Where to begin? The premise of this short is that Mickey’s team of all star cartoon characters is taking on a team of movie stars in a friendly game of polo. Mickey’s team is listed as himself, The Goof (Goofy), the Big Bad Wolf and Donald Duck. Note that these were the biggest stars of Disney’s stable at the time, which is interesting. Pluto obviously couldn’t participate, and Minnie wouldn’t be involved, but the Big Bad Wolf is the big recurring character outside of the Fab Five.
Against them is a team of movie stars, all comedians. Laurel and Hardy, Harpo Marx and Charlie Chaplin form the opposition. This gives the animators the opportunity to do some visual gags with the caricatures, which they take full advantage of, using the gag of having the horses mirror the people.
One of the best scenes for fans of the Disney shorts comes as Mickey’s team takes the field. As we pan to the stands, we see a cavalcade of Silly Symphony stars sitting around Shirley Temple. Immediately to her side are the Three Little Pigs, but all around you can see the stars of Who Killed Cock Robin?, The Golden Touch, Peculiar Penguins and so many more.
This is the first time we have seen these characters outside of their original short, and it starts the enduring notion that cartoon stars exist outside the universe where they were first seen, and are true Hollywood stars just like the movie stars. This notion would show up in a myriad of films, most notably in Roger Rabbit, but it gets its start here.
After that, the next thing that really stands out in this short is that although it is ostensibly a Mickey Mouse cartoon, he is rarely in it, except as a background character. The gags of the short fall to Laurel and Hardy as well as Donald Duck. They are the ones who perform front and center. It’s an interesting choice, as the Laurel and Hardy gags are nothing you couldn’t have seen in one of their films of the time. Donald’s gags are more outlandish and cartoon worthy.
The last thing I’ll mention about this is the design of Donald and Goofy. Their character designs are similar here to before On Ice, with a much cruder look. I’m guessing that this short went into production before On Ice, because the designs are so different.
Overall, this short is quick moving, fun and entertaining. But it does not stand out as a purely “Disney” short, simply because the Disney characters are so little of the story. There’s much more focus on the movie stars or the cameos, but that doesn’t detract from a fun watch.
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I just wanted to leave a note saying how much I enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt was about the time that I purchased the last of the Walt Disney Treasures that it dawned on me that I had nearly every pice of WALT Disney produced animation and even began watching them sequentially. I even contemplated reviewing each one on the BCDB. Then I found your blog (luckilly early on in the Oswald period) and realized I couldn't do the justice you were giving these films.
This is an awesome undertaking you've out on yourself, and the end reuslt will be a wonderful resource.
Thanks again for all your hard work! Blogging can be a lonesome task...just wanted you to know that we're out here drinking up every word.
You're right about those character designs - MICKEY'S POLO TEAM was started earlier, and apparently delayed by Will Rogers' death, insofar as he was to have been on the movie stars' team and remained there into production. Not sure who replaced him, but I'd suspect Chaplin, who seems to have the least to do (surprising for him, actually!)
ReplyDeleteDavid, you're probably right about Chaplin replacing Rogers. In 'The Art of Walt Disney' by Christopher Finch there's a sketch from the production of "Mickey's Polo Team" which shows the Movie Stars team entrance onto the field. Will Rogers leads the way, followed by Laurel and Hardy and then Harpo. Next to Rogers there's a note that says "ROGERS OUT" and above Harpo it reads "Chaplin Follows". BTW, David can you identify the two plump cats who are seated behind Midas and next to Legs Sparrow in this cartoon?
ReplyDeleteYou know, as much of a pleasure it's been watching these cartoons in order, I've been surprised how sad I find it to see the decline of Mickey in his animated appearances. When you think how important he was in his previous sporting event cartoons – 'Touchdown Mickey' and 'Barnyard Olympics' it's sad to see him play such a tiny role in this cartoon. They even forgot to include Minnie cheering him on in the stalls.
Still it's a fun cartoon which is also notable for being the first to partner Donald with a stubborn donkey (she'll reappear in the future). Also can you spot Horace Horsecollar? He is in this cartoon, but he's tricky to spot!