Russian Rhapsody

Throughout the Cold War, it was customary to portray Russians as drunk at best, evil at worst. Even today in movies, Russians tend to get relegated to the roles of mobsters and corrupt oligarchs. Apparently, we've forgotten that the Soviet Union was our staunch ally in World War II. "Russian Rhapsody" sticks with that. It portrays Hitler -ranting like in "The Great Dictator" - concerned about German planes going missing over Russia, so he decides to fly there personally (he's the best pilot). During the flight, Gremlins from the Kremlin start dancing all over his plane and dismantling it.

I should say that this isn't the best Looney Tunes cartoon. Far from it. But I just like that there was one cartoon that portrayed Russians positively.

Hitler is furious with the Soviet Union that he wants to bomb Moscow all by himself.

So he flies from Berlin to Moscow by airplane. But little does he know is that little invaders are taring his plane apart. And those invaders are Gremlins from the Kremlin!.

These little guys sing and tor mechanical stuff apart with pleasure.

And they even pull a few pranks on Hitler himself.

Will these Gremlins be able to prevent Hitler from bombing Moscow? Well you try to guess that when you see this cartoon.

This cartoon was originally titled "Gremlins from the Kremlim" but due to Disney and Warner Bros both wanting to do their own cartoon about Gremlins. They had to change the title that doesn't have the word Gremlin in it.

It's a good WW2 short. Also be on the look out for 9 Gremlins that resemble the producers, writers, and creators behind the Looney Tunes.

Good luck in finding this short by internet search cause it's hard to tell when it'll ever be released on DVD.

A very funny, energetic cartoon (but what do you expect coming from Clampett?). It starts out with a devastating caricature of Hitler ranting and raving. The level of exageration is amazing. Hitler sprays spit as he talks and has a truly manaical look in his eyes. He decides he is the only man to carry out a bombing mission to Moscow, but en route his plane is attacked by gremlins from the Kremlin. The Kremlins are mostly caricatures of the Warners staff. Leon Schlesinger is seen hitting Brother-in-law Ray Katz with a mallet in one scene. There is also a great scene of Hitler being electrocuted by the gremlins to an amazing drum solo. He twists and writhes into different shapes that show his true colors, such as a jackass. The cartoon ends with Hitler doing a Lew Lehr imitation, a reference that is lost on modern audiences. The only thing that mars this cartoon is a glaringly bad cut that was probably due to a censorship problem with the studio or the Hays office. Schlesinger would not have paid for a retake if something was cut.

Hitler is concerned about his aeroplanes towards Moskou, as they all somehow seem to be missing. He decides to go on the mission himself (as he's apparently the best pilot), but in the air he has to do battle with some strange small creatures, who call themselves 'The Gremlins From The Kremlin'.

This short animation story is really silly and not that fun either. It's even pretty boring. I've seen so many better propaganda films from that era; you can stop your efforts to track this one down if you'd ask me: go for a movie like 'Education For Death' instead.

4/10.

Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.

'Russian Rhapsody' is classic Bob Clampett in style. This is meant in a good way, Clampett's distinctively wild and outrageous style is all over 'Russian Rhapsody' in visuals and humour and like his best cartoons a lot of the cartoon is pretty anarchic (again typical of prime-Clampett). By all means, 'Russian Rhapsody' is not one of his best cartoons overall, but it is very good and does Clampett in his prime period justice.

By all means, 'Russian Rhapsody' could have been better. Some of the references may go over some viewers heads, especially if they are not familiar with what is being referenced (it was a bit hit and miss with me, some were familiar, others weren't), and the ending falls somewhat flat.

However, there is so much to admire about 'Russian Rhapsody', that Clampett's style can be found all over it and that he's on top form is just one of the things. It's a very strange cartoon certainly, with a fairly positive view of Russians, gremlins and Hitler like you've never seen him before in a cartoon, and it may not be for the easily offended or historians looking for accuracy (it is a lampoon cartoon so that should be pushed at the back of the mind).

It is also though a very funny, and often hilarious, cartoon, with some very witty dialogue, deliciously weird, anarchic and for the time perhaps daring sight gags and the visual humour provides a lot of the fun too. One does admire how much is gotten away with here in 'Russian Rhapsody', the gremlins come close to stealing the show and personally will admit to thoroughly enjoying this interpretation of Hitler. Stalin is even included and it's a highlight.

As to be expected, Mel Blanc is outstanding as always. He always was the infinitely more preferable voice for Porky, Joe Dougherty never clicked with me, and he proves it here. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.

When it comes to the animation, 'Russian Rhapsody' is very good. Much of it is fluid in movement, vibrant and very meticulous in detail, much of it also pretty imaginative. Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it. The song is very catchy.

Overall, not one of Clampett's best and not for everyone perhaps but strange and great fun. 8/10 Bethany Cox