Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
...and welcome to 'Day Fifteen' 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 fifteen 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 happen to have read my earlier posts from 'Day Thirteen' and 'Day Fourteen' of this month-long blogathon, you might recall that they each featured cats which were suffering some form of torment, be it real or done in jest. Either way, I've decided that today's creepy cartoon classic will be one which gives cats the upper hand in what goes on. Much like a cat will chase a mouse or a rat, it is quite a common sight for a dog to be seen chasing a cat... but, for today's spooky short, we see one rather well-known canine get his comeuppance for kitty-chasing in "Pluto's Judgement Day"! :-O
Released on 31st August 1935 as another "Mickey Mouse" cartoon, this Walt Disney produced short was actually more of a vehicle for "Pluto the Pup" - his canine companion - with 'Mickey' having no more than a "cameo" in this particular piece of animation. Directed by David Hand, who had already shown his affinity for macabre themes in an earlier animated short called "The Mad Doctor" (1933), "Pluto's Judgement Day" is another prime example of the darker, more disturbing works of animation with which Disney were associated in the years prior to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). Even the moody organ music, that alternates with the usual (more jazzy) score, which can be heard over the opening credits hints that the viewer is in for no ordinary "Mickey and Pluto" story... while newly-introduced (at the time) character, "The Calico Kit", ensures Pluto's place in the doghouse! :-)
What starts out as a seemingly obvious tale of "dog chases cat" soon takes a darker tone when that chase results in a broken window on Mickey's house and the newspaper - which 'Mickey' was reading at the time - left with a giant gaping hole torn right through the middle of it... not to mention plenty of muddy paw prints (from both puppy and kitten) all over the carpet - and all over 'Mickey'! :-O :-D
At this point, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is all very run-of-the-mill stuff... and not really suited for Hallowe'en viewing. However, you could not be more wrong... because much like us, when we go to sleep, anything weighing on the sub-conscious mind can lead to bad dreams - or even nightmares, in the worst cases - and that's just what happens to 'Pluto' in this dark & disturbing short. Not long after he goes to sleep, 'Pluto' starts to dream and is visited by a "ghost cat" who lures him out of the house to a place that can only be described as a "Devil-Cat" version of "Castle Greyskull" where he is swallowed-up into a dark cave before descending, in a helter-skelter like fashion, to the depths of the earth. Once he has come to a stop, he is quickly marked-out as "Public Enemy No.1" and clapped in irons (with a series of ball & chain restraints) before then being put on trial in front of an all-feline judge & jury with demon-like 'Cat Prosecutor' whose ears stick up like little devil horns. The outcome seems to be a foregone conclusion, with a "loaded" jury and a menacing prosecutor who makes it clear in no uncertain terms saying: "We're gonna prove ya guilty. Just try and get acquitted"!
With the cat jurors hissing their disapproval for Pluto, following the warning by the 'Cat Prosecutor', the 'Cat Judge' then yells down from on high to "Swear-In The Prisoner" and the trial proper begins. The whole thing is conducted in a "Silly Symphony"style, with plenty of rhyme and song to go along with the gorgeous animation. Aside from the beautiful backgrounds, the sequence is shot with stark use of lighting to produce the long shadow effect that's more synonymous with "Film Noir" and/or the "Universal" horror classics than with what we have come to associate with Disney since then. All of this combines to truly make it feel like the stuff of nightmares... and that's what makes it great! :-D
Rather than reveal any more of the plot at this stage, I thought I'd leave it for you to hear the case for the prosecution - together with the whole string of "evidence" presented by a series of key witnesses - by watching the video I've embedded below. That way, you'll know the whole backstory prior to the jury convening, at the end of the hearing, to determine the ultimate fate of 'Pluto' when the sentence is passed by the 'Cat Judge' once the members of the all-feline jury have revealed their findings:-
Of course, in addition to watching this embedded version of the cartoon right here on my 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 fifteen 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 scene just after the verdict is given... where a number of cats have gathered with placards declaring their sentiments. There is a sign being held-up among those which reads: “Sic Semper Tyrannis” and although it might as well have been Greek, as far as 'Pluto' was concerned, to anyone from the U.S. State of Virginia they will recognise it as being Latin. The slogan, which translates as "Ever thus to tyrants", also happens to be the State's motto... but it is believed to have been conceived when Brutus uttered those same words at some point during the assassination of Caesar. During the interim years, John Wilkes Booth also said it as he killed Lincoln. However, for me, it will forever be associated with the TV comedy 'Seinfeld' and the moment when "Crazy" Joe Davola leapt on-stage to shout those words - interrupting Jerry's Pilot - and, if you've not seen 'Seinfeld' yet... you owe it to yourself to watch it, 'cos it's comedy gold!
