for Universal’s 12-chapter serial Junior G-Men of the Air will promptly
provide an answer. When the Axis attempts to destroy
Bijou favorite Lionel Atwill is over the top as your stereotypical Japanese spy
antagonist, even if the eye makeup is a bit heavy. This action-packed
wartime cliffhanger stars Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Frankie Darro and other
members of The Dead End Kids, who would also become known variously as The
Little Tough Guys, The Eastside Kids and then go on to make 48 movies as the
infamous Bowery Boys until advancing age, repetition and bad scripts brought
the franchise to an end in 1958.
If our trailer for Junior G-Men of the Air leaves you craving for even more, we
tempt you with the opening and thrilling cliffhanger from chapter 2 of Junior
G-Men of the Air.
CANDID CANDIDATE (1937)
Next, a mature Betty Boop puts in a cameo appearance to encourage us to “vote
for Grampy for mayor” in this timely and tuneful cartoon concoction. And if
politics happens to be a passion, be sure to join us next week when we present
a special billboard of short films, all with a political theme.
Finally we present two more outrageous serial trailers. The Phantom Empire
(1935) is an extended trailer for the classic Mascot sci-fi saga starring
singing-cowboy sensation Gene Autry. Followed by the trailer for The Phantom
Creeps (1939), starring Bela Lugosi and featured during season five of the
original 1980s PBS Matinee at the Bijou series.
★
MM-16 SALUTE TO SUPER TUESDAY
Today we feature a cinematic
salute to Super Tuesday 2008 with a Bijou Mini-Matinee of short films populated
with political themes that span the constituency spectrum. Everyone’s sure
to find something of special interest in today’s eclectic election year line-up
of selected short subjects.
POPEYE FOR PRESIDENT 1956
Popeye gets things rolling with a colorful and spinach-fueled campaign of his
own. Yes, Popeye wants to be elected President. But so does his nemesis Bluto.
It’s left to lovely Olive Oyl to cast the final ballot - but the boys must work
to win her vote.
Hmmm. Who would you vote for in an election, given the
choice of Bluto,
POLLY TIX in
Shirley Temple stars as Polly Tix in this entry from the infamous Jack Hays
Baby Burlesk series of 8 outrageous depression-era comedy shorts produced by
Educational Pictures. The concept was to cast baby stars in adult roles –
except they wear diapers. This one is over-the-top adult as our little Shirley
portrays a call girl trying to bribe an honest politician. Imagine that! No,
not the part about sweet Shirley as a call girl, it's the oxymoronic “honest
politician” we can't get over.
THE TRUTH ABOUT TAXES 1939
Next we present two political campaign films, one from each side of the
political spectrum. The Republican National Committee commissioned our first
theatrical short which was produced to help Wendell Willkie win the presidency
in the 1939 elections. It’s a Republican Party indictment of
HELL-BENT FOR ELECTION 1944
Shifting to the other side of the aisle, the Democrats commissioned this UPA
cartoon, directed by veteran animator Chuck Jones, created to help FDR win his
third term. The film is a Democrat Party campaign tool urging the continuation
of FDR’s wartime priorities as the best way to ensure a prosperous future. The
war was almost over and
I NEED A NURSE 1941
In the previous films we touched on most of the major
political issues of the day except for the politics of healthcare. Such a
hot-button issue! Since our health care system today is so dysfunctional, we
elected to wrap this week's Bijou Mini-Matinee on a high note, with a whimsical
musical petition on behalf of one impertinent patient’s not-so-critical health
care crisis. Michael Loring sings the title song surrounded by a bevy of
beautiful nurses in this amusing "Soundies" novelty short.
★
MM-17 ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Today
we feature selected short subjects populated by all sorts of fauna, from lovable
barnyard critters to the kind who knock down electric lines and toss city
buses-just because they can.
BARNYARD BUNK (1932)
The original Tom & Jerry (not the cat and mouse) portray a pair of Pied
Pipers playing swinging saxophones while leading a chorus line of barnyard
animals across the silver screen. The music is infectious. So, probably, are
the many mice featured in this nonsensical musical treat from the Van Beuren Studios.
NOT SO DUMB (1937)
This fascinating live-action short is part of Skibo Production’s Treasure Chest
series, written and narrated by A.L Alexander. We observe felines nurturing
chicks and squirrels, a pig suckling a cow, a dog mixing it up with a
groundhog, and a parrot dunking his own crackers. This is an unusual and very
entertaining slice of animal nature in the raw, also from Van Beuren.
THE BARNYARD BRAT (1939)
Hunky & Spunky are a pair of mischievous mules created as a
series-within-a-series for the Max & Dave Fleischer Color Classics series.
In this one, momma mule Hunky must make amends for the chaos unleashed by her
irascible son Spunky among the barnyard community.
THE GIANT GILA MONSTER / THE KILLER SHREWS Trailers (1959)
This pair of creature features, produced by an independent film production
company based in
SNACK BAR ADS
We wrap up this week’s mini-matinee with a pair of
vintage snack bar ads. Dancing elephants and other circus animals are on hand
to round out our movie menagerie.
★
MM-18 A SALUTE TO MARY CARLISLE
Today’s Mini-Matinee is
a heartfelt salute to one of Bijou’s favorite cinema sweethearts, Mary Carlisle.
Come back for Friday’s feature post to learn more about this vivacious and
talented screen star. Meanwhile, we present for your enjoyment scenes from
five of Ms Carlisle’s movies. Three were featured in the original 1980s Matinee
at the Bijou series on PBS.
KENTUCKY KERNELS (1935)
First up, Mary Carlisle and Bert Wheeler play shy lovebirds drawn closer
together by an infectious song entitled “One Little Kiss.” Caution, listen to
this little ditty more than once and you may not be able to get it out of your
head. George Stevens directed a superb cast in this frothy RKO musical comedy. Bert
Wheeler & Robert Woolsey had their roots in Vaudeville and their zany
comedy style is in the Marx Bros tradition. Most everyone’s favorite little
rascal, Spanky McFarland, has a terrific supporting role and is showcased
briefly in this scene.
PALOOKA (1934)
Mary co-stars in this one with Stuart Erwin, who portrays boxing champ Joe
Palooka. Marjorie Rambeau is Joe’s mom in scenes from
the 1934 Reliance Pictures comedy, co-starring Jimmy Durante. Mayme Palooka
doesn't want son Joe to follow in his boxing father's footsteps, and Mary helps
keep Joe's secret until the big fight is broadcast on radio for all to hear.
Palooka was featured in the very first season of the original Matinee at the
Bijou.
ONE FRIGHTENED NIGHT (1935)
Shown in season four of the original Matinee at the Bijou series, Mary, in this
clip, is terrorized while visiting a spooky old mansion on a dark and stormy
night. Panels creak, bodies fall, phantoms creep, and anxious heir’s line up to
grab crotchety old Charlie Grapewin’s will. All in
all a fun-filled vintage B-movie murder mystery from Mascot Pictures.
GIRL O’ MY DREAMS (1934)
Mary heads the cast and sings in this campy 1930s Monogram comedy about college
romance and sports, although this time it's a big track meet rather than
football. Mary sparks a romantic triangle between Eddie Nugent and Lon Chaney,
Jr., billed here as Creighton Chaney. Lon became Chaney's new screen name in
1935 after five years in minor roles, and six years before he would become
forever remembered as The Wolf Man. Lon plays a singing jock in this one, and
has a sweet duet with Mary.
DEAD MEN WALK (1943)
In one of PRC's better creature features, Mary is the
smitten vampire victim whose uncle, George Zucco, must face off with an evil
twin who insists on embracing the dark side. Will Mary survive the forces of
darkness? Will the tiny holes in Mary's neck heal in time for intermission?
This was also seen in season four of the original Matinee at the Bijou series
on PBS.
★
MM-19 BIJOU POP CULTURE
Today our Cinematic Time
Machine takes us on a wild ride through two decades of vintage cinematic pop
culture. An animated Sinbad the Sailor tackles cartoon pirates; Tarzan does
some very realistic wrestling with the King of Beasts, Roy Rogers addresses
his Rider’s Club members in the audience, and we enjoy a trio of 1950s vintage
theatrical trailers promoting some popular 3D movies.
SINBAD THE SAILOR (1935)
First up is a comical ComiColor Ub Iwerks’ cartoon with a jazzy pirate song and
a sophisticated musical score. Sinbad and his wise-cracking parrot sidekick
take on a band of eccentric singing pirates pursuing ill-gotten treasure. It
all leads to an abundance of sword fights, sight gags and funny dialogue. Be
assured that plenty of buckles are swashed before the action is over!
ROY ROGERS’ RIDERS CLUB (circa 1948)
Many theater managers around the country actively promoted their weekend
matinees to encourage regular attendance. Drawings for prizes and contests were
among the attractions, often associated with messages delivered directly from
the silver screen. Roy Rogers was a big favorite and many theaters promoted
membership in the Roy Rogers’ Riders Club. In this short,
Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself, I fail to do a lot of
things I ought to do. But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me ride it straight the whole way
through. And when in the falling dusk I get that final call, I do
not care how many flowers they send, Above all else, the happiest trail
would be For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend" AMEN.
