Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
... and welcome to 'Day Nine' 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 down the lights, for some more fun & frights! :-O
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - which I published nine 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 Eight' of this month-long blogathon, you may recall that it both began and ended with 'Sylvester' plus 'Porky' (in varying states of consciousness) driving along a deserted highway in their car. In their case, aside from being an animated drawing, the car was just a regular vehicle with no cartoon-ish characteristics in and of itself. However, the same cannot be said of the automobiles used in today's creepy cartoon classic... where 'Flip the Frog' is called upon to try and solve "The Cuckoo Murder Case" but the journey to the scene of the crime, for both 'Flip' and the police squad car which is also in attendance, proves to be just the start of the dangers they'll face! :-O
Originally released on 18th October 1930, and directed by Ub Iwerks, while the musical score for this cartoon was handled by Carl W. Stalling who had previously been 'Musical Director' for all the early "Mickey Mouse" plus "Silly Symphony" cartoons. Produced by Ub Iwerks, along with Pat Powers, the story begins inside a dark & creepy house where an ominous-looking figure lurks in the shadows.
As the clock on the wall strikes midnight, and the sleeping cuckoo inside is awoken from it's slumber to announce the hour, an unknown assailant fires a gun and the bullet (after a quick u-turn in mid-air) goes right through the cuckoo - leaving a gaping hole in it's middle. After taking a minute to examine the hole, peeking right the way through as well as looking in and around it, the bird drops dead! :-(
Noticing that all was not well, the clock decides to raise the alarm and, reaching over to the phone on the wall, places a call for help. In an inspired piece of animation, we see the clock peeling digits from it's own face in order to "dial" the necessary number. This, along with further animated actions by the clock, including the hands being used in a variety of ways, is one of many highlights in this short! :-D
The number dialled by the clock turns-out to be that for "Sherlock Flip", a private detective, who is in a deep slumber of his own at the time the phone starts to ring. In fact, the phone on the wall of Flip's office has such a hard time of trying to rouse the detective to answer the call that it utters some "cuss" word before bashing 'Flip' on his deerstalker hat with the receiver to get his attention! :-O ;-) :-)
Having accepted the case, 'Flip' grabs his rifle, handgun, magnifying glass plus some handcuffs off of the wall in his office - along with his credentials: presumably a 'diploma' of some sort from whatever detective school he attended previously - and heads outside to summon hisdog car from it's resting place inside the kennel garage in the yard. A quick whistle is all it takes for his trusty companion to come "running" to his side and, after a quick yank of it's tongue crank handle, they are soon off to investigate. Unfortunately, the weather is foul and they must take precautions on the wet roads:-
Eventually, however, they do arrive on the scene... and a thoroughly drenched 'Flip' is washed-out of his car on a mini tidal wave caused by the water exiting the door when he opens it. Even so, when he catches sight of the delapidated house they've been called to, he thinks twice about going-in!
