259. Jeepers Creepers (1939)

Warner cartoon no. 258.
Release date: September 23, 1939.
Series: Looney Tunes.
Supervision: Bob Clampett.
Producer: Leon Schlesinger.
Starring: Mel Blanc (Porky Pig / Ghost and Making Faces / Falsetto) and Pinto Colvig (one line of Ghost) (?).
Story: Ernest Gee.
Animation: Vive Risto.
Musical Direction: Carl W. Stalling.
Sound: Treg Brown (uncredited).
Synopsis: Porky is detecting a ghost in a haunted house - but finds he gets spooked by a goofy one.

The first Looney Tune cartoon with the new animated 'Porky on drum' ending other than the Tashlin-esque Porky which was first seen in Rover's Rival.

The cartoon starts off one night in a city jail - where a sign outside reads: We Select Your Cell But You Can Pick Your Lock. Inside we find a silhouette shot of the chief officer calling cars '6 7/8' inside as he is making a call about strange noises from a haunted house.

The camera fades to Porky riding his own police car, and he skids, then stutters: 'Gosh, that's me'. His car has 6 7/8 labelled.

He listens to the name chief inspector who is asking for him to investigate ghosts, that's said to be located at a certain house. Porky then stutters, feeling scared, 'Did he say, ghosts?'. The chief officer responds: 'Yes, ghosts!'. And yes, we all saw that coming.

He responds, 'You know, those white things that go BWAHAHA!', Porky takes from the reaction. Porky then begins to set up the car and turn on the engine, but as we believe its about to drive off -- the car's wheels start to tip-toe very sneakily. Funny? I'd only be facetious to make a positive comment like that.

Meanwhile; we then move onto the haunted house scene where we find the name of the house is called 'Belli Acres'. Urm, is it supposed to reference (I dunno) 'belly acres' or something? Well anyway; we get about a whole lot of footage of the haunted house outside where we watch the leaves blow around the porch outside of the house.

We also watch the shutter windows slam the walls in rhythm of Shave and a Haircut...which is just a little typical, cute gag. Up the top, there are tattered curtains flying from the bedrooms, bats fly out of the scene.

A rooster weather vein is strucked by lightning, and automatically turns into a roast. What?!?! That's really all I can say--that is the most ridiculous and incoherent gag ever. Yeah, I can imagine the gag actually working if it were a REAL rooster on top, but to have a rooster weather vein struck my lightning and turn to roast. Yeah, Clampett fans would defend saying 'this is Clampett for you' -- but even Clampett's and Avery's more realistic gags have more sense and realism than this!! The music cue for the sequence is The Tempest by J.S. Zamecnik.

As we pan inside the haunted house, we hear various ghostly laughs coming on inside---but from all the 'scariness' it turns out that the screaming of the ghosts was from a radio set. The radio announcer concludes the spook stories and finishes off, 'Sleep tight, kiddies'. Reference or anything?? A hand turns off the radio, and it is a ghost, sitting on an armchair smoking cigars.

Okay, but what would be the point of a ghost smoking with no lungs (okay, okay--I see the point). He comments, 'Gosh, that was sure a scary story'. Afterwards, we watch the ghost who places his cigar down and grabs out his cup of tea. He uses the smoke rings in form of a doughnut to eat them.

Okay, I guess that is a mild gag--nothing spectacular, but he keeps on using the same actions over again in about 10 seconds, which shows some really poor pacing going on--just over a cup of tea gag. It's enough for me to say - put the cup of tea, down!! Afterwards; the pendulum on the clock starts to sing but also goes into rhythm: but am not sure if its referencing a popular song or anything.

After the clock then strikes -- it comes to the moment where I'd just rather listen to Dizzee Rascal or even Bjork. The ghost--then goes into song singing 'Jeepers Creepers', and you hear such bland lyrics where he loves to haunt. He then makes his intention to try and scare the audience by pulling faces (and breaking the forth wall). I guess a 1939 audience might have got a jump..but is it meant to be scary? Of course not.

He continues to sing that stupid and obnoxious song. Though it was a popular song written by Harry Warren and John Mercer; you just got to except that the tune itself is an insufferable ear worm as well even listening to the substitute lyrics. Help me!