NEW ADVENTURES OF TARZAN (1935) Ch 9 Cliffhanger
This serial is considered by many as the best of the Tarzan chapter plays
because of its close authenticity to the original Edgar Rice Burroughs’
characters and stories. Tarzan is presented here as in the books; a cultured
English aristocrat who enjoys running around the jungles of
Burroughs himself is credited as co-producer and co-writer,
and the 12 chapter serial was produced and distributed by “Burroughs-Tarzan
Enterprises.”
Here you will see the exciting cliffhanger to Chapter 9, “Doom's Brink” where
Tarzan is attacked by a terrifying lion. The audience would be expected to
return to their relatively drab and humdrum existences for a week before being
allowed to see the outcome.
After the titles for Chapter 10, we show you the exciting denouement (a french word which means, roughly, "a fight to the
death between a bloodthirsty lion and a knife-wielding aristocrat in his
underwear.") This gritty and exotic serial is being considered for one of
the new Matinee at the Bijou seasons.
IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (1953)
In this Friday’s post we’ll be talking about the 1950s pop culture craze known
as 3D. This is the original Universal theatrical trailer featuring actor
Richard Carlson trying to sell audiences on the uniqueness and wonderment of
the new 3D process. Clever animated images are used to bring home the point. In-your-face advertising for an in-your-face movie. The
movie won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer for co-star Barbara Rush.
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954)
& THE MAD MAGICIAN (1954) Trailers
There was a limit as to how much gimmickry and added expense theater managers
would tolerate, given all the competition for screen space long before the term
“multiplex” entered the picture. Add to that the inevitable complaints from 3D
causing headaches and eye strain, and its easy to understand why some theater
managers passed on the 3D versions of popular attractions, but welcomed what
became known as the “flat” version – the same movie without the glasses.
Here are two trailers promoting a pair of 1954 3D movie releases that would not
have been shown in 3D in towns where these trailers were shown. Watch in the
“Creature” trailer where they obviously edited out the words 3D or 3 DIMENSION
and instead go seamlessly from the words "SHOCKING IN THE STARK
REALISM" to "OF MOUNTING SUSPENSE. "
★
MM-20 ROBOTS and MECHANICAL MEN
The word "robot" entered our
vocabulary (with the publication in 1920 of Rossum's Universal Robots by Karel
Capek) very much at the same time movies were establishing their stronghold in
our culture. Movies and mechanical creatures became fast friends, and
THE IRON MAN (1930)
First up is The Iron Man, a rare Aesop’s Fable cartoon from Van Beuren,
produced by Paul Terry. In the first half of this surreal and wildly
imaginative cartoon, Farmer Alfalfa is harassed by a pair of plucky chickens,
and then mesmerized by a multi-talented dancing robot. These early Aesop’s
Fables ended with an on-screen quote from Aesop. This one concludes with “2600
years ago Aesop said: An oyster is a fish dressed up like a nut.” Makes as much sense as does the rest of this delightful romp.
(Courtesy of Thunderbean Animation)
THE MECHANICAL MAN (1932)
Oswald Rabbit costars with a robot in this truly bizarre Walter Lantz cartoon. A
peg-legged inventor with a peg-legged parrot needs a human heart for his robot.
Oswald’s girlfriend is the intended victim trapped in house of animated
horrors.
ALL’S FAIR AT THE FAIR (1938)
This delightful Fleischer Color Classic is loaded with robots, all smothering
attention on county fair-goers Elmer and Mirandy. The country couple visits the
pavilion of the future in 1938, when everything is mechanized. We see robots as
barbers and beauticians, musicians and dancing partners.
THE ROBOT MONSTER (1953) Trailer
Considered one of the cheesiest low-budget sci-fi
flicks ever made, this film actually received high marks for its 3D effects in
the original release format. Alien invader “Ro-Man” is a rather lame and silly
excuse for a supposed “monster” on the loose, but the plot is even lamer. Here
is the original trailer shown with an alternate title “Monster from Mars” still
attached at the end.
THE PHANTOM CREEPS (1939) Ch 6 Cliffhanger
Bela is back, and Iron Man’s got him. Well, Iron Man actually has the good guy,
and not exactly in a love-crush. Here is the cliffhanger ending from Chapter
Six, "The Iron Man", of the 12-chapter serial The Phantom Creeps, starring Bela Lugosi. First shown
on the original Matinee at the Bijou series.
★
MM-21 MYSTERY OF “TARZAN ESCAPES”
This week’s Matinee should whet your
interest in “Tarzan Escapes” (1936), the third of MGM’s sensational Tarzan
series starring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan. The film was shot
and finished in 1935 but not released. It was a mess! So it was re-written and
re-filmed in 1936, but ran into new troubles -- it was now too good, too
violent and too scary for kids. Censored prints were sent out instead, or were
they? The original epic made the rounds in the 1954 reissue, but has not been
seen since.
TARZAN ESCAPES TRAILERS
The first trailer was hastily put together for 1935
preview audiences. It does not show any actual scenes from the film, but does
promise Giant Vampire Bats, which have since disappeared from all known prints.
The second trailer is for the re-shot 1936 release.
TARZAN’S JUJU CAVE
Near the end of the film, Tarzan, Jane and the safari flee hostile
natives. Their only escape is through a forbidden juju cave in a mountain. You
can view the set-up and what survives of the spooky swamp today, but the entire
climax of the film is missing. What is it? Where is it?
THE LOST LIONS
Tarzan kills two lions in “Tarzan Escapes,” but the violent scene is missing
from all surviving copies. Fortunately the lions were stock footage from
“Tarzan the Ape Man,” so they could be officially edited back into the film.
See what once happened when Jane told Tarzan, “Go get food for all of these
people.”
A TRIO OF TARZAN TRAILERS
Johnny Weissmuller played Tarzan in a dozen movies. Six for MGM from 1932-42,
six for RKO from 1943-48, and then he went on to play a different jungle
character, this time with clothes on, in the Jungle Jim movie series which
continued until 1955. Twenty three years in the jungle is a long time for
anyone, athlete or not.
Here are trailers for the last three films in the Weissmuller MGM Tarzan
series, each featuring Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane and Johnny Sheffield as boy.
The trailers are: Tarzan Finds a Son (1939), Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941)
and Tarzan’s
THREE’S A CROWD (1932)
We conclude our Bijou Mini-Matinee with a musical cartoon treat featuring a
cameo appearance by an animated Tarzan, who swings in to rescue a damsel in
distress. Book characters who come to life include
★
MM-22 A BIJOU MUSICALE
Classical music and classic movies are mixed with a myriad of musical
instruments and styles in this week’s Bijou Mini-Matinee. And it all gets
underway with a recently restored cartoon masterpiece.
MENDELSSOHN’S SPRING SONG (1931)
This is a colorful and surreal animated treasure. Director Cy
Young orchestrates birds, butterflies, caterpillars and a frog to Mendelssohn’s
Spring Song and to splendid effect. It was originally created as an experimental
film to test a new two-strip color process called Brewster Color. This was to
be the first in a new series, but the series did not continue. The classic film
world is indebted to animator Steve Stanchfield for beautifully restoring and
preserving this enchanting work of art on behalf of Thunderbean
Animation.
MUSICAL CHARMERS (1936)
A classy
NATURE’S SONGSTERS (1936)
A different choir of song bird performs in this Treasure Chest Production which
captured the first pictures taken with actual sounds of birds, often
territorial challenges, recorded in their native habitat. This early attempt
required taking much heavy equipment into the field when compared with today’s
sophisticated recording techniques and tools. Made in conjunction with the
THE SWAN (1929)
This Walter Futter Novelty shows how black & white photography can project
a color of its own, as two white swans glide along a morning pond in the
company of seventeen graceful swans all scored to the orchestral music of
Camille Saint-Saens “The Swan” from Carnival of the Animals. Saint-Saens
finished the composition in 1886, but prohibited its performance until after
his death in 1921. This is the first time the music was ever paired with the
action of live swans.
ORGANLOGUE (1931)
Doc Melody is our Screen Organist conducting a “musical meal” of popular songs
of the era. In the 1930s theater organs were very popular, but only practical
for theaters that could afford them along with an organist. So smaller theaters
arranged to have their organ music originate up on the silver screen along with
the words to the songs so audiences could sing-a-long.
★
MM-23 EDGAR KENNEDY FAN FARE
Today we salute Edgar Kennedy,
one of our favorite comedy character actors who was
featured in many short subjects and movies shown on the original 1980s Matinee
at the Bijou series on PBS. Enjoy the clips and come back on Friday for more
on this very talented and funny man.
A STAR IS BORN (1937)
First up is a colorful 10 min clip from the original 1937 version of A Star is
Born. Included are Edgar’s three scenes as the landlord and the very first
person star-struck Esther Blodgett (Janet Gaynor) meets when she arrives in
LI'L ABNER (1940)
Edgar shines in a scene from the original live-action film version of Al Capp’s
Li’l Abner comic strip. Abner thinks he’s died and gone to heaven, which looks
suspiciously like Dogpatch (duh!). So naturally Abner is stunned to see
Cornelius Cornpone (Edgar) walking in the forest. Just for fun we begin with
the original title song, which was co-written by Milton Berle.
