The Whalers

I am somewhat confused that this one is classified as one of the "Mickey Cartoons". Sure, Mickey Mouse is in it, but he doesn't really do anything here and he barely speaks something here. Plus, the story focus more on Goofy, Donald Duck and a whale than Mickey Mouse.

It's a generally enjoyable cartoon. The only thing I have to criticize is that they want to hunt the whale. But that doesn't happen. Fortunately, it turns out to be a comical story, especially the bits inside the gigantic whale and the bit when the whale destroys the boat.

I love that whale. The whale is the main interest in this story. Without the whale, this would have been probably nothing special.

Although quite old-fashioned, for something that is from the year 1938, it doesn't look as dated as it could be (except for some minor clues, such as the older appearance of Goofy and Mickey Mouse).

The Whalers (1938)

*** (out of 4)

Charming animated short from Disney has Mickey, Donald and Goofy out on the open sea where the goal is to capture a whale. They end up finding one but things don't go as planned especially when Goofy winds up inside the whale. THE WHALERS is a pretty good short from Disney and while it's certainly no classic it at least has enough good moments to where fans should enjoy it. Needless to say, the highlight is when Goofy winds up inside the whale where he must try and be creative to get out. In reality this is mainly a Goofy and Donald short because Mickey only has two small scenes and he doesn't say a word throughout.

Mickey, Donald and Goofy are whale hunters? How disgusting! But this was made back when Disney was non-PC. Which is really how it should have stayed if you don't mind me contradicting myself.

Obviously, because of their clumsiness, they aren't actually going to kill any whale and you can bet your bottom dollar that their whaling ship ain't gonna be afloat by the end.

In the usual hijinks Donald is tormented as seagulls eat his sandwiches and Goofy can't fire a harpoon to save himself (am I the only one who saw pretty strong phallic imagery with that cannon?) and Mickey does...nothing. Why is this even categorised as a Mickey cartoon? The bit inside the whale is cute, the rest never rises above adequacy.

Not a classic by all means, but great fun regardless. Mickey doesn't feature that much here, but Goofy and Donald have plenty to do and as pretty much always are peerless. The animation is done in a very nice fluid and colourful visual style, and the music is rousing and clever. Also prevalent are some interesting sight gags, and the whale is a great point of interest. When it comes to cartoon whales I prefer Willie from Willie the Operatic Whale and Spot from the Little Mermaid series, but this whale is memorable. The story is simple and a tad predictable but only occasionally, but it is effective mostly. The voice acting is well done, with Clarence Nash coming off best.

Overall, nicely done and entertaining. 9/10 Bethany Cox

MADE AT WHAT was possibly the zenith of the Disney "Team-Up" cartoon shorts. The sub-genre is exemplified with such titles as THE CLOCK CLEANERS, ALPINE CLIMBERS, LONESOME GHOSTS and HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY. Although these short subjects featured ample on-screen time by all of the trio (and sometimes Minnie, herself), they were officially MICKEY MOUSE Cartoons and belonged to that series.

AS WAS THE case with others like it, THE WHALERS zeroed in on a particular occupation, activity or other area of human endeavor and went from there. Usually the early sequences of the cartoon would feature Mickey, Donald or Goofy isolated in solo activity against any one of a topically specific adversary. After each character does his time in she spotlight, the action switches to their joint efforts and how they ultimately wrap it all up.

KNOWING THAT THE sensitivities of our people were far different in the pre-war year of 1938 than today in the 21st Century. Therefore, the subject of Whaling as a livelihood or even an Industry would generate little or no opposition as to its being a fit topic for "family viewing." The notions of Animal Rights, potentially Endangered Species and ecological co-dependence were a long way off.

IN THE PARTICULAR case of this short the trio is challenged by their equipment, some frisky sea-birds, the weather and ultimately a semi-anthropomorphic Sperm Whale. And this is indeed the only whale to make an on-screen appearance.

OTHER THAN THESE truly minor criticisms, we must say that THE WHALERS is enjoyable and quite lively. The color work is rich and a fine example of how the animation art had advanced in the past decade. Likewise, the musical scored had made similar strides in keeping up with the visual aspects.

ALTHOUGH WE MUST put this to the rear of the class of the team-ups, it isn't so far back as to render it unfit. After all, Schultz, whenever there is any sort of classification or grouping, there will be some who are fetter than the others and some who aren't quite as funny, action-filed or "classy" even!

ONE INTERESTING FACT that we must make note of concerns the cast of Voice Actors. While Clarence Nash did his best Donald Duck and Pinto Colvig did likewise for Goofy, Mickey's lot in this film was to remain silent throughout. It must have been that the Mouse had a special guy to create his dialog, a highly exclusive man indeed. And his name was........drum roll.............WALT Disney!

WE CAN ONLY surmised that Uncle Walt was unavailable, due to some important business to take care of (Schultz says maybe Mr. Disney was playing hookie that day!)