Believe it or not, that's actually Mel Blanc singing the ghost voice, and not Pinto Colvig. Though it sounds similar: compare Pinto's Goofy voice to the singing voice: different results. The ghost continues to perform many antics when he continues to jump around, act like a horse and even run himself into a washing machine. Afterwards, the ghost then listens out for the door, and he begins to slide down the curvy stairs. He slides all the way back and comments in a 'no shit' attitude: 'There's somebody at the door'. Uggh, the ghost is an obnoxious asshole who hasn't done anything other sing a stupid song about himself. We're already about halfway through the cartoon, and literally no climax has been developed and the ghost introduction took too long!!

The ghost, after sliding down the staircase, arrives at the door which Porky (off-screen) is knocking at. The ghost performs a falsetto voice of a woman's and shouts, 'Come in' (also voiced by Mel Blanc). Afterwards, the ghost then swirls around into disappearance.

Porky opens the door, looks around, and asks: "Is anybody home?" After that didn't work - he decides to enter inside the haunted house alone, already feeling afraid.

After walking a few steps inside the haunted house, the blinds from a window then begin to tumble which gives Porky a fright. After a fright, he rushes outside of the haunted house, afraid. Afterwards; he quietly walks back into the haunted house.

The ghost steps back into the cartoon again (what, again?) and he then is about to perform tricks on Porky. He grabs out through his pocket, a pair of shoes. Afterwards; he digs into his pocket and also pulls out a frog. He places the frog inside the shoes after the frog attempted to jump away. After placing the two frogs inside the shoes, he chuckles 'This always gets em'. The boots then start to make motion through the help of the frogs hopping inside.

As Porky continues to tiptoe through the dark, creepy haunted house - the boots (with the hopping frogs) start to follow Porky behind him. A lot of the slow pacing of Porky tiptoeing through the haunted house, as well as the boots -- really do slow down the cartoon down, which is probably why the cartoon itself is long.

Whats odd is; just before Porky turned to make a move...the boots already had a chance to hit Porky, why not there? Anyhow, the boots marching on its own becomes relevant in the scene where the strings of the boots are caught attached to a hatstand, and then a curtain lays on top of the boots to create the visual looking like a haunted, spooky character. The ghost then follows Porky's steps and this time is carrying a tureen and a spoon with him...and he ends up whacking it by covering Porky's head. Porky gets a weary reaction out of it. Knowing Clampett; it could've came up with a funnier reaction than that.

Porky then stutters frighteningly, 'What was that?!'. After walking back a few feet; the other side of the wall features the walking boot and the 'cloaked figure'. Porky turns around as it scares the living daylights out of him. He dashes offscreen and then it follows on with a chase sequence. As he starts to open doors, in an attempt to escape, he finds the ghost is haunting and scaring him.

After dashing up the stairs very quickly, he then is seen being held by the ghost who is holding onto Porky. Porky then explains what he has seen, (though not realising who is holding onto him)...and this is not what I consider funny gags...as it feels as though Clampett rushed the cartoon with ideas.

Porky realises that he is speaking to the ghost before running away. After running down a whole lot of stairs, and the hallway of the haunted house -- he aces his escape through his own police car.

The ghost then very quickly follows, and this is probably only small part of the cartoon with some quick timing on the chase. After the ghost then overtakes Porky's speed limit in his car; he then skids and pretends he is a hitchhiker. As Porky passes him, he remarks: 'Going my way, bud?'...Porky drives back and holds up a sign 'No Riders' before the exhaust pipe explodes on the ghost's face. The cartoon concludes with the ghost in blackface, and caricatured as Eddie Anderson: 'My oh my, tattletale grey'. Of course, Blanc in future cartoons would deliver the voice much more expressively and funnier.

Overall comments: This is what I consider a masterpiece by Clampett. I'd consider this cartoon to be on par with other great Clampett cartoons such as Coal Black, A Tale of Two Kitties or even The Great Piggy Bank Robbery. I mean, there is so much wonderful and unforgettable scenes in the whole cartoon: particularly that minute long storm sequence outside the house where you'd be wondering 'get on with it', but no...its a really good scene for that reason. The song that is sung by the ghost ('Jeepers Creepers') is just an extremely inspiring, wonderful song with such cleverly-written lyrics..it puts Rogers & Hammerstein to shame. I mean, listen to such wonderful and powerful lyrics: "Jeepers Creepers. It's a lot of fun", "Clearing, scaring", etc. Wow!