SIN OF HAROLD DIDDLEBOCK (1947)
Edgar mixes it up with Harold
THE GREAT ALASKAN MYSTERY (1944)
Edgar got fourth billing in this 13-chapter Universal serial about Nazis with
death rays. Here is the original trailer promising “A Thousand Polar Perils”
and “Thundering Tons of Destruction.”
TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE (1914)
Edgar played a dual role in this first full-length comedy feature film, which
was also Charlie Chaplin’s first feature. Here are two brief clips edited
together featuring Edgar (with a full head of hair) as the restaurant owner
tolerating in the first clip the irascible Marie Dressler, followed by a scene
with Chaplin and Mabel Normand.
★
MM-24 MUSICAL MAGIC & RISQUE COMEDY
In this week's matinee,
memorable movie music mixes with outrageous physical comedy. First up, everyone’s
favorite vamp, Betty Boop, gets the ball rolling with a delightful vintage
cartoon.
BETTY BOOP and GRAMPY (1935)
Betty Boop is invited to a party at Grampy’s house and on the way gathers an
entourage of zany cartoon characters who literally drop everything, including a
piano, to join her. Betty (voice of Mae Questel) starts the show off with a
lively ditty called On My Way to Grampy’s. When Betty and friends arrive and
ask for more music, Grampy dons his thinking cap, the light bulb comes on, and
he invents musical instruments on the spot. Tiger Rag is performed on the
soundtrack by the Hoosier Hotshots, who hit all the right notes until the
dancing builds to a crescendo and everyone collapses from joyous exhaustion.
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (1941)
Jazz great Fats Waller is the personification of cool while performing his
trademark rendition of Ain’t Misbehavin’ - accompanied by a chorus line of sexy
singers and dancers. Waller accompanies himself on piano and adds spice to the
famous Ain’t Misbehavin’ lyrics with some risqué
commentary. No one performs this jazz standard as does the phenomenal Mr.
Waller in this vintage Soundie.
DUCK SOUP (1933) Theatrical Trailer
This week we continue celebrating the genius of comedy actor Edgar Kennedy.
Edgar was at his slow-burn-best as the lemonade stand salesman attempting to
tolerate Harpo and
HELP WANTED FEMALE (1930) Part 1
This hilarious Edgar Kennedy depression-era comedy
short is loaded with sight gags, sexual innuendo and wild physical comedy
routines. One scene in particular recalls W.C. Fields’ The
Dentist, the famous risqué pre-code short wherein a female patient is examined
with great disrespect. This short pre-dates Edgar’s famous “Average Man” series
of over 100 comedy shorts, and demonstrates why audiences would come to embrace
this talented comedy actor in over 400 films.
HELP WANTED FEMALE (1930) Part 2
Since YouTube has a 10 minute running time limitation,
Help Wanted Female is being presented in two parts. The management of this
theater apologizes for the low quality of the audio track on the print we
received from the exchange, and we are feverishly working on a replacement
print expected to arrive and be posted shortly.
★
MM-25 TO SPRING
Bijou is French for “little jewel” and first up is a richly animated
gem from the creative collaboration of veteran cartoonists Hugh Harmon and
Rudolf Ising created for their MGM Happy Harmonies series.
TO SPRING (1936)
At the end of spring, awakening gnomes must pump spring colors up from
underground in this colorful Harman & Ising Happy Harmonies animated
fantasy.
STAR REPORTER
Ted Husing hosts this Hollywood newsreel featuring Dorothy Lamour's original
paramount screen test. Listen to the now politically incorrect lyrics as the
lovely Dorothy sings "Love is Like A
Cigarette." The Star Reporter series was one of several celebrity
newsreels produced by the
THE THIN MAN Trailers (1934-36)
William Powell & Myrna Loy played Nick & Nora Charles in a series of A
movies reminiscent of the many B movie mystery series from the 1930s and 40s,
such as the Philo Vance mystery series. Here are original trailers for the
first two movies in The popular Thin Man series from
MGM.
PANTRY PANIC (1941)
The Bijou beckons a final farewell to Winter 2008 in this madcap cartoon.
Walter Lantz showcased his Woody Woodpecker character for the fourth time in
this colorful animated classic. The groundhog predicts a blizzard, but Woody
decides not to go South with his pals. Starvation looms until a starving cat
appears and triggers a contest to see who eats whom.
Although not credited, Mel Blanc actually provided the voice for Woody
Woodpecker in woody’s 1940-41 cartoons. Grace
Stafford (wife of Walter Lantz) later assumed the role from 1950 to 1990.
RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON Ch. 7 Cliffhanger
Commander Cody faces certain demise when a Moon Men Death Ray blows his
airplane out of the sky in this thrilling cliffhanger from Chapter 7 of the
classic Republic serial. Lone Ranger actor Clayton Moore is one of the bad
guys.
★
MM-26 MENAGERIE AT THE BIJOU
Dogs, cats, rabbits, spiders, leopards and wolves share the bill
with Dick Tracy, Walt Disney, and spiritualist Dunninger, in this week’s fanciful
Bijou Mini-Matinee.
DOGGONE TIRED (1949)
First up is a frantic and very funny
RKO PATHE PARADE (1937)
Next, a
HAPPY YOU AND MERRY ME (1936)
Next, Betty Boop is featured, but her puppy Pudgy actually stars, along with a
sea of cats, in this delightful feline fantasy. The fun begins when a kitten
enters Betty’s home and eats an entire box of chocolates, only to become ill.
Betty dispatches Pudgy to the drugstore to fetch some catnip medicine, which
breaks open on Pudgy’s way home - attracting a chorus
line of cats all under the influence of the catnip.
DICK TRACY (1937)
Here is the thrilling Dick Tracy cliffhanger from Chapter 1 “The Spider
Strikes” followed by the cliffhanger’s resolution at the beginning of Chapter 2 ”The
HORROR TRAILERS (1943)
We wrap up this week’s mini-matinee with a pair of campy horror trailers from
1943. First up is The Leopard Man starring Dennis O’Keefe and Margo, followed
by Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, where Bela Lugosi plays the Frankenstein
monster and Lon Chaney, Jr. continues his trademark role as the Wolf Man.
★ MM-27 PIONEERS IN ANIMATION
In the two decades prior to the sound era, the most distinguished
artists in the animation field created incredible masterpieces that few audiences
today have seen or heard of. These works are among
Today the Bijou breaks from our traditional menu of cartoons, shorts, serials,
trailers and theater ads to serve up a festival of rare silent-era animation
classics. Featured are five vastly entertaining and imaginative cartoons
produced between 1922 and 1925 featuring the pioneering work of Max Fleischer
and Walt Disney.
Animator and historian Ray Pointer has reconstructed and restored these
animated treasures, adding lively period music and sound effects in a manner
that would have accompanied the original presentations in theaters.
“BIG CHIEF” KO-KO (1924)
First up we celebrate an early masterpiece from the fertile imagination of
pioneer animator Max Fleischer. A live-action Max is drawing Ko-Ko the Clown
when a real Indian arrives to sell some drawings to Max. Ko-Ko becomes manic
fearing he could be replaced and this could cost him his job. Read more about
Max Fleischer here.
While Max was mixing it up with Ko-Ko, Walt Disney was producing his own
live-action and animation creations known as the “
PUSS AND BOOTS (1922)
While a cartoon Cock-Fight saved the day for
A KICK FOR CINDERELLA (1924)
Magical dancing shoes play a major role in this whimsical, tune-filled version
of the famous fairy tale. Jeff fantasizes himself in the Cinderella role and
competes with Mutt for the Championship honors at the
FELIX ALL PUZZLED (1924)
Like
We asked Ray to comment about the music and sound effects he adds to the silent
cartoons ~~~
I've been exposed to many styles of music, and have always had a
"musical ear." Watching the cartoons, I had a mental picture of the
visual rhythm, and thanks to musicians and collectors of rare old recordings as
well and my own library, I had a lot of great Public Domain material to work
with. A lot of the tunes are 1920s dance music, mostly Fox Trots or
But the placement of the music is only a mechanical process. There is also a
sense for knowing what music is right for the situation. Music has a great deal
to do with how we perceive the films we watch. The same applies to cartoons.
The difference between whether the audience is going to remain interested or
not is dependent upon how entertaining the music is, and how the music
compliments the actions on the screen. Much of the music applied by others
tends to be boring and sleep inducing. The use of music for comedy and cartoons
is a special thing. The music should be humorous and enhancing of gags and not
exist to simply "fill air." I have been fortunate that I have been
able to select the right cues and edit them in a way that makes them seem
originally scored for the cartoons. But for the most part, this is all
instinctive.
As for the sound effects, I have collected them for 40 years. Many are
authentic acoustical effects used in theaters, circuses, films, and cartoons.
