Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
I have to say in terms of the animation and also the story that these Snafu films are among the worst Warner Bros. had to offer in the 1940s. Of course, it also does not help that they are in black-and-white. So it's a good thing that most of them do not run for the usual 7 minutes, but only for 4-5 like this one here as well. Basically everything we see here is a dream by the main character as we find out at the end. There is as always a rough male fairy-like conscience speaking to him on many occasions and it is very war-related as they all are. I think this is also the only aspect that makes this one here or most of the others worth a watch: the way military- or war-related contents were depicted in cartoons during the days of World War II. Apart from that, a very forgettable little movie despite the inclusion of the legendary Freleng and Blanc. Not recommended.
Michael_Elliott
Gripes (1943) *** (out of 4)The second film in the series has Private Snafu complaining about having to sweep, cut potatoes and other chores. He's then granted a wish on how he believes the soldiers should be treated each day. This here was the second film in the War Department's series, which was basically meant to educate soldiers during WWII. The title pretty much tells you everything you need to know as Snafu is griping about chores and then we see why everyone has to have a strict routine. The animation is certainly good and Mel Blanc does a fine job with the vocals. I personally thought this second episode was a lot better than the first and there's some adult content here that certainly wasn't normal for the time but since the film didn't have to go thru the Hayes Office it was allowed in.
Robert Reynolds
This is a short done during World War II for the US Army under a contract with Warner Brothers studio. There will be spoilers ahead:This is the second Private Snafu short (Coming! Snafu is a introduction to the character which doesn't have a specific lesson other than to reveal Snafu as a bad soldier).Snafu is disgruntled at his lot in the army. He's shown on KP, being giving shots by the army doctors and laying in bed sick. While sick, he complains that he could do a better job running the command. At this, we meet Technical Fairy, First Class for the first time and he gives Snafu his opportunity. Be careful what you wish for.Snafu essentially eliminates all discipline by ending drills, requirements to wear uniforms, getting each soldier two girls and in general eliminating anything which even smacked of hard work or rules. The results of this are predictable. Snafu has no command, as his men are no longer soldiers.Then the Nazis attack and Snafu is alone, his men ignoring him and telling him where to go when he tries to get them to fight. Snafu gets it in the end, literally. The end is excellent.This short is available on various DVDs and online and it's well worth watching. Recommended.
emasterslake
This starts out with Snafu telling that he was hoping to start fighting the Germans and Japanese. But he ends up doing the cleaning and community Service at the Army Base.He hates the way the army is, and the way it's treating him.He wished to make the army different if he were in charge.Luckily his wish came true with the help of Technical Fairy First Class. Who gives Snafu more Ranks to make him the boss of the Army Base.It's the greatest thing that happened to Snafu. But being the boss isn't as great as it seems.This is one of the best Friz Freleng Snafu cartoons next to "Fighting Tools".Recommended to all the fans of Friz Freleng's toons.
AD
