During WWII, many of America's best animators and cartoon studios went to work for the US government. So, instead of just producing normal everyday cartoons, soon very high quality cartoons were being made for consumption by the troops. Using cute but edgy characters, such as Private SNAFU, important lessons were now being taught to the soldiers, sailors and airmen. And, because the cartoons were very high quality and a bit racy, they were very effective and clever.
While cruising around YouTube today, I found a similar sort of film but it was made a few years after WWII...and what a huge difference a few years would make!! Because I loved the cartoons so much from the war, I was eager to see this post-war offering to the troops.
When this cartoon began, a 'Restricted' is emblazoned across the screen. I expected it might have a bit of raunchy humor of language like some of the SNAFU cartoons. Oddly, however, there is nothing adult about the cartoon at all. Sure, kids might be bored by it (as would adults!), but why restrict it?!
As for the cartoon, it's a preachy and humorless film extolling the virtues of sailors remaining in the navy and re-enlisting because life outside the navy sucks. This seemed not only disingenuous and their point poorly made. Additionally, unlike the WWII cartoons, the animation quality of this one was in color BUT also very poorly and cheaply animated. Obviously the government was no longer using the best and brightest in the film industry. Overall, a very dull and unappealing film...probably not worth your time.