Some I have manufactured, or recreated. I made a particular effort to try to
use sound effects that are most closely identified with certain brand cartoons
or studios. This is particularly the case with the OUT OF THE INKWELL and
AESOP'S FABLES cartoons, where I used the same or similar effects to those used
on the soundtracks produced by Fleischer or Terrytoons of the 1930s. There's
something that just seems right about hearing those authentic sounds that are
so identified with their sound cartoons. Many times people have asked me where
I found the sound re-releases of these cartoons. The fact is that I have
created these soundtracks to make them sound authentic to the period. So when
someone thinks they were from that era, this only indicates that my efforts
were successful. That is most gratifying.
★ MM-28 FACES of WWII
Today’s
Bijou Mini-Matinee is the next in our occasional series featuring motion pictures
produced by the Hollywood studios and the
NEWSPARADE of 1945
First up we present a newsreel that dramatically covers the pivotal news
stories of 1945. Footage and narrative includes the final battle in Europe,
Allies in Berlin, the capture of Axis war criminals, the surrender of Germany,
the death of FDR, Yanks in Tokyo and millions of G.I.s
coming home.
WINGS FOR THIS MAN (1945)
Narrated by Ronald Reagan, this documentary tells the
story of the black aviation squadron known as the "
JAPANESE AMERICANS (1945)
This film chronicles the heroic service of Nisei Soldiers
of the 442nd Infantry Regiment in the Italian Campaign. Racism was pervasive in
the 1940s. Daily Civilian life was racially segregated and so were all Military
Units. African-Americans fought in Black Units and Asian-Americans fought in
Asian Units, and the White Guys fought in White Guy Units.
Ugly racial incidents had occurred on military bases throughout the country. A
study by the military called "What the Soldier Thinks" revealed the
depth of prejudice held by the white soldier. The Services, themselves, were
not officially desegregated until the end of the decade, when, in 1948,
President Truman issued the Executive Order.
THE INFANTRY BLUES (1943)
Private Snafu is up to his old antics in this animated
film from the Warner Bros. animation department. In this one, Snafu
contemplates life in other branches of the military and imagines personally
experiencing the challenges of each branch. A highlight of this cartoon series
is the brilliant character voice work of Mel Blanc.
(Blogger Kevin Langley has more vintage animation model
sheets on display here.)
WHO
DIED? (1945)
This 5 minute short was sponsored by the War Finance
Division of the US Treasury Department, and shown to millions of movie-going
Americans along with the main attraction. The short film was written by Betty
Smith, who two years earlier wrote the novel “A Tree Grows in
★ MM-29 CINEMA VARIETAL
Last week’s Bijou Mini-Matinee focused
on wartime propaganda films, so this week we balance the solemnity with five
cinematic attractions decidedly upbeat and entertaining. You can’t top
JERKY
The laughs come fast as the masterful MGM animation team presents
RED RYDER & ZORRO TRAILERS
Next we present the trailers for a pair of action-packed Republic serials; each
featuring plots centering on high-level corruption in the building of the
nation’s railroads, and each directed by the dynamic team of John English and
William Whitney.
THE ADVENTURES OF RED RYDER (1940)
Red Ryder was adapted for the screen from a famous comic strip and features
actor Don “Red” Barry as the weekly hero. The serial proved a success and was
followed by a string of Red Ryder B-movies. A corrupt banker is the bad guy in
this 12-chapter horse opera, as he bullies the ranchers off their properties so
he can take title of the land for its cross-country railroad right-of-way
value. Red escapes certain death numerous times before the day is saved.
ZORRO RIDES AGAIN (1937)
Control of the California-Yucatan Railroad is the prize and precisely why it is
under siege by a gang of frontier terrorists hoping to force its sale. Corrupt
profiteer “Marsden” and his henchman “Lobo” are the surly antagonists, and the
great-grandson of the original Zorro (John Carroll) is the whip lashing protagonist.
In this one, the masked-man on horseback is up against enemies with airplanes,
bombs and machine guns at their disposal, along with such other anachronistic
Zorro challenges as trains and
HOLLYWOOD ON PARADE (1933)
Cliff Edwards sings about the Hollywood on Parade theme song to kick off a
fanciful Paramount Hollywood on Parade newsreel featuring appearances by Jean
Harlow, Cary Grant, William Powell Carol Lombard, Joan and Constance Bennett,
Wheeler & Woolsey and Lupe Velez, among others.
FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE (1940)
The exciting cliffhanging conclusion from Chapter 3 “Walking Bombs” is shown,
along with the resolution at the beginning of Chapter 4. Sinister Ming is at
his most Merciless when he dispatches an army of iron men rigged as “walking
bombs” to destroy Flash and his entourage, who are encamped in the frozen
planetary wasteland known as Frigia. Witness Flash
get blown up on camera, only to pull himself together to struggle on in Chapter
4 “The Destroying Ray.”
SCREEN SONG (1936)
Max Fleischer produced and Brother Dave directed this Max Fleischer Screen Song
featuring Vincent Lopez and his orchestra accompanied by the “Famous Bouncing
Ball.” An uncredited soloist is featured singing “I
Don’t Want to Make History” in the live-action centerpiece. The wrap-around
cartoon sequences makes liberal use of puns to parody theatrical newsreel
reports at the New News Theatre.
MM #30 - Short Subjects That Sell
Commercial advertising or "commercials"
have been around almost forever. The Egyptians used papyrus to create sales
messages as well as wall posters. The printing press moved the images from
walls and rocks to the handbill, books and newspapers. Then motion pictures
introduced commercials to the movie screen and eventually television and computer
screens. Last Friday we looked at how a tobacco company in 1935 created an
entire cartoon designed to promote cigarette smoking to the youngest and most
impressionable of audience members. For today's Bijou Mini-Matinee we present
five more examples of short subjects that sell products or deliver messages.
Subjects include a 1930s breakfast cereal commercial, the soft selling of
cars as product placements in cartoons, a comedy icon starring in a highway
safety film, a 1948 environmental message from the
BREAKFAST PALS (1939)
First up is a colorful commercial produced by the Kellogg's company to
influence audience members to buy Rice Krispies.
After a sleep-over, Bobby is complaining to friend Billy about his morning
cereal being mushy, not like what his Breakfast Pals - Snap, Crackle & Pop
- serve him and his dad every morning. Bobby demonstrates how this works when
he whistles and in from the window comes S. C. & P. Things start popping
when Toughy and his Bedlam Pals, Mushy & Soggy,
pop up out of the Brand X cereal box to rumble with the Breakfast Pals. This
was shown in movie theaters in 1939 along with the shorts and feature. Imagine
sitting through this before watching Gone with the Wind. At least they weren't
selling cigarettes in this cartoon commercial that runs a minute and a half.
A COACH FOR CINDERELLA (1936)
The Chevrolet Division of General Motors commissioned this soft sell theatrical
advertising short from the Jam Handy Organization. It was the first industrial
film produced in Technicolor and received widespread praise from audiences and
critics alike. It holds up nicely today and presents a charming and whimsical
take on the classic Cinderella story, which Disney wouldn't tackle until 1950.
Cinderella must get to the ball, of course, so she needs the dress and the
wheels. Elves and forest critters make the dress from woodland materials,
caterpillars roll into circles and become the automobile tires, fireflies
become the spark plugs and mice power the motor. The transportation won't turn
out to be a coach, of course, but rather the latest deluxe model Chevrolet,
which magically appears when the coach goes in the "Modernizer" and
comes out the finished "product." Audiences had a good time and got
their happy ending and Chevrolet sold a lot of cars.
THE OTHER FELLOW (1937)
Bijou favorite Edgar Kennedy plays multiple roles in this rarely seen highway
safety film, another example from the Jam Handy Organization. This one was also
produced by the Chevrolet Motor Division of GM. Edgar plays a reckless,
ill-tempered driver who takes the audience on a ride to demonstrate how it's
not always the "other fellow" who doesn't know how to drive. Among
the characters we see briefly, all played by Edgar, are
the farmer driver, the sport driver, the truck driver, the newlywed driver and
a careless driver. Edgar does a little singing from "I'm Sitting on Top of the World" and does a great
"slow burn."
THE ADVENTURES OF JUNIOR RAINDROP (1948)
The Forest Service division of the
MEET KING JOE (1949)
"Meet Joe, the king of the workers of the world." Thus begins this
controversial animated propaganda short created to unabashedly promote American
capitalism and industry. Narrator to Joe: "It must be the American way of
doing things that makes you the luckiest guy in the world." The short was
produced by John Sutherland Productions as part of
KOOL PENGUINS (1935)
This uncool and disgraceful cartoon was featured in
last Friday's feature post. Read the complete story and watch the cartoon here
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MM #31 - A Pop Culture Potpourri
The Mummy Strikes and Lucky Strikes and Betty Boop gets naked. A comedy duo tackles
a trio of terror and our Bijou Mini-Matinee of pop culture potpourri is off
and running. This week we've programmed an eclectic mix of short subject treats
designed simply to amuse and entertain.
THE MUMMY STRIKES (1943)
We begin with an exquisite and stylish Max Fleischer Superman cartoon in Technicolor.
This one involves an ancient Egyptian Mummy's curse and the murdered dead
body of a distinguished scientist discovered in a tomb of Mummies. Lois Lane
follows Clark Kent into the Egyptian tomb, attempting to scoop Clark as he
investigates a frame-up for the murder, which involves the slain scientist's
assistant. The ancient Mummies who guard the tomb are awakened, of course,
and have a few bones to pick with the intruders. Only Superman can handle
this much bad Karma and produce the predictable Happy Ending.