Meanwhile, in terms of memorabilia associated with this title, although I came up short in my attempt to find an original film poster for "Pluto's Judgement Day" (1935) - i.e. one that dated from the time period during which it was originally released - I did manage to find some good images of an original production animation drawing that was auctioned by Howard Lowery. Sadly, given the context of this post, the photos feature 'Mickey Mouse' rather than 'Pluto', or the 'Cat Prosecutor', or any of the other feline characters from this short, but I thought I'd include them anyway as a point of interest! ;-) :-)
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - that I published fifteen 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 happen to have read my earlier posts from 'Day Thirteen' and 'Day Fourteen' of this month-long blogathon, you might recall that they each featured cats which were suffering some form of torment, be it real or done in jest. Either way, I've decided that today's creepy cartoon classic will be one which gives cats the upper hand in what goes on. Much like a cat will chase a mouse or a rat, it is quite a common sight for a dog to be seen chasing a cat... but, for today's spooky short, we see one rather well-known canine get his comeuppance for kitty-chasing in "Pluto's Judgement Day"! :-O
Released on 31st August 1935 as another "Mickey Mouse" cartoon, this Walt Disney produced short was actually more of a vehicle for "Pluto the Pup" - his canine companion - with 'Mickey' having no more than a "cameo" in this particular piece of animation. Directed by David Hand, who had already shown his affinity for macabre themes in an earlier animated short called "The Mad Doctor" (1933), "Pluto's Judgement Day" is another prime example of the darker, more disturbing works of animation with which Disney were associated in the years prior to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). Even the moody organ music, that alternates with the usual (more jazzy) score, which can be heard over the opening credits hints that the viewer is in for no ordinary "Mickey and Pluto" story... while newly-introduced (at the time) character, "The Calico Kit", ensures Pluto's place in the doghouse! :-)
The Calico Kit Leads Pluto Into A Whole Heap Of Trouble !!
What starts out as a seemingly obvious tale of "dog chases cat" soon takes a darker tone when that chase results in a broken window on Mickey's house and the newspaper - which 'Mickey' was reading at the time - left with a giant gaping hole torn right through the middle of it... not to mention plenty of muddy paw prints (from both puppy and kitten) all over the carpet - and all over 'Mickey'! :-O :-D
The Calico Kit Leaps Through An Open Window To Escape...
But Knocks The Wood Below The Window... Causing It To Slam Shut Right Before Pluto !!
But It Was Too Late For Pluto To Stop... And He Smashes Through The Window !!
Then Goes Right Through Mickey's Newspaper... Still In Pursuit Of The Calico Kit !!
Until Mickey Steps-In And Rescues The Calico Kit !!
Before Scolding Pluto For Chasing The Poor Little Kitty !!
Very Much In The Dog House, Pluto Decides To Take A Nap !!
