Scrap Happy Daffy

Scrap Happy Daffy (1943)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Here's another product of its time, which of course was World War II. The short is basically telling people to scrap metal for the war effort so Hitler gets concerned that Daffy's scrap is too much so he sends a metal-eating goat to destroy it.

SCRAP HAPPY DAFFY is a pretty interesting film for a number of reasons. For starters, it was filmed in B&W since it wasn't meant for a wide release. The images are actually a lot more striking in B&W and especially the scenes of Hitler ranting and raving. Another thing that separates this is that it's not all that "kid friendly" like so many of the other Daffy shorts. For the most part this here is extremely entertaining and I especially liked the middle finger it was giving to Hitler. There are some very good action scenes and just an overall high level of fun.

One of the many WW2 looney tunes that don't air on TV.

This is a black and white short of Daffy Duck telling every one to recycle anything that's alumna, metal, tin, for the war.

His job is to be sure the USA gets all that Scrap Metal to win the war.

But when it comes to Nazis and Metal Eating Goats that can be a problem.

It's up to Daffy Duck to save all that Scrap Metal.

If you like Daffy Commandos, you'll like this one as well.

It's a real fine treat from the WW2 era.

Even has Hitler acting crazy.

Daffy Duck is one of Looney Tunes' best, most interesting in personality and most iconic characters and one of my favourites in animation. His best cartoons are cartoon masterpieces and there is good reason as to why Daffy is used frequently.

'Scrap Happy Daffy' is not one of his very finest cartoons, but it is still great and an interesting piece of history. It is not subtle in its treatment of Hitler, clearly intentional and not objectionable (if slightly too unsubtle for a cartoon), and paints him in the very opposite of a positive light (then again when was he never not?). Few people are going to object to this portrayal, it is widely acknowledged that Hitler was a terrible man and a cartoon portraying him in this way is for the time quite brave.

The animation as to be expected is very good. The black and white is crisp and there is meticulous background detail and smooth character drawing.

Carl Stalling to me was always the best Warner Brothers/Looney Tunes composer as well as the most consistent. 'Scrap Happy Daffy' is another example of consistent greatness, his music is lushly orchestration, cleverly synchronised, vibrant, characterful and not only fits and adds to the action but actually enhances it.

While there is a seriousness in the message it's portraying, which makes its point but never preachy, 'Scrap Happy Daffy' doesn't forget to be funny. Sometimes it is even hilarious and is timed very well. Daffy has his manic, energetic and witty persona and carries the cartoon with aplomb.

Voice acting is very good, superb in the case of Mel Blanc. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This cartoon, appropriately and effectively in black and white, is a World War II patriotic short, with Daffy needing to protect his scrap pile (for the war effort) from a very hungry Nazi goat. The pep rally conducted by Daffy's ancestors is a highlight of the short and the ending is marvelous. Well worth the time and effort to find. Most highly recommended.

Another propaganda gem!

This is dated beyond belief, which makes it easier to watch.

This harped on recycling before it became the norm. Speaking of which, I think it was "Norm" McCabe (rimshot) behind this one too. Tashlin gets deserved credit too.

The Nazi stereotypes gave a laugh to everyone who saw this at my place that night. I have a DVD chock full of animation like this.

Just remember that this is a propaganda cartoon from a long time ago. There's no need to get uptight about it anymore.

That said, the animation itself is limited. But it's still worth a look or three.