Let's not forget about our character: the ghost. I've seen a better showcase other than watching the ghost in this cartoon. Pure entertainment, and...just a hilarious character, whose appearance should've been used much more often. The fact that the cartoon actually clocks in at 8 minutes and 45 seconds makes it absolutely a treat as every second in that cartoon is incredibly essential to Clampett's wonderful gags; and such scenes that are really essential for Clampett to keep is the long scene where he stuffs the smoke doughnut in his tea, the storm outside or even the ghost's song. I mean, the ghost's song really does add up to how scary he can be. What else can be said, this cartoon is easily the echelon of the 1930s, and also the top cartoon of 1939.

Okay, I can't take this anymore---here is my overall comments: it sucks.

248. Scalp Trouble (1939)

starring PORKY and DAFFY
Warner cartoon no. 247.
Release date: June 24, 1939.
Series: Looney Tunes.
Supervision: Bob Clampett.
Producer: Leon Schlesinger.
Starring: Mel Blanc (Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Jerry Colonna Indian).
Story: Ernest Gee.
Animation: Norm McCabe.
Musical Direction: Carl W. Stalling.
Sound: Treg Brown (uncredited).
Synopsis: Daffy Duck is head of fortress with Porky as soldier; who both fight incoming Injuns.

As the cartoon already features a 'starring Porky' title, but of course Daffy is also given one, as he was pretty much just a new star by around '38 and '39. The cartoon was later remade five years later by Friz Freleng - titled Slightly Daffy.

The cartoon starts off with a fortress that is located in the middle of an American desert. After a couple of truck-in shots the sign reads: Army Post no. 13 (No Dogs Allowed Around the Post) with the sign gag which is typical bathroom humour that Clampett loved - and of course 'no. 13' implying superstition.

Meanwhile there is a guard carrying a bayonet gun whilst at the top of the fort. The timing of the guard's march is rather crisp. After marching around a couple of steps; the guard turns to the audience with a dumb and dopey voice: 'Have you folks seen any indians around here?'.

A whole group of indians appear behind the guard responding: 'No, no, no, no no!' tricking the guard into believing the audience responded. Its a rather Avery-esque gag which is a little humorous. 'Uhh, that's good', and then the guard continues marching. Judging by the solid timing, and even head tilts I'm suspecting the opening shot might have been Norm McCabe's work but I can't be sure.

Meanwhile over at the fortress camps - we find a cabin which is residence of General Daffy Duck. Daffy steps out of his own cabin complete in uniform where he marches rather firmly to the trumpet fortress caller. The fortress caller is asleep and so Daffy pulls knife from his sword case.

Daffy then sticks the trumpet in the caller's mouth and jabs the fortress caller firmly that he yelps in pain and blows briskly. The timing of the jab is some very entertaining comic timing as well as the speed of the trumpet call to Reveille.


Daffy Duck walks over to the barracks where he yells at his soldiers to wake up: 'Get up you guys!' and then the whole crowd of soldiers dash out of the barracks and stampede on Daffy. As you can see - Daffy certainly is playing some role where he acts serious -- and at this point Daffy's personality is certainly going through changes, and even the lisp is becoming more of his quality trademarks, as well as even the straight, frustrated personality.

Daffy looks over his group of soldiers, and finds that one more is missing. He walks back into the barracks to find if any soldiers are still sleeping. He then remarks, 'Oh, a slacker!' and finds Porky asleep at the top of his bunk. Daffy climbs up the ladder of his bunk and makes an attempt of waking him up.

The scene where he tries to wake up Porky in a quiet, calming voice is Bobe Cannon's animation as you can tell for his lack of lip-sync. He speaks quietly to him: 'Porky...Porky' and then bursts out screaming: 'PORKY!' which is another example of Daffy's personality being reformed.

After jumping on Porky up and down in an attempt to wake him up - Daffy runs out of energy and sleeps by the bed along with Porky which is rather kooky and dopey - which I believe it also still Cannon's animation. After sleeping at his bedside - the top bunk collapses and falls. Porky immediately wakes up after the collapse and hears the Reveille call once more. He dashes out of his nightgown very quickly and jumps into fortress uniform. He stands still and apologises to Daffy for waking up late. Clampett establishes a very neat and detailed silhouetted shot of Daffy ordering Porky to forward march, which is rich in terms of techniques.

As they both march out of the barracks -- Daffy walks straight through the sword stuck to the ground without even looking or even knowing considerably for Porky. As Porky marches out - just when its unfortunate timing for him..the sword wobbles and bashes Porky in the face and flies straight in. The comic timing is just awe there.

