Orphan's Benefit

LACKING EVERY AVAILABLE luxury except for that of the Technicolor process which was already standard in the Disney SILLY SYMPHONIES Series, this entry into the MICKEY MOUSE Series presents the viewer-ship with a veritable kaleidoscope of movement, characters and gags. It is also a milestone in the evolution of Mickey from being the focus of mischief and the brunt of so many jokes himself.

OPENING SCENES PORTRAY near gala, white tie and red carpet event. Missing only the standard string of searchlights sweeping the skies to an fro, the event is clearly done up as a sort of mirror of the hero worshiped Hollywood scene of the mid '30's Depression Era America.

THE MULTI-FIGURED animation scenes are very pleasing and a treat to the eye; owing to the intricate and carefully balanced imagery. The repetition of action for the purpose of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g out the gags, can and does tend to get a little tiresome; but the overall effect is still good and purposeful.

WHETHER IT WAS intentional or not, the on-stage talent show served to give a chance for trying out a newly found potential cartoon star. Having made his screen debut as a supporting player in THE WISE LITTLE HEN, Donald Duck does his best to launch his career. The antics and contortions he goes through in this animated one reeler are complete, though his arsenal was yet to be developed. It is indeed a true example of a microcosm of what is yet to come.

THE PHYSICAL APPEARANCE of the Duck is also just a bit underdeveloped. He is considerably shorter, slighter and in possession of a longer, thinner bill. He displayed the trademark sailor suit, which also had been his wardrobe of choice in the previously mentioned SILLY SYMPHONY first appearance of 1934.

AS FOR THE "orphans", they are nothing more or less than a cookie cutter proliferation of a younger, smaller Mickey Mouse. Each and every little Mouse acts exactly the same and is equipped without boundless energy that is complemented by that devilish little imp image that was once the trademark of Mickey Mouse, himself.