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.

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.

This cartoon answers the question of what Hitler would order at a deli. In fact, Hitler's entire speech centers on the subject! Very funny! What an outstanding cartoon, with many references which people of my age won't understand. (I need to ask my dad about these things). Highly recommended.

This cartoon is a real classic. Hitler is made into a literal jack-ass in the film. For those who don't know, Hitler isn't an Oriental in the end..."Nutzis are da cwaziest peoples" is a Lew Lhler impression. Watch for this gag in countless other cartoons like Porky's Snooze Reel (1942) and Scaredy Cat (1948).

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.