Porky's bayonet gun hits the ground where Porky flies straight out of the barrack and lands on Daffy as they roll over with Porky finding that he is holding Daffy. Daffy looks at him with a fake affection for him, 'I didn't know you cared'. Now that is just a very funny line that it has been used later on in much later cartoons--the line itself must've been a rave, but its just very well executed. In the character animation - you do certainly feel the warmth for both characters as friendship.

Meanwhile there is an indian lookout nearby who is on the lookout for trespassers. I love how the Indian is just leaning his hand in mid-air whilst looking as its an example of Clampett's charm and oddity. The lookout spots the fortress and then starts to use a caller machine where an extended hand makes the sound of an Indian call - which is weird but I suppose creative but the animation is definitely creative.

The indians leave their area as they are going to begin the rampage. Clampett's timing on the Indians jumping up and down as the horses arrive at the spot is just really unique but really wonderful timing.

Yeah..we've all seen the gags before where folks jump into mid-air and to land on horses, but Clampett really provides a nice illustration to the nice timing where it is exaggerated and jerky...pretty much shows how Warners stood out differently than other directors. One Indian although doesn't perform his timing very well and ends up hitting the ground, but stretches his legs as his horse arrives at the spot. During the chase scenes of the Indians approaching the fortress - Clampett reuses animation in these shots from Sweet Sioux which may be reused but at least the effect does the job.

Meanwhile as Porky is on guard watching outside the fortress; he spots the Indians on the attack. He makes a huge take (1930s Porky take) where he stretches out of his pants but the braces on his trousers keep him attached. He runs and paces up and down panicking 'Indians! Redskins! Mohicans!'. However, all of the guards are asleep.

He then speaks to an injun by accident and mistaking him for a guard. He makes a take once he spots him and throws a barrel on top of the indian's head. Afterwards we find the trumpeter makes the bugle call, and we follow through a montage shots of the soldiers grabbing their weapons and preparing for battle.

The montage effect was also reused from Tashlin's Little Beau Porky. As all of the fortress soldiers, one in particular looks out the window and then brings out his shotgun with the 'spitting' musket gag.

Clampett sure must've loved that gag as so far he's used it three times, but who would've known. One indian in particular stand outside the gates and then begins to take a swig of Four Noses (parody of Whiskey brand 'Four Roses') and ends up breathing fire from the reaction and manages to open up the gate in body form so the Indian can enter the fortress to invade it. Porky however, manages to fire with his cannon at incoming indians (although standing by a stump) and every time he fires -- he jerks back and hits the stump. There is also two indians standing at the scene firing arrows; with a small indian using the tall indian's legs to fire which is rather amusing.

The next sequence is a real highlight where we find a silly-looking guard who shoots out his Indian enemies, and even sings in rhythm to the nursery rhyme Ten Little Indians. He sings, 'One little two little three little indians'. Fires. 'Four little five little six little indians'. Fires again. 'Seven little eight little nine little indians'.

At the spot an Indian arrives and knocks the guard on top of the head with a hammer and remarks the last line 'Ten little indian boys'. Friz Freleng even pulled a gag similar to that in Tom-Tom Tomcat in 1953 - though the timing would be much more funnier.

The guard - knocked down then makes a mark on the 'them' mark whilst they managed to shoot nine indians in a row. Meanwhile; Porky is firing (and hiding behind a barrel) but finds he runs out of ammo with his guns. Meanwhile an indian pops up who is impersonating Jerry Colonna (who is probably one of the funniest celebrity references Warners ever made - through the years). He then pops out and shouts, 'Greetings gate! Let's scalputacte!' which is similar to Jerry Colonna's usual line: 'Greetings gate! Let's oscillate'. He is about to bash Porky but Porky, frightened, stutters for more ammunition.

Daffy (seen hiding under his bicorne pops out like a tortoise and dashes out for more ammunition as ordered. He dashes out (and quickly grabs his hat with his arm). He runs straight into the powder house to collect more bullets and manages to grab a whole box full of them but crashes through the wall of the store very hastily.

He rushes over but ends up tripping a small stump which leads him to trip to the ground where the box flies and the ammunition falls out. There is a funnel stuck to his mouth where a whole load of ammunition and bullets enter his mouth, and even fills up his cheeks.

