Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
...and welcome to 'Day Thirteen' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" where I aim to bring you another creepy cartoon classic from the plethora of spooky animated short films that have been released throughout the course of animation history - any of which can be streamed on TV via the magic of Roku media players - so let's dim those lights, for some more fun & frights! :-O
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - that I published thirteen days ago, you will know that I plan to post a Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, featuring one vintage cartoon classic with spooky overtones each and every time. With recommendations for thirty-one of the most spook-tacular shorts I can find, by the end of the month, this means you'll have plenty of great choices for your creepy cartoon viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring lots of laughs & screams come October 31st! :-D
Likewise... if you read my post from 'Day Twelve' of this month-long blogathon, you may recall that it featured a witch, by the name of "Witch Hazel", who (at the start of the cartoon) was brewing-up some "goup" in a cauldron. Like most (if not all) witches, she was being kept company by a cat who was doubtless enjoying the warmth of the fire beneath the cauldron. Anyhow, since cats have been the object for much of the mystique surrounding Hallowe'en, I thought I'd make them the subject of my creepy cartoon classic for today's post. The fact that it's also 'Day 13', with echoes of "lucky thirteen" and all the good & bad luck that has been attributed to our felineoverlords friends down the years, only added weight to the argument for sharing this piece of animation on a day such as this! :-D
Today's animated short comes from 'Season 2' of "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" series but, rather than share the whole animated film - which runs to almost an hour - I'm going to focus on just a small five-minute segment of it. Besides which, not all of "The Great Cat Family" (1956) can be considered worthy of inclusion in a Halloween-themed post anyway... because the host talks about the wider cat "family", primarily focusing on lions and domestic cats, for the majority of the episode. So, instead, we're going to concentrate on the specific part of the history and folklore of felines that deals with their association to witchcraft, the supernatural, and their role during the Black Plague! :-O
During the Middle Ages, cats were commonplace... but, aside from their role as a domestic pet, their service to mankind reached almost immeasurable proportions. In fact, their contribution was so great that it actually changed the course of human history! Although almost one quarter of the population in Europe was wiped-out, during the time of the Black Plague, the death toll would have been much higher were it not for the help of our feline friends in ridding our towns and cities of these vermin!
The rats killed more people during that time than have died during all of the wars in known history.
Mankind's greatest single weapon against this army of death and destruction was the cat. Naturally equipped for hunting in the dark underworld of the rat, cats would use their sensitive whiskers to feel their way through the darkness... and used their velvet paws to creep-up silently on their prey! :-D
Had the many millions of rats been left to multiply, they could have completely overrun civilisation. However, cats were not always rewarded for their service to humankind. There was a black chapter in history when they were condemned and persecuted. A dark age when the world was haunted by fear and superstition. During those times, it was believed that evil spirits travelled the earth in human form and thousands of innocent people were either hanged, or burned at the stake, for witchcraft or sorcery. They were persecuted by the ignorant and the superstitious, with idle gossip growing into wild rumours that quickly spread through towns and villages. Another example of the general ignorance which abounded in those times was the belief that storms were caused by those possessed of supernatural powers and that anyone who travelled by night could be accused of black magic! :-O
As creatures of the night, this led to cats being eyed with suspicion... and there were many folk who believed that their silent and mysterious ways were a result of evil spirits. It was widely thought that the steady, soul-piercing gaze of a cat was the work of the devil. Even something as innocent as a cat suddenly leaping into the air having felt a hot coal brush against it, as it fell from the hearth, could be the start of another demonic tale of evil-doing, as you will see when you watch this cartoon classic:-
Of course, in addition to watching this embedded version of the cartoon right here on this blog, you can also choose to stream it on your big screen television by using the "cast" function built-in to the 'YouTube' app(s) for mobile devices on both the iOS (Apple) plus Android platforms. For those who may have missed my special hallowe'en blogathon preview posted thirteen days ago... to "cast" the video to your Roku player and/or NowTV device(s), you will first need to have the Roku channel (app) for 'YouTube' installed to act as a receiver for the stream you are casting. If you're not sure how to go about casting from your mobile device to your Roku there's a help article from 'Roku Support', which can be found on the official Roku website, that walks you through the process step-by-step! ;-)
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
On whichever platform you decide to stream this video, watch out for the "old wive's tale" about how the cat had given her the "evil eye" and, in recounting the story to those around her, she declares with total conviction that: "All At Once, He Turned Into A Terrible Demon!", and concludes her torrid tale by saying: "He's Not A Cat... He's The Devil!", as the poor cat slopes-off outside to lick it's wounds!
