This Betty Boop cartoon took me by surprise. I had no idea that Henry* was ever in cartoons and this was an interesting combination that occurred, probably because of Fleischer Studio's relationship with King Features Syndicate—the same organization that published the Popeye and Henry cartoons in the newspapers. However, judging from the results, I can see why Henry never became much of a movie star, as he's just kind of creepy and possibly brain-addled.
The cartoon begins with the always mute Henry coming to Betty Boop's pet shop. He wants a dog (Pudgy) and Betty tells him he can have the dog IF he minds the store for her. However, he pretty much ruins the place and Betty is furious. However, I kept thinking why would you leave a mute bald kid with a HUGE head in charge of a pet shop?! In the end, Henry redeems himself and everyone is happy.
The title card for this short calls Henry "The Funniest Living American". Perhaps this was a reference to the death of the humorist Will Rogers that same year. Or, it was an indication of just how depressing the Depression was. After all, if this annoying bald freak was the funniest guy we had to offer, life must have really, really sucked! Simply put, he wasn't very funny. Freaky, yes
but funny,
not in the least.
*Carl Anderson introduced this comic character in 1932 and he lasted in newspapers all the way up to 1979 and even later with reprints of old strips. I loved him as a kid because I could enjoy him without being able to read.