Mercearia Maluca

Bob Clampett's 'Goofy Groceries' is another in the series of things-coming-to-life cartoons that were popular in the 30s and 40s. Rather than the usual books or magazines, 'Goofy Groceries' features various products and labels suddenly becoming animated. Clampett would go on to direct the definitive cartoon in this vein with the marvellous 'Book Revue' but 'Goofy Groceries' has more in common with Frank Tashlin's earlier efforts 'Speaking of the Weather' and 'Have You Got Any Castles'. This was still in the day when Merrie Melodies were the big, prestige colour cartoons and the Disney-esquire opening with its idyllic snowy scene and Christmas music betrays this fact. However, once it gets underway, 'Goofy Groceries' builds up a head of steam that makes for an enjoyable cartoon. Following the same formula as the other cartoons in this loose series, 'Goofy Groceries' introduces a baddie at the half way mark and proceeds to pit the other characters against him. In this case, the baddie is a gorilla who escapes from a box of Animal Crackers. The arrival of this character is what triggers the Clampett magic. Having got the obligatory musical number and quaint punning spot gags out of the way, Clampett shows a glimpse of his true colours in the final sequences as Jack Bunny and Superguy battle with the gorilla. This is where the energy in the cartoon really reaches its peak, although the deus ex machina climax is something of a disappointment and the closing gag is a dated blackface routine. Nevertheless, 'Goofy Groceries' makes a sufficient impact to make it a worthwhile and often very enjoyable watch.