slymusic
"Scrap Happy Daffy" is a fine Daffy Duck cartoon that was meant to build confidence and bolster the spirit of winning the fight for all American servicemen during World War II. Directed by Frank Tashlin, this cartoon is full of interesting camera angles and attention to detail on facial close-ups (foreshadowing Tashlin's work on live-action feature films). In this film, Daffy operates a scrap heap yard, and he shall stop at nothing in order to protect it.My favorite scenes from "Scrap Happy Daffy": Daffy opens the short with a well-sung patriotic tune, then he engages in a rapid Gilbert & Sullivan-type recitation of all the things you could contribute to his scrap pile. I also love how Daffy's eyes address the camera as he fixes an Alka-Seltzer for the billy goat ("Listen to it fizz"), as well as Daffy's eyebrow waggle after he says "I'm an American..........duck." The Hitler caricature is funny, too; voiced by Mel Blanc, he shouts mock German as he reads a newspaper headline about Daffy's scrap pile and then wildly stomps on the newspaper.If you're familiar with the screen character of Daffy Duck, you might find it difficult to envision him at the end of this cartoon as Superman, defending our country from the Axis. But I'll bet that this was exactly what our troops needed to see for their confidence to grow! Bravo to the entire Warner Bros. cartoon family for cranking out numerous funny films for all American servicemen & civilians to enjoy during the War.
haildevilman
Another propaganda gem! This is dated beyond belief, which makes it easier to watch.This harped on recycling before it became the norm. Speaking of which, I think it was "Norm" McCabe (rimshot) behind this one too. Tashlin gets deserved credit too.The Nazi stereotypes gave a laugh to everyone who saw this at my place that night. I have a DVD chock full of animation like this.Just remember that this is a propaganda cartoon from a long time ago. There's no need to get uptight about it anymore.That said, the animation itself is limited. But it's still worth a look or three.
Robert Reynolds
This cartoon, appropriately and effectively in black and white, is a World War II patriotic short, with Daffy needing to protect his scrap pile (for the war effort) from a very hungry Nazi goat. The pep rally conducted by Daffy's ancestors is a highlight of the short and the ending is marvelous. Well worth the time and effort to find. Most highly recommended.
Markc65
A great piece of war propaganda, and really funny too. Along with Clampett, Tashlin was an espouser of the Warner Bros. "Rowdyism." This cartoon is filled with many sharply-timed great gags. It also has the signature Tashlin montage scene. Shot in black and white, the backgrounds employ beautifully stark graphic designs. The Tashlin color cartoons never used this for some reason. There is also some UPA-like stylized animation of Daffy's ancestors in one scene. The Daffy here is the emotionally exuberant Daffy of the early forties. In cartoons from this period he was sometimes used as a hero to thwart the Nazis, which is what happens here. Specifically, a nazi goat sent over to eat his scrap pile. This was a humorous way to remind people on the homefront to help pitch in the war effort and recycle their junk. It is rarely shown on t.v. and hard to find on video, but if you get a chance I recommend you watch it.
AD
