Gloire d'antan

If we're going to take "Old Glory" as a lesson, it should be a warning about the government using tragedies as excuses to practically shred the Constitution (you know what I mean). As for Uncle Sam teaching Porky Pig a lesson about what great men Patrick Henry and George Washington were, that remains debatable since both those men owned slaves. And of course the Bill of Rights originally only gave rich white men voting rights, so it's always worth noting that it has always been popular movements that brought progressive change to our country.

So it's worth seeing as long as you can analyze it. And I wish that we'd kept the Pledge of Allegiance like it is here (with no "under God").

With the rise of facism in Europe and war right around the corner, there was a concern in America about the future of Democracy. Hollywood produced a number of films illustrating American History and the importance of democracy.

Chuck Jones had fairly recently become a director and was trying to emulate Disney by using extensive realism in his shorts. An approach that was very contrary to his colleagues. However, that is probably what led him to producing a contribution to the patriotic films that were being produced in 1939. It's been noted as one of the few WB cartoons that was devoid of any gags or humor. Yet, it is one of the greatest that the studio ever produced.

It's a concise overview of American history with an emphasis on the struggles for liberty and freedom; the theme being the importance of reciting The Pledge Of Allegiance as told by Uncle Sam to Porky Pig.

It's a very stirring and patriotic film. The lush visuals and strong orchestra make this a timeless American classic.

I first saw this Porky Pig educational cartoon short on Buskin Bill's Storyland in the Bicentenial year of 1976. I later saw it after James Cagney's Yankee Doodle Dandy on a Saturday night on that same channel of WAFB-9, Baton Rouge, La. (possibly on the 4th of July). Having recently seen it on YouTube, I must marvel at how bright the colors are compared to the washed-out tones I remember from way back when. Great use of having Uncle Sam telling our stuttering hero about the American Revolution and subsequent events with wonderful realistic animation throughout to make their point. Highly recommended to any child who wonders why history is so important to learn.

I have mixed feelings about this Merrie Melodies short. What I mean is, I don't love it as much as I do some, certain others, but at the same time, I don't detest it either. Since it deviates from the norm of these usually comedic cartoons, it would come as both an unexpected surprise and a disappointment. I agree that not all cartoons have to be comedy-driven and this educational rather than entertaining one is alright for what it is. But regardless, many people still would expect all of them to bring the funny to them simply because it's for which they're known in most cases. It was a fair attempt at doing something different.

As other reviewers have explained, Porky Pig, as a schoolboy, finds learning the Pledge Of Allegiance dull, since he can't quite get the hang of the recitation. But after falling asleep, he meets the spirit of Uncle Sam, who explains the significance of it. And we're shown some scenes that go over the history of how that came to be. Another reason why I may not frequent viewing this short on the third disc of Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 2 (other than on the special occasion of Independence Day) as much as I do several others whether on DVD or online, is because of the reputation of the two historical figures who are discussed, the very first U.S. president, George Washington and Patrick Henry, as both of them are slave owners. So the fact that they were touted as so-called great men is iffy. This is not even edu-taining, but purely educational. Like I said, I found it alright, but not among the best for me. Do I recommend this to others who may be reading this? Well, it all depends if anyone doesn't mind the break too much from the hilarity and thrill of the WB cartoons. But for those who don't have a high enough tolerance and appreciation for that, then you're all welcome to skip it.

Porky Pig learns why the Pledge of Alligence is important when he has a dream of Uncle Sam who tells him about the founding fathers in this educational short. You can practically hear the liberals of today groaning and bitching at the mere prospect of even thinking about watching this short, but it is very well put together and makes one proud to be an American so it accomplishes what it's intended porpoise was. Hell, I still think this short should be shown in classrooms, but that will in all likelihood never happen due to the loony Left 9th Circuit of Appeals in California, although Michael A. Newdow might be happy to get the pre-1954 version of the Pledge back (I strongly doubt that he'd stop at that though). This animated short can be seen on Disc 3 of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 2 and also features an optional commentary by Jerry Bech & Inker and Painter Martha Sigall

My Grade: A