Afterwards - Daffy manages to already cause quite an explosion when he spits out a bullet. To try and not get any reactions - he holds onto himself and walks a different direction but hits a pole where he ends up reacting badly. The comic timing is very funny of Clampett's where I feel his timing is really getting back on track, and even manages to still have some very fun ideas for character dilemma sequences when still making black and white Porky cartoons.

Porky - still walking back with fear over the Indian after him then finds that Daffy is shooting up bullets. He runs over towards Daffy who is still shaking up with the bullets loaded in his stomach. He runs over and holds Daffy's stomach and begins to fire Daffy like a gun where bullets shoot straight out of his bill which is a really awesome gag that is well executed.

The next scenes follows gag-after-gag of the indians being shot by Daffy's firing and their fight. One indian finds he is being shot by a cannon and hits a tree. One tall indian runs off but much of his body is shot out that he shrinks.

There is also one dark gag where we find an Indian covering himself with a shield but a cannonball fires and the indian is scraped into the soil where the shield turns into a gravestone. All the indians run off - as they nibble into a mountain where it reads: Yanks Beat Indians: 11-3 which is a little corny. Afterwards - Daffy is all puffed out and sweats: 'I'm sure glad that's over with'. He ends up firing bullets out after tripping which is a funny ending as of course - it's not over with...for him!

Overall comments: Over the last couple of black and white Clampett cartoons that have been made - I feel as though Clampett outdid himself in terms of direction and comic timing in his early days. It may not have had a constructed story - as its extremely basic but I though the cartoon itself was rather motivating as it featured some funny gags overall, and the pacing of the cartoon went very smooth. It took about at least two minutes to set up the morning sequences with Porky and Daffy, and then halfway through the action with the Indian sequences. I must say the sequences and the battles of the Indian sequences actually went smooth - not too long and not too short: it went just right. Whilst in cartoons before that; there were many battle sequences which felt too long or even too short; but here it manages to make a move: and even Daffy's self-explosions were very funny.

As I've already said - probably the highlight of the cartoon was the guard shooting the indians and singing Ten Little Indians on the way. It really emphasises on how 'looney' the Warner cartoons really were. As already mentioned - Clampett really did go somewhere different with his comic timing where it all feels really jerky; which isn't really much of a Clampett trademark - but he really does adapt it well in the cartoon. Probably what made the highlight of the cartoon was Daffy Duck who pretty much co-starred in the cartoon, even though he feels like the leading character. I must say; Clampett really saw Daffy Duck in a different view. He usually made him very wacky but here he appears to make him the butt of the gags and even problems; kind of similar to Gabby Goat - if you ask me. Freleng's remake of the cartoon which he would make five years later is really not much different from the original cartoon itself but I'd say its a tad improvement as all the directors were already very funny by then.

235. Porky's Movie Mystery (1939)

starring PORKY as MR. MOTTO
Warner cartoon no. 234.
Release date: March 11, 1939.
Series: Looney Tunes.
Supervision: Bob Clampett.
Producer: Leon Schlesinger.
Starring: Mel Blanc (Porky Pig - Mr. Motto) and Billy Bletcher (Invisible Man), Sara Berner (Operators) and Danny Webb (Police Chief).
Story: Ernest Gee.
Animation: John Carey.
Musical Direction: Carl W. Stalling.
Sound: Treg Brown (uncredited).
Synopsis: The phantom is becoming a threat to Hollywood with crime scenes occurring - only Porky - aka Mr. Motto can solve the mystery.

After the title card appears with a silhouetted hand appearing at the screen - we see the typical title card that reads "starring Porky". But wait, it isn't just that -- it then fades into an Asian looking Porky that reads "as Mr. Motto". Knowing this - I just think this will just ruin the cartoon itself as Porky is already being played as a stereotype and even his voice will just sound different - and it just wouldn't feel like a Porky cartoon to me.

Anyway, there is a description that follows on reading: Any resemblance this picture has to the original story from which it was stolen is purely accidental. Which is of course a spoof of those title cards which were really common for the 1930s and 40s cartoons.

So, the cartoon then starts off as we hear the radio sitting as we listen to a Walter Winchell parody on the radio named Walter Windshield. The announcer begins with his usual catchphrases that was heard on radio like 'Flash!'. He announces of a mysterious phantom that has been haunting the Hollywood studios and we view 'Hollywood' as it is beaming with bright lights and also causing many misadventures over at the Warner Bros. lot.