ABBOTT & COSTELLO TRAILER TRIO
Next up, enjoy a trio of trailers from the Abbott & Costello "Meet
the Monsters" series of comedy-horror films from Universal. The first
trailer features a live-action mummy from 1955 on the loose and terrorizing
A&C in "Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy." This one was
produced late in the comedy duos career, but still delivered plenty of laughs.
Then enjoy the original trailer for "Abbott &
IS MY PALM READ (1933)
Next, everyone's favorite vamp Betty Boop takes
the spotlight, and shares it with Bimbo and KoKo
the Clown. All are featured in this provocative Max and Dave Fleischer concoction
that must have raised some eyebrows when an infant version of Betty Boop appears naked and strikes some curious poses for the
camera. It is surprising that the Hays Office didn't strike the entire Baby
Boop sequence. Bimbo plays a fortune teller, and KoKo is his doorman. Betty shows up for a reading and the
crystal ball reveals more than a prognostication.
LUCKY STRIKE MEANS FINE TOBACCO (1950)
This past week the Bijou Blog has been showcasing short films created for
the purpose of selling commercial products or ideas. Here is yet another film
made to promote cigarette smoking. This one was produced by the Jam Handy
Organization on behalf of the American Tobacco Company's Lucky Strike brand
of deadly carcinogens. In 1950, Lucky Strike's big radio shows were "Your
Hit Parade," starring then "American Idol" Frank Sinatra and
"Kay Kyser's Kollege
of Musical Knowledge," starring a young Kay Kyser.
Such radio shows were often underwritten by sponsors seeking to identify their
products with soft sell celebrity identification. Sinatra may have allegedly
preferred Camels, but here he sings a cool version of "Stardust"
on behalf of Lucky Strike - accompanied by full orchestra and chorus. We've
chosen to edit out the three minute "commercial" that was central
to this short and that slyly suggested how important was Lucky Strike's selection
and processing of "fine tobacco" acquired from their successful
bidding at the "tobacco auction."
If you really want to see the uncut version, which includes the tobacco selection
and processing sequence, you can view it here.
ALL'S FAIR AT THE FAIR (1938)
Lastly, we join "Elmer and Mirandy," rural
visitors to a 1930's cartoon version of the World's Fair, which features then-new
technologies and innovations in this futuristic fantasy from the Fleischer
Color Classics series. Join us again this coming Friday when we screen a forgotten
and long lost "Buck Rogers" short subject that was presented at
the 1933
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MM #32 - Everything Old is New Again
It may be a tired old cliché today, but the
The original Tom & Jerry characters were inspired by the original Mutt
& Jeff silent-era cartoons. The cartoon incarnation of Mutt & Jeff
was adapted from a successful comic strip series. The theatrical "screen
magazine" short subjects like Voice of
Today's Bijou Mini-Matinee and Friday's feature post are designed to introduce
the uninitiated to the surreal world of the original Tom & Jerry. But
this isn't the cat and mouse that modern audiences have come to know and love.
This Tom & Jerry series first flickered on movie screens in 1931 in the
persona of two human characters; one tall, the other short. Friday's post
will feature their story, but today you can enjoy three of the best in the
series - along with a short and trailer further demonstrating how the Hollywood
studios were pioneers not only in filmmaking, but also in recycling.
WOT A NIGHT (1931)
This is the first in the original Tom & Jerry cartoon series and one of
their most bizarre and imaginative. Tom & Jerry are cab drivers who arrive
at a train depot to pick up two strange bearded fares and endure a flash flood
to deliver them to a haunted castle. Upon arrival Tom & Jerry are stiffed
for the cab fare and lured onto the premises only to become trapped inside.
This leads to multiple encounters with a variety of apparitions and performing
skeletons, including one skeleton doing a Spanish dance and another toweling
off in the bathtub.
PENCIL MANIA (1932)
One of Tom & Jerry's most silly and surreal cartoons. Jerry has acquired
a magic pencil and uses it to annoy Tom by transforming existing objects and
drawing new objects that come to life only to undergo metamorphosis. A sequence
where Jerry draws a tomato, potato and banana sets the scene for a surreal
interpretation of the song "Yes, We Have No Bananas." This sequence
segues into an old fashioned melodrama with T & J attempting to thwart
the villain and rescue the hero and heroine. In a bizarre twist, Jerry's magic
pencil saves the day for the villain when the hero is on the railroad tracks
and run over by a train. Tom promptly dispatches the villain,
and Jerry then dispatches Tom's new dream date.
A SPANISH TWIST (1931)
In this one we encounter Tom & Jerry lost at sea on a raft and battling
an amusing and mischievous octopus. Cast ashore in
THE CLOWN (1952) Trailer
Red Skelton is perfect in the title role in this father and son melodrama.
Red plays an ex-star of the Ziegfeld Follies who is wasting away his life
and relationship to drinking and gambling. Actor Tim Considine
is introduced in the trailer as "Timmie"
Considine (8 years before he became one of TV's My Three Sons)
and plays the devoted son whose endurance and endearment fuel the plot and
forecast the weepy ending. Sound familiar? The Clown was inspired by MGM's
The Champ (1931), where the father is a champion boxer before succumbing to
the same bad habits. The original starred Wallace Beery, who won the Best
Actor Oscar that year for his performance, and Jackie Cooper, memorable as
the son. The Champ was remade in 1979 with Jon Voight
and Ricky Schroeder in the key roles. In The Clown, Tim Considine's
name is "Dink" - as was Jackie Cooper's in The Champ.
VOICE OF
Latin screen star Don Alvarado (La Cucaracha) is host of radio station S.T.A.R.
in this early celebrity screen magazine. Don uses a telephone and microphone
to manage remote introductions to celebrities Betty Compson,
Tom Mix, Ruth Roland, John Boles, Louise Fazenda
and others. Then he reads "Movie Club Request" letters, ostensibly
from audience members, with special requests to see their favorite stars.
The first request is to see Mickey Daniels and Mary Kornman
from Hal Roach's original Our Gang series, and they do a comedy routine. Mickey
was in the very first short, filmed in 1922 and simply
called "Our Gang." He continued in the series until 1937. Mary Kornman joined the cast in the fourth Our Gang comedy called
One Terrible Day and also continued until 1937 when she and Mickey appeared
in the series for the last time in
BUCK ROGERS (1933/34)
"Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: An Interplanetary Battle with the Tiger
Men of Mars" is a preposterous 10 minute short that premiered at the
Chicago World's Fair in 1933/34 - but was never shown theatrically. This preposterous
short was the feature of last Friday's blog, which follows immediately below.
Buck (Anthony)
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MM #33 - John Wayne: Singing Cowboy?
Should the subject of "singing cowboys" surface, most
would quickly think of Roy Rogers or Gene Autry. You have to be fond of vintage
westerns or old enough to have been around during the thirties to early fifties
to name other famous cowboy crooners, like
In Friday's feature post we're going to share more about the singing cowboy
phenomenon. Meanwhile, today's Bijou Mini-Matinee salutes the singing cowboys
of the silver screen with a variety of film clips and novelty shorts.
RIDERS OF DESTINY (1933)
This was the first of sixteen B-westerns produced by Lone Star Productions
and released by Monogram Pictures to star John Wayne. What were they thinking?
Since
BELLS OF
Roy Rogers was a big hit in his first movie for Republic Pictures in 1938
called Under Western Stars. One of the songs he sang in the picture, "Dust,"
was nominated for an Oscar.
TWILIGHT ON THE TRAIL (1937)
Louise Massey and the Westerners sing while the audience follows-the-bouncing-ball
in this sing-a-long from Max Fleischer's Screen Song series. Louise' brother
Allen Massey participates in the animated sequence before and after the song.
Allen tells tall tales about his cowboy prowess, which are demonstrated in
cartoon form. Louise Massey and the Westerners were a major country music
act during the 1930s in concert and on the radio. They appeared in this short
subject and the same year appeared with singing cowboy star
THE TALENTED TRAMPS (1949)
Billy Gray and Robert Larry perform with The Sons of
FIGHTING MAD (1939)
A "Singing Mountie" called Renfrew of
the Royal Mounted was a concept almost as preposterous as the idea of John
Wayne as a singing cowboy. Monogram nonetheless cranked out eight of these
entertaining musical comedy adventures from 1937 to 1940. The kids in matinee
audiences reportedly vocalized their discontent whenever the Mountie
started to sing. Here Renfrew star James Newell sings two of the songs featured
in the film: "Trails End" and "The Lady's in Distress."
The latter includes these lyrics - "It's in the line of duty, for a Mountie to get his man, but in the line of beauty, he gets
the girl too, if he can."
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MM #34 - Singing Cowboy Round-Up
John Wayne's "Singing
So just who was the screen's first singing cowboy? Ranger Doug's book Singing in the Saddle provides a wealth of info
on this curious phenomenon of cinema history. If measured by the earliest
film made, it appears the distinction belongs to Ken Maynard. In 1923, with
only a horseman's skills, Maynard began acting and stunting in the movies.
