The Shell Shocked Egg

What I mean when I associate "The Shell Shocked Egg" with movies like "Traffic" and "Syriana" takes some explaining. Robert McKimson's cartoon - stripped of its opening credits in the Blue Ribbon reissue - portrays two stories, linked by something, and they eventually collide. The aforementioned movies each depict several different stories occurring, all with a common bond. Other such films include "Crash", "Babel" and "Even Money". Needless to say, these movies approach the idea much grimmer.

OK, I probably went too far in my analysis. I'm sure that McKimson intended the cartoon as pure entertainment, and it certainly entertains. While the plot is very similar to Frank Tashlin's "Booby Hatched", there's still some pretty funny stuff here. Especially the singing brothers! I recommend it, and I can't understand what some reviewers have against Robert McKimson.

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.

Robert McKimson may not be at his very finest, but 'The Shell Shocked Egg' is still a well made and enjoyable cartoon from a period where he had hit his stride. He may have been overshadowed by stiff competition with more distinctive and inventive styles and may not have been quite one of the all-time greats, but he did do his fair share of good to classic cartoons (though he was not immune to average and less ones), meaning that he is deserving of more credit than he gets.

There is not much to criticise about 'The Shell Shocked Egg'. There is nothing special about the story and the pacing is not always exactly rapid fire. One can argue that there is not an awful lot that is imaginative.

However, Mel Blanc as always is stellar in the usual multiple roles, that he shows the masterly and unequalled ability to give individuality to each of them.

Animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement, vibrant in colour and very meticulous in detail. Enough of the pacing is lively and the story still engages.

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.

It's a very funny, often hilarious actually, cartoon too, with well-engineered gags, a great premise made the most out of and witty dialogue. All the characters are fun to watch, especially likeable Clem.

Overall, well made and enjoyable but not a classic. 7/10 Bethany Cox