Of course, it didn't just end there... oh, no! Once the word got around, cats were condemned as devils and consequently blamed for all the evils of the world. Hundreds of witch hunters then set-out to kill these witches and demons whom they deemed to be "wearing the form of a cat" - poor kitties! :-(
During this reign of terror, hundreds of thousands of cats perished... and the domestic cat, as we know it, was (at that time) threatened with extinction. Fortunately for us, some did survive to carry on their species and resume their rightful place within human society. Not forgetting the legacy of spooky stories they've been involved with, that make each and every Hallowe'en a lot more fun! :-D
A Witch Leans On Her Broom... Gazing Down At Her Black Cat [Vintage Hallowe'en Postcard]
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a promotional poster for "The Great Cat Family" (1956)... but I did come across an image of the front cover from a Disney comic book that was published to go along with the episode. I've also thrown-in some other cat-related Hallowe'en imagery... including some more still frame images from today's creepy cartoon classic, as well as a few odds and ends such as Halloween die-cut decorations, plus a vintage-styled enamel pin that I spotted in a 'Google Image' search while researching this article... and thought they matched the overall theme of the post! ;-) :-)
If for nothing else, I hope you enjoyed the gorgeous vintage animation in today's spooky short. I know it wasn't a complete cartoon, as per the others I've shared previously in this blogathon, but the colours used for the visuals in this segment of "The Great Cat Family" just had something about them which oozed Hallowe'en and, with the added bonus of being somewhat educational, I thought there was sufficient "spook" factor in this piece of animation for it to merit inclusion in this series of posts!
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - that I published thirteen days ago, you will know that I plan to post a Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, featuring one vintage cartoon classic with spooky overtones each and every time. With recommendations for thirty-one of the most spook-tacular shorts I can find, by the end of the month, this means you'll have plenty of great choices for your creepy cartoon viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring lots of laughs & screams come October 31st! :-D
Likewise... if you read my post from 'Day Twelve' of this month-long blogathon, you may recall that it featured a witch, by the name of "Witch Hazel", who (at the start of the cartoon) was brewing-up some "goup" in a cauldron. Like most (if not all) witches, she was being kept company by a cat who was doubtless enjoying the warmth of the fire beneath the cauldron. Anyhow, since cats have been the object for much of the mystique surrounding Hallowe'en, I thought I'd make them the subject of my creepy cartoon classic for today's post. The fact that it's also 'Day 13', with echoes of "lucky thirteen" and all the good & bad luck that has been attributed to our feline
"Look Into My Eyes, Look Into My Eyes... You Are Feeling Sleepy!"
Today's animated short comes from 'Season 2' of "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" series but, rather than share the whole animated film - which runs to almost an hour - I'm going to focus on just a small five-minute segment of it. Besides which, not all of "The Great Cat Family" (1956) can be considered worthy of inclusion in a Halloween-themed post anyway... because the host talks about the wider cat "family", primarily focusing on lions and domestic cats, for the majority of the episode. So, instead, we're going to concentrate on the specific part of the history and folklore of felines that deals with their association to witchcraft, the supernatural, and their role during the Black Plague! :-O
Rats Devoured Food Supplies... And Spread The "Black Death"!
During the Middle Ages, cats were commonplace... but, aside from their role as a domestic pet, their service to mankind reached almost immeasurable proportions. In fact, their contribution was so great that it actually changed the course of human history! Although almost one quarter of the population in Europe was wiped-out, during the time of the Black Plague, the death toll would have been much higher were it not for the help of our feline friends in ridding our towns and cities of these vermin!
Graveyards Were Full To Capacity... Such Was The Devastation Of The Plague!
The rats killed more people during that time than have died during all of the wars in known history.
Mankind's greatest single weapon against this army of death and destruction was the cat. Naturally equipped for hunting in the dark underworld of the rat, cats would use their sensitive whiskers to feel their way through the darkness... and used their velvet paws to creep-up silently on their prey! :-D
The Shadow Of A Cat Stalking It's Prey Into The Cellar!
Had the many millions of rats been left to multiply, they could have completely overrun civilisation. However, cats were not always rewarded for their service to humankind. There was a black chapter in history when they were condemned and persecuted. A dark age when the world was haunted by fear and superstition. During those times, it was believed that evil spirits travelled the earth in human form and thousands of innocent people were either hanged, or burned at the stake, for witchcraft or sorcery. They were persecuted by the ignorant and the superstitious, with idle gossip growing into wild rumours that quickly spread through towns and villages. Another example of the general ignorance which abounded in those times was the belief that storms were caused by those possessed of supernatural powers and that anyone who travelled by night could be accused of black magic! :-O
The Gallows Awaited Those Who Were Condemned to Death for Practicing Witchcraft!
Storms Were Caused By People Who Possessed Supernatural Powers...
...And Night Was The Time Of Evil Spirits And Witchcraft!