He acted in 30 silent films before making his first talkie, "The Wagon
Master," in the summer of 1929. Country music was a vital part of the
popular culture at the time, and likely the reason Maynard was assigned the
challenge of singing in his movies. His third sound film, "Parade of
the West," was released in January 1930 featuring three country music
songs.
Today's Bijou Mini-Matinee is a round-up of film clips and trailers from five
of
Bob Steele came close to being the screen's first singing cowboy. Steele began
making westerns in 1920 as a 13-year-old tenderfoot in a series of silent
shorts called "The Adventures of Bill and Bob." Bill was Bob's real
life twin brother, and the series was directed by the boys' father, Robert
North Bradbury, Sr. In the summer of 1930, Steele made his first talking picture
(and 38th movie) called "Near the Rainbow's End." The picture featured
two songs performed as duets by Bob Steele and Perry Murdock: "Ragtime
Cowboy Joe" and "Ro-Ro-Rolling Along." Likely the decision
to make Steele a "singing" cowboy was influenced by the continuing
success of the Maynard musical westerns. There are contrary reports as to
whether he did his own singing, or his voice was dubbed by brother Bill. Steele sang in only five of the two dozen films
he starred in from 1930 to 1934, and dropped the singing for his many oater
operas made thereafter.
Here we present the opening titles and a select sequence from Steele's second
talking picture, "
DOWN THE WYOMING TRAIL (1939)
While John Wayne, Ken Maynard and Bob Steele may have been born to the saddle,
but not to the song,
In these clips from "Down the Wyoming Trail," Tex sings "In
Elk Valley" under the opening credits and then spends Christmas Eve in
jail crooning "It Makes No Difference Now" to the sheriff. The final
clip typifies a trick often used by the singing cowboy -- to see just how
far he can tease the villain with ironic lyrics in his song before the villain
figures out the song is about him. This one is called "And He Looks So
Peaceful Now."
Tex Ritter, of course, was the father of the late comedic actor John Ritter.
Notice in these scenes how much father and son resembled each other in appearance
and screen presence. Ritter the younger learned much from his gifted father.
IN OLD
This film doubled as a starring role for Ken Maynard and a screen test for
Gene Autry - a new singing talent being groomed by Mascot Pictures at the
time. Autry soon surpassed Maynard in popularity and studio support, and in
1935 replaced Maynard as the star of a new 12 chapter serial the studio was
producing called "The Phantom Empire." Ken Maynard's brother was
another B-western star named Kermit Maynard, who appeared in 280 films between
1927 and 1962.
Here is the first reel from this Mascot chestnut showcasing in one sequence
the complete Ken Maynard screen persona: his famous Palomino horse "Tarzan,"
black hat, pistols, guitar and grumpy old sidekick Cactus (George "pre-Gabby"
Hayes). Notice how smoothly the song and song's refrain are integrated into
the plot's development as Maynard sings "As Long As I Got My Dog."
GENE AUTRY TRAILERS
Enjoy a trio of Gene Autry singing cowboy trailers, including "Melody
Ranch" (1940) co-starring Ann Miller and Jimmy Durante; "The Big
Sombrero" (1949), a film with Autry singing seven songs, including "In
My Adobe Hacienda" and "Oh My Darlin'
Clementine." In "
ROY ROGERS TRAILERS
This trio of Roy Roger's singing cowboy trailers features "King of the
Cowboys" (1943), where Roy sings in the saddle while smashing Nazi saboteurs.
Songs include "I'm an Old Cow Hand," "The Gay Ranchero,"
"Prairie Moon," and others. "Bells of Rosarita" (1948), one of
Great thanks to our colleague Greg Luce for providing the film clips and trailers
for this week's show. The complete films are available now at Sinister Cinema.
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Mini-Matinee #35 - Personalities on Parade
This week we present a parade of pop
culture screen personalities from the 1930s and 40s. Included for your
amusement are Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Busby
PORKY PIG’S FEAT (1943)
Daffy Duck’s histrionics are wildly on display in this loopy Looney Tunes
cartoon produced by Leon Schlesinger and directed by Frank Tashlin.
Porky and Daffy can’t foot their bill at the Broken Arms Hotel, and the hotel
manager is simply not going to let them leave until they do. This is the set
up for a gag fest centering on how Porky and Daffy will manage to escape.
Out of desperation, Daffy finally phones Bugs for advice, triggering a cameo
appearance by the wild hare himself. As usual, Mel Blanc voices all of the
characters: Porky, Daffy, Bugs, the Hotel Manager and Daffy’s
gambling partner.
GOLD DIGGERS OF 1935 - Trailer
A luxury hotel is again the setting and paying the
bills the challenge in what passes for a plot in this, one of Busby
LIFE OF THE PARTY (1935)
Musical short subjects, like musical movie extravaganzas, often rely on the
slimmest of plots to succeed. This Educational Pictures comedy short, is essentially a variety show featuring a billboard
of musical acts. The Cabin Kids began appearing on screen in 1935 as a “musical
ensemble” in features, Our Gang comedy shorts and a series of musical shorts
in which they headlined. This “Song Hit Story” features performances by The
Cabin Kids, The Pope Sisters and The
SHADOW OF THE EAGLE (1932) Trailer
This extra long trailer was created to promote a
“New Mascot Serial in 12 chapters” and boasts “The Greatest Cast Ever Assembled
in a Serial” with a litany of names that few have ever heard of before – other
than John Wayne. In this one, hero
MOVIETONE NEWS (1937)
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Mini-Matinee #36 - Bijou
Celebrates Popeye
Popeye made his first
screen appearance in 1933, three years after Betty Boop's
cartoon debut. However, other than on 1950's television, the vintage black
& white Popeye cartoons have rarely been accessible to audiences for nearly
fifty years. Kudos to Warner Home Video for creatively packaging
and releasing all of the theatrical Popeyes in an
ongoing series. The second DVD volume covering 1938-1940 Popeyes hit the streets yesterday, June 17. To celebrate,
today's Bijou Mini-Matinee is an all-cartoon salute to Popeye the Sailor.
POPEYE'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY (1954)
First up is a 1950s Technicolor Popeye cartoon. Hollywood
I'M IN THE ARMY NOW (1936)
Next we shift from 1950s Technicolor into glorious 1930s black & white
to enjoy an earlier incarnation of the Popeye persona. In this one, Olive
Oyl is out walking with Bluto and
Popeye when they pass a recruiting station. Olive swoons and exclaims how
much she loves a man in uniform. Taking the cue, the boys rush in to enlist.
However, the recruiter says he can only take one of them, setting off a bragging
competition where Popeye and Bluto each show photos
to the recruiter demonstrating their strength and bravery. Each photo morphs
into a film clip from earlier Popeye cartoons.
SINDBAD (1952)
Popeye, along with three look-alike nephews, visits a nautical history museum.
They come across a statue of Sindbad, the world’s
greatest sailor, who coincidentally resembles Popeye’s nemesis Bluto. This sets the stage for a cartoon-within-a-cartoon
retelling of the classic Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad
the Sailor saga from 1936, showcasing excerpts from the Technicolor two-reel
Popeye featurette of the same name.
I NEVER CHANGES MY ALTITUDE (1937)
Popeye is heart-broken when he arrives at the airport to discover a “Dear
John” letter from Olive Oyl. She has shut down her
airport café business to fly off with aviator Bluto.
Olive’s passion for pilot Bluto diminishes when
he insists she paint the aircraft's tail while he's flying the plane. Popeye
sees this, is outraged, and hops into a plane to challenge Bluto
in a series of daring aerial dogfights. Bluto manages
to demolish Popeye’s plane but not his spirit nor access to a handy can of
spinach.
AND BATTERY
(1956)
In this Technicolor tale, Bluto is suing Popeye
for assault and battery in a courtroom where hamburger-happy Wimpy is the
presiding judge. Bluto arrives bandaged and in a
wheel chair to protest Popeye’s incessant and brutal beatings “for doin’
nuttin’.” This sets the stage for a series of clips
from earlier color Popeye cartoons.
POPEYE FOR PRESIDENT (1956)
Our next Popeye cartoon is a reprise that was originally included in Bijou Mini-Matinee #16 titled “Politics at the
Bijou." Popeye and Bluto run for President
and Olive Oyl’s vote will decide the winner in this
Technicolor romp. This begs the question, was Popeye a Democrat or a Republican?
LET’S SING WITH POPEYE (1934)
Follow the bouncing ball and sing-a-long with Popeye the Sailor Man.
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Mini-Matinee # 37 - Selected Short Subjects
For movie-goers prior to 1960, the
feature attraction or double bill was the draw, but the smorgasbord of selected
short subjects included on the menu was often more fun. Today’s Bijou
Mini-Matinee is a mix of merriment and mayhem showcasing two vintage cartoons,
an entertaining screen magazine short subject, a thrilling cliffhanging serial
chapter, topped off with a trio of 1950s B-movie sci-fi trailers. So grab the
popcorn and pop open the soda pop, it’s time for another Mini-Matinee at the
Bijou.
