Motor Mania

Though the 1950s is far from my favorite decade as far as the Disney studios are concerned, there is no denying how awesome the Goofy cartoons were, especially under the direction of Jack Kinney. Motor Mania (1950) is among the best of the bunch. It features Goofy as a mild-mannered fellow who becomes a homicidal, road-raging maniac when put behind the wheel. Not only is it bizarre to see Goofy so malicious, but it's funny too, especially because many of the film's observations about the manners of drivers have not aged or become irrelevant. The pacing is great, gags both surreal and grounded in reality come flying at you with no mercy whatsoever-- a great time!

"Mr Walker" ("Goofy" in a suit and tie) is a man of "average" intelligence who considerately avoids stepping on an ant as he walks to his garage to head to work in the morning. Thing is, once he gets the engine on it all goes to his head and he becomes the maniacal "Mr. Wheeler" in traditional "Jekyll & Hyde" fashion. Unfortunately for him, everyone else using the road takes the same thoughtless and aggressive approach to their journeys and soon accidents and pile-ups accrue. It's quite a clever look at just how silly the whole concept of getting there ten seconds earlier is; of getting there momentarily before a colleague, finding that elusive parking space or of not caring a jot for other road (or kerb) users. A concept turned on it's head when our driver reverts to pedestrian status and briefly and fearsomely appreciates the selfishness of motorists. Might he learn? What do you think...? Maybe patience is a virtue?

I first saw this cartoon when it was part of a cartoon compilation episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color, narrated by Professor Ludwig Von Drake. It stars Goofy who plays a Jekyll and Hyde-type character named Mr. Walker and Mr. Wheeler. When he is walking about any but his car, he is a kind and benevolent man. But, when he takes behind the wheel, he turns into a crazy, wild driver.

It is an interesting cartoon short, hilarious to see Goofy act in an ominous and scary demeanor as he crashes into other cars and yells at people in fits of road rage. It's also a lesson to be learned - everybody should drive defensively.

The animation is colorful and brilliant and the plot is full of laughs and entertainment. An enjoyable one featuring Goofy.

Grade B

NOTE: CONTAINS BRIEF SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Disney here combine two themes to create this cartoon. One is their version of the classic Jeckyl/Hyde story, the other being an exaggerated account of motorists when in their cars. The comedy is brilliant, the animation is superb, and although the cartoon is not the greatest thing since sliced bread, it is certainly one to look out

Certainly one of my favourites alongside Goofy Gymnastics. It is not just one of the funniest cartoons I've seen with its inspired Jekyll and Hyde vibe, but with the serious problem of motorists in cars it is also important. The animation is just wonderful, sometimes scary and sometimes cleverly exaggerated. The music is full of energy and never feels out of place, the humour is imaginatively timed in that it would tickle your funny bone in an appropriately jarring sort of way and the narration is sardonic and thoughtfully delivered by John McLeish. Goofy is a tour-De-force as Walker and Wheeler, lovable as the former and quite scary as the latter. All in all, a superb cartoon and one of the best that Goofy has been in. 10/10 Bethany Cox