Hollywood Capers

Jack King's "Hollywood Capers" came out during the first year in which Warner Bros. animation really had the recognition that it has had ever since. Featuring many of the characters from "I Haven't Got a Hat", it portrays simple-minded feline Beans getting to Warmer (yes, in this case it's Warmer, not Warner) Bros. studios, only to cause a series of problems, culminating in Frankenstein's monster coming to life.

The cartoon has a very simple story - as did most of their cartoons during the animation department's early years - but comes up with some really crazy sight gags, namely Frankie's meal; no live action film, no matter how silly, could ever show that! So, it's far from a great cartoon, but an eye-opening look into the early days of what would soon be the domain of Bugs, Daffy, etc. And it's a neat jab at Hollywood. Speaking of which, why does no one rip at Hollywood more than Hollywood itself?

Was expecting something mediocre considering the rating and the general indifference towards Beans. After watching it, 'Hollywood Capers' surprisingly was a good cartoon, though not a classic and there are more compelling and interesting characters out there than Beans.

Beans himself is not a bad character and neither are his friends. Their personalities are not as memorable as Looney Tunes' later more iconic characters, that are also more interesting, more layered and less cutesy. However, they all are very charming, amusing, quite likable and have an appealing innocence.

There are more consistently funny cartoons before and especially since. There are some great moments, especially the nods to WC Fields, Charlie Chaplin and the cartoon's highlight Frankenstein's monster, the part with the camera-eating being the funniest part and the most inventive one visually. Beans' antics are cute and amusing, but other parts are a tad limp at the same time. Story is also thin and not much more of an excuse to string scenes/skits together.

'Hollywood Capers' animation is remarkably pristine, detailed and fluid for an early black and white cartoon, with the characters being well drawn and with imaginative range of expressions.

Its music is lushly orchestrated and rich in energy and character, not just being dynamic with the action but also enhancing it. Pacing is solid, and while scenes fare better than others there is a sense of fun and charm throughout. The voice acting is strong and fit the characters well.

All in all, was expecting a mediocre cartoon in 'Hollywood Capers', instead got a good if not great one. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Despite the best efforts of the security guard, "Beans" - one of the "Boston Beans" don't you know, manages to smuggle himself into the Warner Bros. Set disguised as Oliver Hardy and to gatecrash a film shoot (which might well have been the best thing that could have happened to it!). With the ambidextrous turtle providing the soundtrack, "Beans" is soon causing chaos and gets chucked out - only to find himself on one of James Whale's fully plugged in Frankenstein sets! Even more mayhem now ensues as the monster wakes up and runs riot. Somehow "Beans" has to put things right whilst there's still studio left standing. It's quite good fun, this animation, with plenty going on and a bit of insider Hollywood humour to keep it a bit different.

Some naive critics have often dismissed Beans as a character with little (or perhaps having no) personality. I wonder if they know what they're saying? If you were to ask me to describe Beans in one way, I'll give you four. These words are: adventurous, feisty, full of enthusiasm, and never giving up during struggles. And if there's anything that has no personality whatsoever, it's a lifeless mannequin.

I must admit Porky's speaking difficulty is very distinguishing, and therefore becomes a trademark of that character. Well it should be understood that this trait of his nothing new even to animated films of its time. In a 1932 Krazy Kat short called Seeing Stars, there's an announcer who speaks in a similar fashion.

The film of Hollywood Capers demonstrates the value of persistence. Although our hero, Beans, gets rejected and thrown out from entering the studio, it didn't stop him from trying get inside which he did successfully. He even shows it again when he takes on the Frankenstein monster.

Hollywood Capers (1935)

*** (out of 4)

Warner animation has Beans trying to sneak into their studio but he keeps getting kick out until he decides to dress as Oliver Hardy. Once inside he can't stay out of trouble when he accidentally brings to life Frankenstein's monster. This Looney Tunes short manages to be quite funny from start to finish and the nice pace makes it one of the better shorts I've seen from Beans. His character certainly isn't the greatest thing the company ever made but he has enough innocent charm to make you care for him. The monster here looks pretty good and that includes that square head and it's good to see what those bolts in the side of his neck are really used for. One of the best scenes in the movie has the monster coming towards the camera and screaming right before eating it. The way the animation has this play out is very well done and it's clearly the highlight.