We then hear the sounds from Stage 13 of a woman screeching which there is a crime scene that has occurred. The figure in a black cloak then steps out of the theatre and laughs rather evilly as he is covered - not revealing his identity. The part where his shadow steps out of the stage door is very good staging.

Afterwards - it follows on with some montage shots of the police officers in the wireless room trying to detect the figure. The news of the phantom already screams the front pages as the studio police are on the hunt for the phantom - and we see some animated shots of the police cars on the lookout in the streets. There is also a small scene with recycled animation of police cars from The Blow Out which appears to be a rather notorious recycled animation for the 1930s WB cartoons.


The case begins as the front page of the newspaper begins with the police officers interviewing suspected movie stars to have been involved in the recent affairs. The really cool effect is seen as we only see the shadow of the studio detective interviewing Frankenstein who is the first suspect. I like how the silhouette is pretty much satirising the dramatic stagings of live-action mystery films.

As Frankenstein is seated; and listening to the questions. He then grabs out his fingers by his teeth and he ends up biting his nails like a typewriter. Mmm, this sequence is certainly 'nail biting'. Mmm, I never thought Frankenstein had really long nails - but perhaps it could be described in the Mary Shelley book? I dunno. The gag itself is very amusing - especially the part with the huge shadow and it turns out to be a dwarf officer who is yelling which is amusing since Frankensteins could crush him easily.

After the scene - it has been proven Frankenstein is obviously not the phantom. Another headline is added where it reads, The Phantom Still At Large! and we follow on a scene of the phantom figure tiptoeing through an empty room. He comes across the swirly stairs - he looks around to see anybody around, and then rushes up the steps. Cool piano cliches on the stepping scenes.

Afterwards, the figure then arrives at the top of the attic - and still runs around the pole for the stairs which is rather cool. He walks through the attic and steps through the door of the upstairs room, and he enters his own hideout - which is the dressing room for The Invisible Man - and he IS the suspect.

The Invisible Man then removes his cloak and of course - we know he is invisible as we only see him wearing a hat, gloves and a pair of shoes. He reveals to everybody watchingg that he is indeed the Invisible Man - who is "a phantom to those guys". He then grabs out an apple as he munches it and we can see the effect of the apple being eaten inside which is awesome. Afterwards - the apple then digests inside the stomach and plops back as an apple. He announces the secret for his crime was because of him being used in only one picture and was then dropped. He reveals much more of his gruesome plans as he plans to wreck all of Hollywood.

Afterwards - the public is already afraid and fearful of the phantom that they are determined in bringing in Mr. Motto to solve the scene. Of course - Mr. Motto was a fictional character who was a detective and was very popular from the 1930s all the way up to the 1950s. We then see a crowd as they are rather afraid and from what we visualise - they are demanding for Mr. Motto to be hired.

Of course - the crowd was some stock footage there, and its certainly cool to be used for comedy here, and exaggeration in animated cartoons by adding some real footage inside.

After all of the humpuss about bringing in Mr. Motto to help solve the case - the newspaper headline announces that he won't be available. The headline reads: Sorry, Motto on Vacation. That is certainy very amusing - added a headline there who it sound disappointed. Reminds me of these headlines you would get from tabloids.  The news of Motto on vacation already causes an uproar that even the studio sergeant phones his agent to take him off vacation, "I don't care if he is on vacation -- get me Mr. Motto!" which is a cool voice done by underrated voice talent Danny Webb. Meanwhile the world's signal and wireless then go asking for Mr. Motto.

Meanwhile in a desert island we find that Mr. Motto (in reality, Porky) is resting in that peaceful island reading his book: Ju Jitsu which is of course an activity which is similar to karate, tiquando, etc. As he reads the book - we then listen to the sound of the phone ringing - of course the only signal that he has to use a phone is a coconut. He cracks it open and answers.

I have to say, and even if it is rather ridiculous but we are going to be listening to him with a Japenese accent throughout the entire cartoon - which in my opinion is rather pointless of having Porky play another character.

But with that said, I have to say I would have to give Mel Blanc credit since it must he difficult to put on a Porky voice doing an impression of a Japanese accent (and still stuttering). As he answers the phone - he hears about the phantom and agrees to travel to do his duty right away. He then turns on the propeller of his island as he travels over to Hollywood, and appropriately playing in the tune of California, Here I Come. Afterwards the island crashes at the pier like a rock -- which is just very, very bizarre. He then boards on his own plane and he travels over to California.