At this point, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is all very run-of-the-mill stuff... and not really suited for Hallowe'en viewing. However, you could not be more wrong... because much like us, when we go to sleep, anything weighing on the sub-conscious mind can lead to bad dreams - or even nightmares, in the worst cases - and that's just what happens to 'Pluto' in this dark & disturbing short. Not long after he goes to sleep, 'Pluto' starts to dream and is visited by a "ghost cat" who lures him out of the house to a place that can only be described as a "Devil-Cat" version of "Castle Greyskull" where he is swallowed-up into a dark cave before descending, in a helter-skelter like fashion, to the depths of the earth. Once he has come to a stop, he is quickly marked-out as "Public Enemy No.1" and clapped in irons (with a series of ball & chain restraints) before then being put on trial in front of an all-feline judge & jury with demon-like 'Cat Prosecutor' whose ears stick up like little devil horns. The outcome seems to be a foregone conclusion, with a "loaded" jury and a menacing prosecutor who makes it clear in no uncertain terms saying: "We're gonna prove ya guilty. Just try and get acquitted"!
In His Dreams, Pluto Is Visited By A Ghost Cat... Who Lures Him Down To Kitty-Cat Hell !!
...Which Just Happens To Look Like Castle Greyskull... Stone-Cold "Devil Cat" Version !!
Once Inside The Evil Feline Lair... Pluto Is Quickly Marked-Out As "Public Enemy No.1"
...And Shackled With A Snake-Like Series Of "Ball & Chain" Restraints!!
Chained To A Rock, Pluto Must Face A Demonic Cat Jury !!
Plus A Demon-Like 'Cat Prosecutor', Dressed In Red... With Ears Like Devil Horns !!
With the cat jurors hissing their disapproval for Pluto, following the warning by the 'Cat Prosecutor', the 'Cat Judge' then yells down from on high to "Swear-In The Prisoner" and the trial proper begins. The whole thing is conducted in a "Silly Symphony"style, with plenty of rhyme and song to go along with the gorgeous animation. Aside from the beautiful backgrounds, the sequence is shot with stark use of lighting to produce the long shadow effect that's more synonymous with "Film Noir" and/or the "Universal" horror classics than with what we have come to associate with Disney since then. All of this combines to truly make it feel like the stuff of nightmares... and that's what makes it great! :-D
The Cat Jury Hisses Their Disapproval For Pluto... Before The Trial Has Even Begun !!
Then The Cat Judge Yells "Swear-In The Prisoner"... And The Trial Gets Underway !!
Rather than reveal any more of the plot at this stage, I thought I'd leave it for you to hear the case for the prosecution - together with the whole string of "evidence" presented by a series of key witnesses - by watching the video I've embedded below. That way, you'll know the whole backstory prior to the jury convening, at the end of the hearing, to determine the ultimate fate of 'Pluto' when the sentence is passed by the 'Cat Judge' once the members of the all-feline jury have revealed their findings:-
Of course, in addition to watching this embedded version of the cartoon right here on my 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 fifteen 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 scene just after the verdict is given... where a number of cats have gathered with placards declaring their sentiments. There is a sign being held-up among those which reads: “Sic Semper Tyrannis” and although it might as well have been Greek, as far as 'Pluto' was concerned, to anyone from the U.S. State of Virginia they will recognise it as being Latin. The slogan, which translates as "Ever thus to tyrants", also happens to be the State's motto... but it is believed to have been conceived when Brutus uttered those same words at some point during the assassination of Caesar. During the interim years, John Wilkes Booth also said it as he killed Lincoln. However, for me, it will forever be associated with the TV comedy 'Seinfeld' and the moment when "Crazy" Joe Davola leapt on-stage to shout those words - interrupting Jerry's Pilot - and, if you've not seen 'Seinfeld' yet... you owe it to yourself to watch it, 'cos it's comedy gold!
“Sic Semper Tyrannis”... Or, "Ever thus to tyrants" !!
Meanwhile, in terms of memorabilia associated with this title, although I came up short in my attempt to find an original film poster for "Pluto's Judgement Day" (1935) - i.e. one that dated from the time period during which it was originally released - I did manage to find some good images of an original production animation drawing that was auctioned by Howard Lowery. Sadly, given the context of this post, the photos feature 'Mickey Mouse' rather than 'Pluto', or the 'Cat Prosecutor', or any of the other feline characters from this short, but I thought I'd include them anyway as a point of interest! ;-) :-)
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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 Sixteen' 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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