As creatures of the night, this led to cats being eyed with suspicion... and there were many folk who believed that their silent and mysterious ways were a result of evil spirits. It was widely thought that the steady, soul-piercing gaze of a cat was the work of the devil. Even something as innocent as a cat suddenly leaping into the air having felt a hot coal brush against it, as it fell from the hearth, could be the start of another demonic tale of evil-doing, as you will see when you watch this cartoon classic:-
Of course, in addition to watching this embedded version of the cartoon right here on this blog, you can also choose to stream it on your big screen television by using the "cast" function built-in to the 'YouTube' app(s) for mobile devices on both the iOS (Apple) plus Android platforms. For those who may have missed my special hallowe'en blogathon preview posted thirteen days ago... to "cast" the video to your Roku player and/or NowTV device(s), you will first need to have the Roku channel (app) for 'YouTube' installed to act as a receiver for the stream you are casting. If you're not sure how to go about casting from your mobile device to your Roku there's a help article from 'Roku Support', which can be found on the official Roku website, that walks you through the process step-by-step! ;-)
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
On whichever platform you decide to stream this video, watch out for the "old wive's tale" about how the cat had given her the "evil eye" and, in recounting the story to those around her, she declares with total conviction that: "All At Once, He Turned Into A Terrible Demon!", and concludes her torrid tale by saying: "He's Not A Cat... He's The Devil!", as the poor cat slopes-off outside to lick it's wounds!
A Black Cat Is Startled By A Hot Coal Tumbling Out Of The Fireplace... And Leaps Into The Air!
Which The Old Maid Sees As: "All At Once, He Turned Into A Terrible Demon!"
...And So, Cast Out As "The Devil", The Cat Seeks Solace In A Tree!
Of course, it didn't just end there... oh, no! Once the word got around, cats were condemned as devils and consequently blamed for all the evils of the world. Hundreds of witch hunters then set-out to kill these witches and demons whom they deemed to be "wearing the form of a cat" - poor kitties! :-(
Once Worshipped As A God... The Cat Was Condemned As A Devil
Witch-Hunters Set Out To Destroy These Witches And Demons Wearing The Form Of A Cat
During this reign of terror, hundreds of thousands of cats perished... and the domestic cat, as we know it, was (at that time) threatened with extinction. Fortunately for us, some did survive to carry on their species and resume their rightful place within human society. Not forgetting the legacy of spooky stories they've been involved with, that make each and every Hallowe'en a lot more fun! :-D
A Witch Leans On Her Broom... Gazing Down At Her Black Cat [Vintage Hallowe'en Postcard]
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a promotional poster for "The Great Cat Family" (1956)... but I did come across an image of the front cover from a Disney comic book that was published to go along with the episode. I've also thrown-in some other cat-related Hallowe'en imagery... including some more still frame images from today's creepy cartoon classic, as well as a few odds and ends such as Halloween die-cut decorations, plus a vintage-styled enamel pin that I spotted in a 'Google Image' search while researching this article... and thought they matched the overall theme of the post! ;-) :-)
Walt Disney's "The Great Cat Family" (1956) [Dell Comic Book Cover]
Beistle Black Cat Retro-Style Enamel Pin [Vintage Halloween Accessory]
Many Believed The Cats' Silent And Mysterious Ways Were The Result Of Evil Spirits!
"It Was The Evil Eye, I Tell You!"
"The Steady, Soul-Piercing Gaze Of A Cat Must Be The Work Of The Devil!"
Beistle Die-Cut Black Cat Wall Decoration (1968) [Vintage Halloween Decor]
If for nothing else, I hope you enjoyed the gorgeous vintage animation in today's spooky short. I know it wasn't a complete cartoon, as per the others I've shared previously in this blogathon, but the colours used for the visuals in this segment of "The Great Cat Family" just had something about them which oozed Hallowe'en and, with the added bonus of being somewhat educational, I thought there was sufficient "spook" factor in this piece of animation for it to merit inclusion in this series of posts!
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Anyhow, that's all I've got time for today... but do remember to come back again tomorrow, for my next creepy cartoon recommendation from the archives of animated film history, when I will suggest another spooky short for 'Day Fourteen' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" that you can stream right here on this blog - as well as through the equivalent channel on your Roku player(s). Meanwhile... please be sure to visit the "Countdown To Hallowe'en" website & show your support for this annual online Hallowe'en extravaganza PLUS don't forget to use the links you find there and check out all the other 'Cryptkeepers' taking part this year. I know they'll appreciate it, if you visit their blogs and share your thoughts on the contribution(s) they've made.
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ONE LAST THING, BEFORE I GO: Don't forget that, aside from the Hallowe'en / Horror-themed ghastliness going on around these parts for the next month, you can also keep up with the UK Roku action (as it happens) by checking-out my regular 'Weekly RoundUp' posts each weekend where you will find up-to-the-minute info on all things Roku-related is posted on a weekly basis (well, almost).
Until the next time, then...
That's all folks !!
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