The Bear That Wasn't (1967)

The Bear That Wasn't is a ten minute animated short about a bear that settles down for his long winter nap. While he is asleep the progress of man continues. He wakes up to find himself in ... See full summary »

Directors:

Chuck Jones, Maurice Noble

Writers:

Frank Tashlin (story), Irv Spector (additional story)

Stars:

Paul Frees

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Paul Frees	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

The Bear That Wasn't is a ten minute animated short about a bear that settles down for his long winter nap. While he is asleep the progress of man continues. He wakes up to find himself in the middle of an industrial complex. He then gets confused by the foreman as a worker and is told to work. To this he responds, "but I'm not a man, I'm a Bear." He is taken to each of his successive bosses, who try to convince him that he is just a very hairy man that needs a shave...

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Plot Keywords:

bear | receptionist | based on short story | surrealism | environment | 

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Genres:

Animation | Short | Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 December 1967 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Bär der keiner war

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

10 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Frank Tashlin disowned the film and accused Chuck Jones of completely missing the point of the story. Tashlin also wanted his name removed from the credits, but there wasn't enough time to do this before the cartoon had to go into general release.

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Connections

Featured in Zomergasten: Episode #16.3 (2003)

User Reviews

Unconventional little cartoon strictly a product of the rebellious '60s...

Whatever kids are supposed to glean from this unconventional way of saying "be yourself," it's liable to be over their heads in delivering any sort of message. The appeal seems targeted for the '60 rebels who were activists on college campuses.

Nice modern animation, some bright colors, an abstract look--and an ultra-silly storyline make this one of Chuck Jones' lesser cartoons of the era.

Whatever satire existed in the original work has been made senseless by this cartoon. Viewed as the way nature has been disturbed by the invasion of man's industrial society, some adults may approve of it.

Not my idea of a truly entertaining cartoon for all ages.