SIMPLE SIMON (1935)
First up is a fanciful ComiColor cartoon produced by Ub Iwerks and based on the
lyrical Mother Goose nursery rhyme. Goofy Simple Simon and his Goose join the
parade of Mother Goose characters, including Humpty Dumpty, Hansel &
Gretel, Little Bo Sheep, and others. In this colorful fantasy, Simon wants only
to enjoy the Fair, but must instead contend with the furious Pie Man for not
buying his pie, man. The animation is rich and the music is lively. Here are
the complete Simple Simon lyrics.
BROADWAY HIGHLIGHTS (1933)
Ted Husing narrates another trip down the
SILVERY MOON (1935)
A romantic pair of cool cats are out swooning while “sailing along … on
moonlight Bay.” Their imaginations transport them to the moon and a musical
excursion thru Candy Land to the
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
(1933) Alexander Dumas’ classic The Three Musketeers was adapted and updated
for serial fans by Nat Levine’s Mascot Pictures. Heroic American pilot John
Wayne aligns with a trio of French Foreign Legion members to route Arab gun
runners. Here is the exciting cliffhanger ending from Chapter 3, followed by
the opening credits to Chapter 4 - and the resolution of the cliffhanger.
Surely even John Wayne cannot survive the murderous machinations of El Shaitan (rhymes with Satan) and his Devil’s Circle. This
was the last in a trio of screen serials made by a very young John Wayne. The
others are Shadow of the Eagle and Hurricane Express. Lon
Chaney, Jr. is featured, but credited here with his original screen name,
Creighton Chaney. He changed it to Lon Chaney, Jr. two years later.
SCI-FI TRAILER TRIO (1950s)
You’ll Be Paralyzed with Fear! Ten Thousand Times More
Terrifying Than Your Maddest Nightmares! Raw Panic the Screen Never
Dared Reveal! Trailers are often more fun than seeing the movie. Here is a trio
of terrific 1950s B-movie sci-fi trailers, beginning with the original trailer
for Teenagers from Outer Space (1959). Warner Bros. bought this
radically low-budget howler for the bottom half of a double bill topped by the
release of the sequel to Godzilla. Next up is the trailer for what
appears to be a fun - but lost or missing - sci-fi jewel called The Cyclops
(1957) Director/writer Bert I. Gordon first scared audiences in June 1957 with The
Beginning of the End, about an army of giant grasshoppers. Gordon followed
this with The Cyclops the same summer. The plot involves a gigantic
25-foot tall, radiation-poisoned, one-eyed irritable man with issues he demands
be addressed. This was followed in 1958 by Gordon’s Amazing Colossal Man
and War of the Colossal Beast. Lastly, Richard Denning heads the cast in
Target Earth (1957) where an army of alien robots threatens mankind.
After hiring the actors, the low production budget funded only one robot
costume for the whole movie. The promised army of robots had to be the same
robot in each robot scene.
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Mini-Matinee #38 - Superheroes on Celluloid
“Not All Superheroes Wear
Tights” is VCI Entertainment’s tagline promoting their new super-DVD release
of the Dick Tracy Returns serial. Currently there continues a wave of new
theatrical releases featuring the noblest of heroes and the darkest of villains
- with the newest Batman saga waiting in the wings.
Friday’s post will feature one of the most creative and exciting cliffhangers
ever made. Meanwhile, today’s Bijou Mini-Matinee includes a rich array of
matinee superheroes. Whether or not they wear tights is beside the point,
as long as they get the job done. We also salute VCI Entertainment this week for continuing to
produce and distribute top quality home video versions of these classic and
timeless serial treasures.
DICK TRACY (1937) Chapter 7
First up is the exciting cliffhanger from Chapter
7 of the original 15 chapter Dick Tracy serial. As we pick up the action,
the Spider’s gang has captured Dick Tracy and The
Spider is about to arrive in person in his “Flying Wing.” The obligatory fight
ensues leading to Tracy
(1942)
Superman tackles both fire and ice today in a double dose of super heroics.
First up is Volcano, one of the most colorful episodes in the Fleischer/Paramount
series. Naive Lois wants a close-up look at the awakening Mt. Monokoa
volcano, and doesn’t want her reporter instincts restrained by the protective
Clark Kent. So she hides Clark ’s press pass, keeping him away from the action until
the danger reaches the boiling point. This indeed looks like a job for Superman.
THE PHANTOM EMPIRE (1933)
Back in the 1980s, when The Phantom Empire first premiered on the original
Matinee at the Bijou series on PBS, a good film print of the serial
was not known to exist. At long last, VCI Entertainment has produced and is
distributing a beautiful copy of this campy sci-fi western adventure. Here
is the cliffhanger from Chapter 10 – The Rebellion,
where Gene Autry must ally with Queen Tika if he
and his entourage are to escape destruction of the underground city of Murania
THE ARCTIC GIANT (1942)
Superman, having tamed the fire in Volcano, now faces the mammoth challenge
of thwarting a gigantic prehistoric monster, quickly thawing from the frigid
arctic ice. This and 16 other classic Superman cartoons are available in a
lavish DVD release with loads of extras from VCI Entertainment.
GREEN ARCHER (1940)
Here is an exciting cliffhanger from chapter 5 - The Fatal Spark, of The Green
Archer serial. Veteran actor Victor Jory got to
play the hero in this serial set in a castle with hidden passageways and trap
doors. There are actually two Green Archers at work here, one on the side
of lawlessness and the other on the side of justice and happy endings. This
is available from Restored Serials.
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Mini-Matinee #39 - The Great Escape
The 1930s was a decade characterized by struggle and uncertainty
in
For many millions of Americans during this era, a day spent at the local movie
matinee was an escape from problems as immediate as the rent and as ominous as
the headlines. As we say in At the Bijou, our theme song for the
original Matinee at the Bijou series on PBS: “Il Duce and The Fuhrer couldn’t have been obscurer on The Planet Mongo
or The Melody Ranch.”
Today’s Bijou Mini-Matinee consists of some of our favorite escapes compiled
from prior mini-matinees. Of course, in our 21st century world, governments are
honest and exist to serve their citizens; modern inventions and labor saving
devices make our lives as close to worry-free as they can be. Still, pretend
along with us that FDR is in White House and life has not yet become Utopia in
these
DAFFY DUCK AND THE DINOSAUR (1939)
First up,
A TRIO OF TARZAN TRAILERS (1939-42)
Johnny Weissmuller played Tarzan in a dozen movies. Six for MGM from 1932-42,
six for RKO from 1943-48, and then he went on to play a different jungle
character, this time with clothes on, in the Jungle Jim movie series which
continued until 1955. Twenty three years in the jungle is a long time for
anyone, athlete or not.
Here are trailers for the last three films in the Weissmuller MGM Tarzan
series, each featuring Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane and Johnny Sheffield as boy.
The trailers are: Tarzan Finds a Son (1939), Tarzan’s Secret Treasure
(1941) and Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942).
STAR REPORTER (1936)
Ted Husing hosts this Hollywood newsreel featuring
Dorothy Lamour's original paramount screen test.
Listen to the now politically incorrect lyrics as the lovely Dorothy sings Love
is Like a Cigarette. The Star Reporter series was
one of several celebrity newsreels produced by the
MENDELSSOHN’S SPRING SONG (1931)
This is a colorful and surreal animated treasure. Director Cy
Young orchestrates birds, butterflies, caterpillars and a frog to Mendelssohn’s
"Spring Song" and to splendid effect. It was originally created as an
experimental film to test a new two-strip color process called Brewster Color.
This was to be the first in a new series, but the series did not continue. The
classic film world is indebted to animator Steve Stanchfield
for beautifully restoring and preserving this enchanting work of art on behalf
of Thunderbean Animation.
DEVILED HAMS (1936)
A sizzling musical short set in Hades, with vaudeville crooner Gus Van holding
court as ruler of the nether world. Those on trial must prove themselves thru
their music. Dancers Toy and Wing do some otherworldly “toe” dancing to big
band jazz. Erskine Hawkins and his band blend with Gus Van’s warbling to heat
up the satirically sinful shenanigans.
DICK
Now, with thanks to our friends at VCI Entertainment - here is the thrilling
cliffhanger from Chapter 3 of Dick Tracy Returns (1938). The chapter is
aptly titled “Handcuffed to Doom.” How is it possible that Dick Tracy and Steve
get out of this impossible predicament? Here’s a hint - think “law enforcement
standard issue.”
DICK
Here is the exciting resolution to Chapter 4 “Four Seconds to Live.”
To enter the Bijou Mini-Matinee Theater on YouTube, click here.
Mini-Matinee #40 - BEACH BLANKET BABYLON
The Bijou Mini-Matinee series went on hiatus for the summer of 2008, but first gathered from our weekly Bijou Mini-Matinee series a dozen of our favorite and most popular cartoons, shorts, serials and trailers. To enter the Bijou Mini-Matinee Theater on YouTube, click the link on the top right under the marquee, or simply click here.
BETTY BOOP'S CRAZY
INVENTIONS (1933)
First up, everybody's favorite vamp, Betty Boop, returns to the Bijou to kick
off our summer retrospective. In this lively entry in the classic cartoon
series, Betty and her entourage, Bimbo & Ko-ko the Clown, are hosting
an invention convention. Mae Questel, the famous voice of Betty Boop and Olive
Oyl, sings "Keep A Little Song Handy."
