Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
...and welcome to 'Day Twenty-Two' 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 - 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 twenty-two days ago, you will know 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 previous post on 'Day Twenty-One' of this month-long blogathon, you may recall that it included a "live action" sequence at the start of the featured cartoon, as well as a ghost in the "Gruesome Gables" mansion who put the frighteners on a detective. Well, by way of coincidence, today's creepy cartoon classic also begins with a "live action" sequence... and features the ghost of a walrus who inhabits a haunted cave, along with a witch, plus all manner of ghouls, goblins, skeletons, and other assorted phantasmagoria - enough to make anyone long for "Home, Sweet Home" - and, if you haven't already guessed, the spooky short to which I'm referring is "Minnie The Moocher"! :-O
Released on 11th March 1932, and directed by Dave Fleischer, this Fleischer Studios produced short not only features the voice characterisations of Mae Questel (as Betty Boop) along with Billy Murray (as Bimbo), but also Cab Calloway and His Orchestra (as themselves - in the "live action" sequence) and Cab Calloway himself as (the "singing" voice of) 'The Walrus Ghost' later-on in the animation. It was common for the animators themselves to go 'uncredited' in these early animated short films but, in this instance, we know those involved to have been Willard Bowsky, plus Ralph J. Sommerville. However, Bernard E. "Berny" Wolf (who also had a hand in the animation of this short film) did not get a credit. For anyone interested, this vintage cartoon classic was produced by Max Fleischer, as part of the 'Talkartoons' series of animated shorts, and distributed by 'Paramount' when first released.
As can be seen from the above screen capture, the "live action" recording was even featured among the opening credits to "Minnie The Moocher" (1932) and it's worth noting the unusual dance moves performed by the singer, Cab Calloway, because (later in the animation) you will see some (if not all) of these recreated in animated form when 'The Walrus Ghost' delivers his rendition of the same tune!
Interestingly, this recording of 'Cab Calloway and His Orchestra' is believed to have been the very first instance of their live performance being captured on film... but, either way, it's a terrific way to get this classic cartoon off to a flying start - then the witch, plus the various flying phantoms do their bit to ensure that this spooky short also enjoys a flying finish... but there'll be more of that later! ;-) :-)
Once the cartoon proper gets underway, we join 'Betty' at the dinner table while her father stands next to her demanding to know why she is not eating her "hasenpfeffer" - that's basically a type of German rabbit stew, in case you were wondering - and, from the look of things, this is not the first time 'Betty' has had to listen to her father berating her over such matters... because, in what is an inspired piece of animation which follows - his head turns into an old-fashioned player for cylinder recordings, as if to emphasise the fact that this is something that's been said before... many times over! ;-) :-D
In an equally surreal moment, a flower that's been sitting in a vase on the table suddenly springs into life and, gently, tries to spoon-feed 'Betty' - but she's not having any of it. Then, when the flower goes to eat some of the hasenpfeffer - doubtless to try and encourage 'Betty' to do the same - it has just one mouthful and dies... which, if you ask me, more than validates Betty's reluctance to eat it! ;-) :-D
As 'Betty' leaves the table in tears, her mother "changes the record" (i.e. puts another cylinder in) to help calm things down. Meanwhile, 'Betty' goes-off to sit on the staircase and sob her heart out... but, when a statue / ornament at the foot of the bannister asks "What's the matter?", she bursts into song:
By this time, 'Betty' has climbed the stairs and gone into her bedroom to start packing her belongings as if in readiness to leave home. Then she goes to her desk and writes a note to her parents, saying:-
Placing the note on her bed, 'Betty' then walks to the phone and makes a call to her friend, 'Bimbo', to explain that she's leaving home. When 'Bimbo' hears the news, he says: "Yeah... I'll go with you, meet me under your window", to which 'Betty' - noticeably happier at the prospect of her friend joining her - replies: "Okay!", and promptly jumps out of her bedroom window - using a roller blind to slow her descent - after first throwing her (recently packed) belongings back into her room and, having met her friend 'Bimbo' (who was already waiting on the ground outside the house) they both set-off together!
They begin walking away at such a fast pace that the two of them are deep into the forest before they know it. At this point, they are troubled by playful "spirits" and seek shelter in a nearby cave. 'Betty' looks at 'Bimbo', as they sit in the dark of the cave, and says: "I'm not afraid, are you Bimbo?", while the ghostly noises continue outside. 'Bimbo' replies "No!" but, nevertheless, they decide to venture further into the cave. Then, all of a sudden, they are confronted by a phantom walrus who appears in a puff of smoke and, raising his "arms" above his head, begins to sing "Minnie the Moocher" to them.
