Chuck Jones did three cartoons featuring the adventurous Ralph Phillips. In "From A to ZZZ" and "Boyhood Days", Ralph is a boy. In this Army-commissioned cartoon, Ralph is of military age and is having nightmares about the call from Uncle Sam – until Willie N. List turns up with his Anti-Nightmare Machine (from ACME corporation, of course), and calms Ralph's fears.
At this stage of Chuck Jones' career, cartooning must have come easy. It is surprisingly good. The Army must has given Jones virtually free rein, because it comes across as informative and fun. It's a cartoon first, an Army recruitment exercise second.
The creative additions add considerably to this cartoon: the dog that must be kept asleep with "Rock-a-bye doggie, in the tree top"; the send-up of Army stereotypes (the sadistic sergeant, KP duty, uniforms that don't fit).
Yes, it's an Army recruitment exercise, but it's more than just that. It's a good cartoon that entertains its audience.
At this stage of Chuck Jones' career, cartooning must have come easy. It is surprisingly good. The Army must has given Jones virtually free rein, because it comes across as informative and fun. It's a cartoon first, an Army recruitment exercise second.
The creative additions add considerably to this cartoon: the dog that must be kept asleep with "Rock-a-bye doggie, in the tree top"; the send-up of Army stereotypes (the sadistic sergeant, KP duty, uniforms that don't fit).
Yes, it's an Army recruitment exercise, but it's more than just that. It's a good cartoon that entertains its audience.