HOLLYWOOD ON PARADE
(1932)
If Betty had competition with anyone in the 1930s, it would have been Mae
West. In this Hollywood newsreel, Miss West appears at the Graumann's Chinese
Theater premiere of I'm No Angel - and then the big stars of the era turn
out for a Hollywood costume party. Stars in attendance include Buster Crabbe,
Gary Cooper, Fay Wray, Fredric March, Paulette Goddard, Jackie Cooper, Gloria
Swanson, Jack Dempsey, Jack Oakie, Walter Huston, George Raft, Charlie Chaplin,
The Marx Brothers, and many others too humorous to mention.
GIVE A MAN A JOB (1931)
Next, Jimmy "Shnozzola" Durante jokes and sings "Give a Man
a Job" in this short film promoting FDR's New Deal jobs program on behalf
of the National Recovery Administration. Moe Howard (Three Stooges) is featured
briefly
RED RYDER & ZORRO TRAILERS
Here are trailers for a pair of action-packed Republic
serials; each featuring plots centering on high-level corruption in the building
of the nation's railroads, and each directed by the dynamic team of John English
and William Whitney. First, The Adventures of Red Ryder (1940) is based on
a famous comic strip and features actor Don "Red" Barry as the weekly
hero. Then in Zorro Rides Again (1937), hero Zorro (John Carroll) is the great
grandson of the original Zorro and up against enemies with airplanes, trains,
bombs and machine guns.
SO YOU WANT TO BE IN PICTURES (1947)
Joe McDoakes steps out from behind the 8-ball to demonstrate a lesson in how
NOT to break into the movies. George O'Hanlon (later the voice of George Jetson)
appeared in 63 of these Behind the Eight Ball shorts for Warner Bros. from
1942 to 1956. Watch for a famous former president among several celebrity
cameos. We'll have more on this series of comedy shorts in a future post.
RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON Ch. 7 Cliffhanger
Commander Cody faces certain demise when a Moon Men Death Ray blows his airplane
out of the sky in this thrilling cliffhanger from Chapter 7 of the classic
Republic serial. Lone Ranger actor Clayton Moore is one of the bad guys.
THE WABBIT WHO CAME TO SUPPER (1942)
The gags come fast and furious when Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd spoof the classic
1942 Betty Davis/Monty Woolley WB movie The Man Who Came to Dinner. In this
Technicolor cartoon romp, Elmer is set to inherit 3 million dollars, but only
if he doesn't harm Bugs - who goes all out to provoke Elmer into hostilities.
UNITED NEWS of 1944 (1945)
This is a newsreel chronicle of the crucial events of 1944, concluding with
a message about the world's prospects and challenges ahead in 1945. Included
is the liberation of Paris and Brussels, events at Normandy, D-Day and the
bombing of Japan.
THE GIANT CLAW Trailer (1957)
This very campy trailer features many terrific action shots of one of the
fakest-looking monsters ever manifested for the silver screen. A giant ugly
and laughable prehistoric bird is eating people and planes, threatening New
York and even the U.N. - while every weapon the U.S. military attempts has
failed to foil the giant puppet.
MUSICAL CHARMERS (1936)
A classy Paramount Headliners short features Phil Spitalny and his "All-Girl
Orchestra and Choir" who were popular in movies and on radio during the
1930s and 40s. One of the stars of the orchestra was "Evelyn & Her
Magic Violin." Evelyn is featured with Maxine in "Rendezvous with
a Dream." Also included is "I'll Bet You Tell That to All the Girls,"
Rochelle & Lola in a piano specialty "Goody Goody" and a dramatic
rendition of "Song of India" as the finale.
ROY ROGERS' RIDERS CLUB (circa 1948)
Many theater managers around the country actively promoted their weekend matinees
to encourage regular attendance. Drawings for prizes and contests were among
the attractions, often associated with messages delivered directly from the
silver screen. Roy Rogers was a big favorite and many theaters promoted membership
in the Roy Rogers' Riders Club. In this short, Roy addresses his members and
delivers his famous Roy Rogers' Cowboy prayer.
DR. PEPPER SNACK BAR AD
This vintage theater ad was designed to tempt audiences to visit the snack
bar and buy Dr. Pepper.
Mini-Matinee #41 - AESOP'S
FILM FABLES
 |
GYPPED
IN EGYPT (1930) Spooks, skeletons, sarcophagus-cum-pianoforte-playing mummies, dancing Egyptian hieroglyphics, and a quartet of singing, drunken turtles are featured players in this wild Aesop's Fables classic cartoon. The main characters here, Waffles the Cat & Don the Dog, would soon morph into the original Tom & Jerry human characters. |
THE FARMERETTE (1932)
A buxom vamp not unlike Betty Boop, voiced by Bonnie Poe (one of Betty's voices),
is hired by a failing farmer to turn business around in this Aesop's Fables
cartoon. Her rendition of Sophie Tucker's famous hit 'Some of These Days'
is a hoot and performed on the keyboard by maestro Gene Rodemich himself.
A ROMEO ROBIN (1930)
Dancing grotesqueries, surreal, nightmarish doings, a dash of black, brutal
humor, a prancing gay goose, and a bizarre feline finale all combine in this
wild Aesop's Fable cartoon.
HOT TAMALE (1930)
In the anything goes, why not, and to hell with the censor, category is this
Aesop's Fable cartoon HOT TAMALE (1930) with one-a-minute gags for grown-up
kiddies who like wooden horses almost as large as adobe huts, singing troubadors,
and passion, pulsating, schmooching mice. A cartoon that other studios would
love to have made but dared not to.
THE CAT'S CANARY (1932)
This delightful Aesops Fable was featured on the original PBS Matinee at the
Bijou series. A cat (that looks very much like Felix) catches and eats a bird,
which proves a gastronomical mistake leading to catastrophe when cat begins
singing like a performance by five cool cats singing and dancing on a fence.
bird. This attracts other birds, of course, leading to a hilarious
If you enjoyed these Aesop's Fables
cartoons and would like to discover other rare cartoon treats, Thunderbean
Animation has produced a variety of other great cartoon collections you can
read about here.
To enter the Bijou Mini-Matinee Theater on YouTube, click here.
Mini-Matinee #42 - A
BIJOU HALLOWEEN SPOOKFEST
 |
Frankenstein and Wolf
Man were mere appetizers to the banquet of horror shorts that follow in
our Bijou Halloween Mini-Matinee. Click here to enter the Bijou Mini-Matinee
Theater on YouTube to enjoy the show. NOW PLAYING: |
THE MAD DOCTOR (1933)
It would be hard to find a better Halloween cartoon than this vintage Walt
Disney Mickey Mouse classic. The influence of the early Universal horror films
like Frankenstein is evident in this frantic and frightening animated adventure.
The Mad Doctor might as well be Frankenstein considering what he tries to
do to poor Pluto. Skeleton gags abound.
HORROR TRAILERS (1940s)
Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr. and Peter Lorre star in a trio of horror trailers
from the 1940s. The Devil Commands (1041) trailer stars Boris Karloff as a
different kind of mad scientist - one with a passion for dissecting the mind
of his dead wife, rather than her body. Next, Lon Chaney, sans facial hair,
stars in the trailer for 1944's Weird Woman, a supernatural thriller based
on the popular "Inner Sanctum" radio series. Tyrant Peter Lorre
creeps us out as a cruel torturer in charge of a penal colony in this trailer
for Island of Doomed Men (1940)
DEVILED HAMS (1936)
A sizzling musical short set in Hades, with vaudeville crooner Gus Van holding
court as Satan, ruler of the nether world. Those on trial must prove themselves
thru their music. Dancers Toy and Wing do some out of this world "toe"
dancing to big band jazz. Erskine Hawkins and his band blend with Gus Van's
warbling to heat up the satirically sinful shenanigans. This is from Season
Five of the original Matinee at the Bijou PBS series.
COBWEB HOTEL (1936)
The "hotel" is actually a spider's web in which a sadistic host
spider entertains unsuspecting guest flies. This surprisingly violent and
sadistic Fleischer Color Classic was featured during Season Four of the original
Matinee at the Bijou series on PBS.
HAMMER HORROR TRAILERS (1959-60)
A trio of classic British horror trailers from the Hammer Films. First up
is The Mummy (1959). Christopher Lee is Mummy Kharis, and Peter Cushing the
British Archaeologist who exhumes the ill-tempered remains. Next, Christopher
Lee returns, this time as Dracula in Horror of Dracula (1958) and Peter Cushing
returns as Dr. Van Helsing. Hammer had to change the U.S. release title from
Dracula to Horror of Dracula to avoid confusion with Realart's continuing
re-release of the original Dracula and other famous 1930s Universal horror
classics. Then Peter Cushing returns as Van Helsing in The Brides of Dracula
(1960), Hammer's overtly sexy interpretation of the Dracula myth that may
very well have influenced the work of Anne Rice.
To enter the Bijou Mini-Matinee Theater on YouTube, click
here.
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