While 'The Ghost Walrus' continues to sing his haunting refrain, 'Betty' and 'Bimbo' both withdraw to another part of the underground cave system... wherein they encounter a skeleton chorus, of what you might say are beer-drinkers, who then chime-in with the "Ho - De- Ho - De - Ho" part of the song!
After imbibing more of whatever was in their tankards, the three skeletons collapse in a heap on the floor of the cave... only to be replaced by ghosts, who continue with the chorus, echoing whatever line 'The Ghost Walrus' sings next. As the song goes on, verse after verse and chorus after chorus, we see all manner of ghouls, goblins, ghosts and other sprites appear to join in the chorus... but, rather than reveal them all in writing, I thought you might like to see everything in animated form. So, to find out if 'Betty' and 'Bimbo' survive their ordeal, just press the "Play" button on the video below:-
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 twenty-two 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 where the phantom witch comes flying-out from a dark recess of the cave system... scaring everybody out into the open and causing the sky to be filled with all kinds of demons, ghosts and ghouls - it's quite a sight! :-O
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find an original film poster for "Minnie The Moocher" - i.e. one that was produced during the same time period that this animated short was first released - but, during the course of my research for this article, I did come across an interesting piece of contemporary artwork by Michael Paulus which illustrates the character of 'Betty Boop', but re-imagined in skeletal form:-
There's also a great article which includes a first-hand account, written by the grandchildren of a trumpet player from Cab Calloway's orchestra - a jazz trumpeter, by the name of 'Bob Effros' - and details (among other things) their meeting (at the home of their grandfather) with actress Mae Questel (who provided the voice characterisations for the 'Betty Boop' character) that's full of great anecdotes which can all be enjoyed via this post from the blog they set up in memory of their grandfather! :-D
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - that I published twenty-two days ago, you will know 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 previous post on 'Day Twenty-One' of this month-long blogathon, you may recall that it included a "live action" sequence at the start of the featured cartoon, as well as a ghost in the "Gruesome Gables" mansion who put the frighteners on a detective. Well, by way of coincidence, today's creepy cartoon classic also begins with a "live action" sequence... and features the ghost of a walrus who inhabits a haunted cave, along with a witch, plus all manner of ghouls, goblins, skeletons, and other assorted phantasmagoria - enough to make anyone long for "Home, Sweet Home" - and, if you haven't already guessed, the spooky short to which I'm referring is "Minnie The Moocher"! :-O
Released on 11th March 1932, and directed by Dave Fleischer, this Fleischer Studios produced short not only features the voice characterisations of Mae Questel (as Betty Boop) along with Billy Murray (as Bimbo), but also Cab Calloway and His Orchestra (as themselves - in the "live action" sequence) and Cab Calloway himself as (the "singing" voice of) 'The Walrus Ghost' later-on in the animation. It was common for the animators themselves to go 'uncredited' in these early animated short films but, in this instance, we know those involved to have been Willard Bowsky, plus Ralph J. Sommerville. However, Bernard E. "Berny" Wolf (who also had a hand in the animation of this short film) did not get a credit. For anyone interested, this vintage cartoon classic was produced by Max Fleischer, as part of the 'Talkartoons' series of animated shorts, and distributed by 'Paramount' when first released.
As can be seen from the above screen capture, the "live action" recording was even featured among the opening credits to "Minnie The Moocher" (1932) and it's worth noting the unusual dance moves performed by the singer, Cab Calloway, because (later in the animation) you will see some (if not all) of these recreated in animated form when 'The Walrus Ghost' delivers his rendition of the same tune!
Interestingly, this recording of 'Cab Calloway and His Orchestra' is believed to have been the very first instance of their live performance being captured on film... but, either way, it's a terrific way to get this classic cartoon off to a flying start - then the witch, plus the various flying phantoms do their bit to ensure that this spooky short also enjoys a flying finish... but there'll be more of that later! ;-) :-)
Once the cartoon proper gets underway, we join 'Betty' at the dinner table while her father stands next to her demanding to know why she is not eating her "hasenpfeffer" - that's basically a type of German rabbit stew, in case you were wondering - and, from the look of things, this is not the first time 'Betty' has had to listen to her father berating her over such matters... because, in what is an inspired piece of animation which follows - his head turns into an old-fashioned player for cylinder recordings, as if to emphasise the fact that this is something that's been said before... many times over! ;-) :-D
In an equally surreal moment, a flower that's been sitting in a vase on the table suddenly springs into life and, gently, tries to spoon-feed 'Betty' - but she's not having any of it. Then, when the flower goes to eat some of the hasenpfeffer - doubtless to try and encourage 'Betty' to do the same - it has just one mouthful and dies... which, if you ask me, more than validates Betty's reluctance to eat it! ;-) :-D
As 'Betty' leaves the table in tears, her mother "changes the record" (i.e. puts another cylinder in) to help calm things down. Meanwhile, 'Betty' goes-off to sit on the staircase and sob her heart out... but, when a statue / ornament at the foot of the bannister asks "What's the matter?", she bursts into song:
They always-always pick on me
They never-never let me be
I'm so very lonely, awfully sad.