Ultimately, despite several attempts to turn around and leave, 'Flip' is "sucked" into the house and has little or no choice but to continue with his investigation. While it might sound like the little frog has already had a lot to contend with, this is just the start of his troubles, as you will soon discover when you see today's spooky short in which 'Flip the Frog' tries to solve "The Cuckoo Murder Case"! :-O
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 nine 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 can walk you through the process step-by-step! ;-) :-D
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
Whichever platform you decide to watch this video on, watch-out for the wailing cat being used for the "siren" on the police car. Equally good is the way the police officer uses the cat's tail like a water pump handle to clear the clogged "siren" after it gets water-logged when they splash through a deep puddle en-route to the incident they are attending. Here's a couple of still frame images from that very sequence, so that you can recognise the scenes to which I am referring in respect of the cop car cat:-
There are so many humorous (and clever) scenes like this, throughout the cartoon, that you'll likely want to watch it more than once - just in case you missed something, the first time around. Another of my favourite moments is when 'Flip' is searching around the house, at the scene of the crime, and his shadow tries to get in front of him to lead the investigation. Having been told, more than once, to get back in line... 'Flip' ultimately decides to shut his shadow inside a cupboard and teach it a lesson! :-D
There's a few other very amusing scenes including one where, during his sleuthing, 'Flip' is hit from behind (several times) by the pendulum on the clock and on seeing the suit of armour behind him as he turns around, believing the knight to be responsible for the repeated prodding, he gets into a bit of a tangle before realising his mistake. He later gets scared at the sight of what he thinks is a piano that is somehow playing itself... but is soon relieved to discover it's a couple of tiny, critters dancing on the strings inside the piano, which is causing the instrument to appear like it's playing on it's own! :-)
Anyway, after taking a long tumble up the stairs... followed by an even longer one back down them, 'Flip the Frog', in the guise of "Sherlock Flip" private detective, does eventually manage to track the murderer down when he winds-up in the basement of the house and notices a "grim" looking shadow on the wall. He approaches the "Death"-like figure, cloaked in a "Grim Reaper" styled robe, just as he is crossing the cuckoo off his list of victims. Then, as he turns the page to find out who's next... both he and 'Flip' have a "moment" of realisation and spring into action. At first 'Flip' whistles to try and distract his attacker, but to no avail. Luckily when his assailant lunges forward, however, 'Flip' does manage to (somehow) give him the slip and, like anyone in those circumstances, flees for his life! :-D
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any original film posters for this animated short... the chances are that there weren't any - either that, or none that have survived to be "digitised" at any rate - however I did spot a few photos for the 16mm film version, including a still frame plus front and rear shots of the packaging which the 16mm reels came in that had "The Cuckoo Murder Case" written on the box:-
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - which I published nine 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 Eight' of this month-long blogathon, you may recall that it both began and ended with 'Sylvester' plus 'Porky' (in varying states of consciousness) driving along a deserted highway in their car. In their case, aside from being an animated drawing, the car was just a regular vehicle with no cartoon-ish characteristics in and of itself. However, the same cannot be said of the automobiles used in today's creepy cartoon classic... where 'Flip the Frog' is called upon to try and solve "The Cuckoo Murder Case" but the journey to the scene of the crime, for both 'Flip' and the police squad car which is also in attendance, proves to be just the start of the dangers they'll face! :-O
Originally released on 18th October 1930, and directed by Ub Iwerks, while the musical score for this cartoon was handled by Carl W. Stalling who had previously been 'Musical Director' for all the early "Mickey Mouse" plus "Silly Symphony" cartoons. Produced by Ub Iwerks, along with Pat Powers, the story begins inside a dark & creepy house where an ominous-looking figure lurks in the shadows.
As the clock on the wall strikes midnight, and the sleeping cuckoo inside is awoken from it's slumber to announce the hour, an unknown assailant fires a gun and the bullet (after a quick u-turn in mid-air) goes right through the cuckoo - leaving a gaping hole in it's middle. After taking a minute to examine the hole, peeking right the way through as well as looking in and around it, the bird drops dead! :-(
Noticing that all was not well, the clock decides to raise the alarm and, reaching over to the phone on the wall, places a call for help. In an inspired piece of animation, we see the clock peeling digits from it's own face in order to "dial" the necessary number. This, along with further animated actions by the clock, including the hands being used in a variety of ways, is one of many highlights in this short! :-D
The number dialled by the clock turns-out to be that for "Sherlock Flip", a private detective, who is in a deep slumber of his own at the time the phone starts to ring. In fact, the phone on the wall of Flip's office has such a hard time of trying to rouse the detective to answer the call that it utters some "cuss" word before bashing 'Flip' on his deerstalker hat with the receiver to get his attention! :-O ;-) :-)
Having accepted the case, 'Flip' grabs his rifle, handgun, magnifying glass plus some handcuffs off of the wall in his office - along with his credentials: presumably a 'diploma' of some sort from whatever detective school he attended previously - and heads outside to summon his
Eventually, however, they do arrive on the scene... and a thoroughly drenched 'Flip' is washed-out of his car on a mini tidal wave caused by the water exiting the door when he opens it. Even so, when he catches sight of the delapidated house they've been called to, he thinks twice about going-in!
