As a history teacher and lover of films, I occasionally like watching cartoons that have been banned, as they tell us a lot about our society and how far we have come over the years. What was perfectly acceptable decades ago is now, in some cases, seen as gross and inappropriate. Occasionally, these cartoons which have been removed from screening aren't particularly offensive but often, as in the case of this cartoon, they are so god-awful it's hard to imagine that people would have laughed at and enjoyed these films! Thirteen of these cartoons have been packaged together on a DVD entitled "Cartoon Crazys: Banned and Censored" and while the print quality of many of the cartoons is less than stellar, it's a great chance to see how sensibilities have changed.
Of all the cartoons in the set, it was easiest at the onset to understand why U.B. Iwerks' LITTLE BLACK SAMBO was taken out of circulation. It's been the focal point of outrage and debate in the 1950s and 60s and today I can't imagine any school having a copy of this offensive book or film in its library--though all through the 50s, most schools did! While the Black stereotypes aren't as bad as some cartoons, Sambo is a typically gross giant-lipped child and his mother warns him to be careful of the tiger because "he loves to eat dark meat"! Sheeesh!
As far as the artwork goes, it's competent and the color is very crude, though by 1935 standards it isn't, as the old fashion 2-Color Technicolor was still in use. It used three strips of film--one black & white, one orange-red and the other green-blue. As a result, the colors don't look realistic and tend towards orange and green--though the print on this DVD isn't bad at all.
If you watch it, you will no doubt be shocked and surprised. However, this cartoon is rather innocent compared to some of the more outrageous examples of bigoted cartoons. If you want a BIG shock, try to watch SCRUB ME MAMA WITH A BOOGIE BEAT!
Of all the cartoons in the set, it was easiest at the onset to understand why U.B. Iwerks' LITTLE BLACK SAMBO was taken out of circulation. It's been the focal point of outrage and debate in the 1950s and 60s and today I can't imagine any school having a copy of this offensive book or film in its library--though all through the 50s, most schools did! While the Black stereotypes aren't as bad as some cartoons, Sambo is a typically gross giant-lipped child and his mother warns him to be careful of the tiger because "he loves to eat dark meat"! Sheeesh!
As far as the artwork goes, it's competent and the color is very crude, though by 1935 standards it isn't, as the old fashion 2-Color Technicolor was still in use. It used three strips of film--one black & white, one orange-red and the other green-blue. As a result, the colors don't look realistic and tend towards orange and green--though the print on this DVD isn't bad at all.
If you watch it, you will no doubt be shocked and surprised. However, this cartoon is rather innocent compared to some of the more outrageous examples of bigoted cartoons. If you want a BIG shock, try to watch SCRUB ME MAMA WITH A BOOGIE BEAT!