Ending the 40s with 'A Ham in a Role (1949)' - A Looney Tunes Deep Dive!

Video version available on YouTube. Please note that certain sections may not translate well to the audio only format. 

In this episode, we delve into the classic Looney Tunes short 'A Ham in a Role,' released on December 31, 1949, and discuss its transition from low comedy to Shakespearean performances, humorously interrupted by goofy gophers. Accompanied by Manny Cruz and S. C. MacPeter, we explore the direction by Bob McKimson and Art Davis's planning, highlighting the cartoon's meta-humor and Shakespearean references. Our conversation extends into the themes of high and low art depicted in Warner Brothers cartoons, including notable Shakespearean references like 'My Kingdom for a Horse,' wordplay innovations by Sid Marcus, and Bill Melendez's animation techniques. We also touch on Carl Stalling's musical cues that enhance the overall storytelling. 

 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:47 Synopsis and Background Information

02:34 Opening Scene Analysis

03:34 Meta Humour and Commentary

06:58 Shakespeare References in the Short

09:02 Exploring Shakespearean Humour

10:10 Animation and Direction Insights

11:05 Musical Cues and Soundtrack

13:11 High and Low Art in Cartoons

16:10 Final Thoughts and Ratings

17:10 Looking Ahead to the 1950s