Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
"The Mad Doctor" is a 7-minute Disney cartoon from 1933, so this one will have its 85th anniversary next year already and if you read this review past 2018, then it already did and to put it all into perspective this is from the year that Hitler came into power in Nazi Germany. That's how old it is. And while Disney made some propaganda films too, the mad doctor reference here is not yet connected to the Führer. The film is in black-and-white and it is one of the earlier Mickey cartoons and even earlier for Pluto, but not one of the very earliest for this famous duo. Pluto gets abducted by an evil doctor who has plans to create a creature half-dog half chicken. And Mickey is of course out to save his dog quickly, but not only does he have to deal with the mad doctor, there's also tricky doors, clingy skeletons and a lot more getting in the way of his mission. Is it really doable in 7 minutes? Watch for yourself. Or don't as early Mickey was not that great to be honest, at least not before the color cartoon era. Dream sequences also weren't really that new anymore, even in the 1930s. Here the action and comedy feel rather random and confusing. Sure it is a cartoon and a mix of creepy fantasy and horror, but realism is completely MIA here. I wasn't too entertained by this one. Yes I do like Mickey, but it's not his fault this one was underwhelming. Thumbs down. Don't watch.
TheLittleSongbird
This has to be one of the best Mickey-Pluto cartoons. It is quite dark for a Disney Silly Symphony, with some parts scaring me as a kid(such as Pluto's heart being at his throat). As a young adult I still enjoy it while admiring its technical values. The story is simple, but still manages to be engaging with a lot of suspense. The animation is just fantastic, the black/dark and white/light shades are some of the best I've seen, helping at times to give some depth to Mickey's design as he enters the Mad Doctor's castle. I also loved the animation for the catacombs, recalling Egyptian Melodies, and the skeletons that Mickey has a constant battle with, imaginatively animated and very expressive even for skeletons. Mickey has more depth animation-wise than he has ever had before and is as likable as ever, Pluto is cute and energetic and the Mad Scientist immediately makes an impact by how frightening he is. The gags are clever, the creatures are suitably creepy and the cartoon goes at a terrific pace. Overall, while some MAY find themselves cheated by the "it's all a dream" ending, this cartoon is an absolute must see for Disney and animation fans. 10/10 Bethany Cox
mail-671
I can recall only seeing this once on tv some 30 years ago & was a rarity amongst Disney's early output/ This is no Silly Symphony and has a particular interest in that it was given a very limited release in the UK for one good reason - it has the rare distinction in the history of animation of having the then censor's new "H" for horror clapped on it (noone under 16 years admitted irrespective of the programmes). Disney's best children's later attractions as Snow White,Dumbo, Pinnochio & Fantasia had their darker moments of terror which gave the then censor some problems(unlike today!).Hence,like the later Wizard of Oz Snow White was initially given the "A" certificate before going on General Release when it was then changed to the Universal cert unlike Wizard which was never changed. Ever since The Skeleton Dance, ol'Uncle Walt like Hitchcock took secret glee in the anxiety element. Perhaps that there Big Bad Wolf in the 3 Little Pigs was not so far from The Wolf Man! Boo!
travisimo
For me, this cartoon illustrates why Disney has the edge over the other animation companies it has a lot of heart. In The Mad Doctor, Mickey Mouse tries to save his dog, Pluto, from an evil scientist who wants to conduct a life-ending experiment on Pluto. Through the short, you feel for the characters and are actually concerned for them.The cartoon is very well drawn despite it only being in black and white. Disney animators use this limitation to their advantage with great shading and lighting effects. You even get a sense that you're looking at an old horror flick. The gags are great too, especially seeing what Pluto goes through when he's scared by the doctor. But by far the best part of this cartoon is the ending. It's both surprising, slightly scary, and heartwarming. This cartoon is a bright spot in the early days of an inspirational and innovative enterprise.My IMDb Rating: 10/10
AD
