Vimacone As many fans know, several Hollywood films of the 30's and 40's contain ethnic and racial stereotypes that were reflective of prejudices and ignorance of that time. It's important to acknowledge that these films existed and should be seen in the context of the time they were made in.Clampett used racial stereotypes in the cartoons he directed, but he made it known in later years (and his colleagues corroborated this) that he had admiration for African American pop culture. He visited many of the night clubs in L.A. and collaborated with a number of African American jazz artists and musicians on the short COAL BLACK AND DE SEBBEN DWARFS (1943) and one can somewhat see that he meant no malice. Still there's no denying that the imagery is offensive and stereotypical. Clampett also did this short which was released the same year and carries the same kind of spirit. He caricatures Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong as literal hep cats. Coincidentally, Fats Waller died the same year this short was released.Aside from the racial imagery that has kept this film out of circulation for decades, what also prevents this being an excellent short, is the heavy amount of reused animation and soundtracks from two previous cartoons that it feels unoriginal. The Nagasaki rendition is directly lifted from the short September IN THE RAIN (1937) and Fats Waller's dream sequence is lifted from PORKY IN WACKYLAND (1938). In a sense, these sequences clash with each other, but to the casual viewer, this film is truly "out of this world". With that Technicolor sequence of Wackyland, Clampett could have done a remake of Porky in Wackyland before Freleng did his mediocre take on it with DOUGH FOR THE DO-DO (1949).This film's status as a Censored 11 cartoon made it almost impossible to see for several years, but has been widely available for viewing in excellent quality on the net.

utgard14 Merrie Melodies short, directed by Bob Clampett, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. This one bears some similarities to two of Clampett's other shorts, Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs (also on the Censored Eleven list) and Porky in Wackyland. The plot, such as there is one, is about a black cat going to a night club where the music works him into such a frenzy he has surreal hallucinations. Look, the stereotypical way black people in this are drawn and speak is gross. I don't think anyone will reasonably deny that. But there is some value in this cartoon that's missing from some of the other Eleven. For one thing, the music is terrific. For another, the animation is really nice (offensive parts aside). The trippy hallucination scene is right up Clampett's alley. No one did these types of scenes better than him at that time. So see it if you're a fan of Clampett's and if you don't have a delicate stomach with regard to the offensive elements.

MartinHafer Uggghhh!!!! This is one of several Looney Toons cartoons that were shelved decades back due to their strongly racist content. And while SOME of them are actually highly offensive BUT well-made, this one is a bore even if it weren't full of racial stereotypes. For some of these offensive cartoons, I have recommended people watch them--particularly for their historical value. However, this one has really nothing to recommend it--being a long cartoon with nothing but stupid music and very, very big-lipped Black characters acting,...well,...STUPID! So, the film is offensive, poorly made and not particularly entertaining--everything you'd like in a cartoon, huh?! (this is sarcasm, by the way)

Robert Reynolds This is an incredibly good cartoon that has sadly been shoved into the vaults because of the fact that it caricatures pianist Fats Waller (as a cat, no less) and the powers that be are afraid this short might offend somebody somewhere. Even sadder still, Fats Waller himself is probably all too unknown these days. A great musician and one of those larger-than-life personalities that come along a few times each generation. This short reminds me in spots of Porky In Wackyland, but with better music. This is well worth the effort to hunt for. Most highly recommended.