Meanwhile back at the station - the chief policeman is sitting in his office as he is doing some important work. The plane then crashes at the station as the policeman gets a fright. Porky Pig (I mean, Mr. Motto - as I have to call him that in this cartoon) steps out of the plane and is still reading his book. The police chief then greets him by quoting, 'How do YOU do?' from the radio character called the Mad Russian played by Bert Jordan.

I find it rather cool when they both shake hands that Mr. Motto just shakes his whole body as he hits the ground. He then stutters with his apologies - but then hushes him as he grabs out his magnifying glass so he can begin his mystery.

Mr. Motto then walks around the set as he investigates - the typical way: footprints. How does he know which footprint belongs to the phantom? Well anyway - the gag is there is no glass inside as he peeks his head through and that is funny. There appears to be a really terrible cut from the point of where he still investigates (and the director is sitting on the chair) and to the scene where the phantom ('The Invisible Man') appears as he laughs. Something has been cut there - but I wonder if that was a television or theatrical cut since this print I am watching at least doesn't feature a television logo inside so I don't know...

So anyway - after that abrupt and dodgy cut - we see the phantom once again (wow, scary) as he covers his identity and ready for another plan. As he is tip-toeing around the set believing he is alone - he then makes a scared take. He shouts out 'Mr. Motto' as he has managed to spot him. The way Bletcher has voiced it was executed very well.

To avoid getting caught - he comes up with a sneaky plan as he dashes out of the scene to put the cape in the bin (revealing himself as the invisible man) and then hides inside a poster disguising the rest of the clothing to be the poster of the woman.

As the Invisble Man pretends - Mr. Motto walks past the scene as he looks for any further clues. The Invisible Man then decides to risk himself ignorantly by kicking Porky in the rear end and dashing off. Then - the Invisible Man picks up an axe and plans on chopping Mr. Motto. He makes these quick jumps so he misses - even jumping out of his own trousers. There is some jerky animation that follows where the Invisible Man attempts to chop Mr. Motto but manages to dodge -- all jerky timing.

Porky is left to be corned at the wall but he realises he has only one other solution to save his life and fight the phantom. He reads through his jujitsu book so he can learn the techniques (and what he read on vacation). He performs the technique to him where the phantom is just dust as well as hands. Porky grabs out the axe successfully and then joins back into the fight as he continuously punches him.

Porky (I mean Mr. Motto) continues to swing him around until he then collapses to the ground. That sure must've been difficult to animate an action like that of an invisible character. The Walter Winchell parody enters the scene again as he is about to report what the next step that Mr. Motto is about to do.

He grabs out a spray of 'anti-invisible juice' where he is going to squirt it towards the invisible man to reveal the identity. Winchell then announces, 'Ladies and gentleman - the Invisible Man is---'. Hugh Hebert. He then reveals himself as he just claps merrily like he would normally do - and that is a very amusing final shot.

Overall comments: The cartoon is basically a satire of mystery and detective stories which had first been created by the likes of bards like Edgar Allen Poe or even Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White (a terrific book) - but here the mystery is only used for comedy purposes only and its a much more modernised story as the mystery is set in what was the greatest place of the 1930s -- Hollywood. Mystery and detective stories were very huge back around the 1930s as well as even the 19th century - and of course; still remains popular today. As it was Clampett's take on a mystery story - and starring Porky; I find that his take was a rather weak satire.

I have to say that I really do have mixed thoughts about Porky Pig being portrayed as Mr. Motto here. For one reason, why is Porky Pig even in this cartoon if he was just referred as Mr. Motto? And...it could have worked a lot funnier if Avery had his role and used Egghead to satirise the mystery - but here, I just feel having Porky portraying another character just doesn't work - it doesn't even feel like a Porky cartoon to me - and it just feels rather pointless. The story was rather short-lived as well as the pacing of the cartoon that it didn't even feel like a mystery to me - but I admit I will give credit that the Hugh Hebert gag was a little funny at the gag but other than that - I haven't got a lot to say of what was funny of this cartoon as I feel it was just weak and straightforward.  Neverthless, I will give Mel Blanc credit for doing a good job of voicing Porky Pig in a Japenese accent trying to impersonate as Mr. Motto as I thought it must've been difficult for a talented voice artist.