Ultimately, despite several attempts to turn around and leave, 'Flip' is "sucked" into the house and has little or no choice but to continue with his investigation. While it might sound like the little frog has already had a lot to contend with, this is just the start of his troubles, as you will soon discover when you see today's spooky short in which 'Flip the Frog' tries to solve "The Cuckoo Murder Case"! :-O
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 nine 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 can walk you through the process step-by-step! ;-) :-D
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
Whichever platform you decide to watch this video on, watch-out for the wailing cat being used for the "siren" on the police car. Equally good is the way the police officer uses the cat's tail like a water pump handle to clear the clogged "siren" after it gets water-logged when they splash through a deep puddle en-route to the incident they are attending. Here's a couple of still frame images from that very sequence, so that you can recognise the scenes to which I am referring in respect of the cop car cat:-
ABOVE: The Cat Wails Like A Police Siren... As The Cop Turns It's Tail Round And Round!
BELOW: The Cat Spews Water From It's Mouth... As The Cop Pumps Up And Down On It's Tail!
There are so many humorous (and clever) scenes like this, throughout the cartoon, that you'll likely want to watch it more than once - just in case you missed something, the first time around. Another of my favourite moments is when 'Flip' is searching around the house, at the scene of the crime, and his shadow tries to get in front of him to lead the investigation. Having been told, more than once, to get back in line... 'Flip' ultimately decides to shut his shadow inside a cupboard and teach it a lesson! :-D
There's a few other very amusing scenes including one where, during his sleuthing, 'Flip' is hit from behind (several times) by the pendulum on the clock and on seeing the suit of armour behind him as he turns around, believing the knight to be responsible for the repeated prodding, he gets into a bit of a tangle before realising his mistake. He later gets scared at the sight of what he thinks is a piano that is somehow playing itself... but is soon relieved to discover it's a couple of tiny, critters dancing on the strings inside the piano, which is causing the instrument to appear like it's playing on it's own! :-)
ABOVE: Yes, That Old Chestnut - Somebody Hiding In A Suit Of Armour... Or Not!
BELOW: Well, I Never... So, There WAS Somebody Playing The Piano After All - PHEW!
Anyway, after taking a long tumble up the stairs... followed by an even longer one back down them, 'Flip the Frog', in the guise of "Sherlock Flip" private detective, does eventually manage to track the murderer down when he winds-up in the basement of the house and notices a "grim" looking shadow on the wall. He approaches the "Death"-like figure, cloaked in a "Grim Reaper" styled robe, just as he is crossing the cuckoo off his list of victims. Then, as he turns the page to find out who's next... both he and 'Flip' have a "moment" of realisation and spring into action. At first 'Flip' whistles to try and distract his attacker, but to no avail. Luckily when his assailant lunges forward, however, 'Flip' does manage to (somehow) give him the slip and, like anyone in those circumstances, flees for his life! :-D
What's That In The Shadows? Why, It's Mr. Grim... He's A Reaper In The Village!
What's That? The Cuckoo's "OUT"... Now, Hold On - That's Just Not Cricket!
What Do You Mean, I'm Next? That's Not Me... I'm Afraid You're Mistaken, Sir!
I Know... How About A Game Of "Name That Tune"? I'll Whistle It, And You Guess The Song!
Stuff That For A Laugh, I'm Outta Here! Frogs First... Men With Large Scythes Can Stay!
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any original film posters for this animated short... the chances are that there weren't any - either that, or none that have survived to be "digitised" at any rate - however I did spot a few photos for the 16mm film version, including a still frame plus front and rear shots of the packaging which the 16mm reels came in that had "The Cuckoo Murder Case" written on the box:-
Flip The Frog in "The Cuckoo Murder Case" (1930) [16mm Still Frame Image]
Flip The Frog Animated Cartoons - 8mm / 16mm Film Reels [Packshot - Front]
Flip The Frog Animated Cartoons - 8mm / 16mm Film Reels [Packshot - Rear]
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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 Ten' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" 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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