Then the hankie into which she's been crying sings: "It's been a long time since you've been glad", before 'Betty' continues with another verse of the Harry Von Tilzer song "They Always Pick on Me":
But I know what I'll do, by and by
I'll eat some worms and then I'll die
When I die, you'll wait and see
They will all be sorry they picked on me.
By this time, 'Betty' has climbed the stairs and gone into her bedroom to start packing her belongings as if in readiness to leave home. Then she goes to her desk and writes a note to her parents, saying:-
Placing the note on her bed, 'Betty' then walks to the phone and makes a call to her friend, 'Bimbo', to explain that she's leaving home. When 'Bimbo' hears the news, he says: "Yeah... I'll go with you, meet me under your window", to which 'Betty' - noticeably happier at the prospect of her friend joining her - replies: "Okay!", and promptly jumps out of her bedroom window - using a roller blind to slow her descent - after first throwing her (recently packed) belongings back into her room and, having met her friend 'Bimbo' (who was already waiting on the ground outside the house) they both set-off together!
'Betty' Phones Her Friend 'Bimbo', To Say She's Leaving Home...
And He Says: "I'll Go With You"... So, They Both Set-Off Together
They begin walking away at such a fast pace that the two of them are deep into the forest before they know it. At this point, they are troubled by playful "spirits" and seek shelter in a nearby cave. 'Betty' looks at 'Bimbo', as they sit in the dark of the cave, and says: "I'm not afraid, are you Bimbo?", while the ghostly noises continue outside. 'Bimbo' replies "No!" but, nevertheless, they decide to venture further into the cave. Then, all of a sudden, they are confronted by a phantom walrus who appears in a puff of smoke and, raising his "arms" above his head, begins to sing "Minnie the Moocher" to them.
"Folks, Now Here's The Story 'Bout Minnie The Moocher...
...She Was A Red Hot Hoochie-Coocher!"
"She Was The Roughest, Toughest Frail...
...But Minnie Had A Heart As Big As A Whale!"
While 'The Ghost Walrus' continues to sing his haunting refrain, 'Betty' and 'Bimbo' both withdraw to another part of the underground cave system... wherein they encounter a skeleton chorus, of what you might say are beer-drinkers, who then chime-in with the "Ho - De- Ho - De - Ho" part of the song!
Ghost Walrus: "Ho - De- Ho - De - Ho" / Skeleton Chorus: "Ho - De- Ho - De - Ho"
After imbibing more of whatever was in their tankards, the three skeletons collapse in a heap on the floor of the cave... only to be replaced by ghosts, who continue with the chorus, echoing whatever line 'The Ghost Walrus' sings next. As the song goes on, verse after verse and chorus after chorus, we see all manner of ghouls, goblins, ghosts and other sprites appear to join in the chorus... but, rather than reveal them all in writing, I thought you might like to see everything in animated form. So, to find out if 'Betty' and 'Bimbo' survive their ordeal, just press the "Play" button on the video below:-
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 twenty-two 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 where the phantom witch comes flying-out from a dark recess of the cave system... scaring everybody out into the open and causing the sky to be filled with all kinds of demons, ghosts and ghouls - it's quite a sight! :-O
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find an original film poster for "Minnie The Moocher" - i.e. one that was produced during the same time period that this animated short was first released - but, during the course of my research for this article, I did come across an interesting piece of contemporary artwork by Michael Paulus which illustrates the character of 'Betty Boop', but re-imagined in skeletal form:-
There's also a great article which includes a first-hand account, written by the grandchildren of a trumpet player from Cab Calloway's orchestra - a jazz trumpeter, by the name of 'Bob Effros' - and details (among other things) their meeting (at the home of their grandfather) with actress Mae Questel (who provided the voice characterisations for the 'Betty Boop' character) that's full of great anecdotes which can all be enjoyed via this post from the blog they set up in memory of their grandfather! :-D
I'd also like to remind readers of this blog that there are now just nine days to go until Halloween !!
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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 23' 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 and 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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