Wunderliche Walzerträume

A befuddled (and wardrobe challenged) Elmer Fudd leads a symphony playing classic waltzes by Johann Straus ('Tales from the Vienna Woods' and 'The Blue Danube'), illustrated first by Porky Pig (in Mr. Fudd's usual role) hunting a familiar wascally wabbit, and then by a snooty swan-mother rejecting a tiny but troublesome Daffy Duck. This Bob Clampett parody of Disney's Fantasia is funny, and the smooth, imaginative animation is a pleasure to watch. Daffy's toothy grin and the 'hep-cat' buzzard are particularly amusing and, as usual, Bugs is not above cross-dressing to confound pursuers. Surprisingly non-political for a 1942 cartoon (other than Daffy's brief transition into a snarling P40 Warhawk). #47 in the '50 Greatest Cartoons'.

And, I ask you - Who could possibly be a better choice as "Master of Ceremonies" for "A Corny Concerto" than good, old Elmer Fudd? I mean - Don't you think that Elmer added a special flair of dignity to his all-important role?

Anyway - I'd say that this "Fantasia" parody was pulled off quite enjoyably by the imaginative team (headed by director, Robert Clampett) at Warner Bros. Studios.

Featuring the likes of Porky Pig and Bugs Bunny - (IMO) "A Corny Concerto" (from 1943) did a fine job of introducing its audience (through these zany animated ballets) to the classical music of Johann Strauss (with no disrespect intended).

Her Bob Clampett uses two lovely Strauss Waltzes, "Tales from the Vienna Woods," and "The Beautiful Blue Danube." They are conducted by our friend Elmer Fudd. In the former, Bugs Bunny reigns supreme over a hunter, Porky Pig, and his dog. As is usually the case, our rabbit friend is in total control. There is a great scene where Bugs is playing dead and Porky tries to pull his arms up so they can check him for a gunshot. Great results. In the second, Daffy tries to join a trio of little swans. The music is gorgeous and the animation is right on. The color never ceases to amaze me. Apparently, this was Warner Brothers answer to Disney's "Fantasia."

Cartoonists just love puns; have you noticed? Here, we begin this corny parody of "Fantasia" at "Corny-Gie Hall."

Elmer Fudd is the conductor and tells us what to expect in the concert, using as many "w's" instead of "r's" the writers could think of for a 10-second speech. We then witness the Strauss waltz, "Tales From The Vienna Woods" featuring hunter Porky Pig, his dog and their prey, Bugs Bunny. All the action is done to the music.

The same holds true for the second number, "The Blue Danube." This second part was totally lame except for the great artwork.

The colors in here at stunning, and might be the highlight of the whole cartoon. The laughs were not plentiful, but you can't win them all.This cartoon is part of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two and can be seen on disc three.

A parody of a great many Disney films, this short is simply fantastic and yet another feather in the hat of Bob Clampett (I know I seem to say that a lot, by Clampett was indeed a genius of animation). The music is magical, the animation is great, and although it might not be nearly as hilariously surreal as most of Clampetts other works, it's still very VERY good and I remain captivated by the short every single time I sit down to watch it. This animated short can be seen on Disc 4 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2 and also features an optional commentary by Micheal Barrier.

My Grade: A+