"An Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon"

Release Date March 5, 1928

Running Time 6:19

Synopsis

Oswald finds a rival in Pete for the attentions of Lady Love. Eventually they are both bested by a motorcycling dog.

Characters

Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit

Pete

Credits

Director : Walt Disney

Animation : Ub Iwerks

DVD

Disney Treasures : The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

Disney's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (Non-Disney : Tom's Vintage Film)

Technical Specifications

Color Type : Black and White

Animation type : Standard Animation

Sound mix : Silent

Aspect ration : 1.37 : 1

Negative format : 35mm

Print format : 35mm

Cinematographic process : Spherical

Original language : English

Released by M. J. Winkler Productions

Gallery

Click on the thumbnail for the full-sized picture

Comments

One gag is found here which was reused when Mickey Mouse was created. A goat eats Oswald's music, so Oswald opens the goat's mouth and turns his tail to make the music come out. This would prove to be one of the central gags from "Steamboat Willie."

From David Gerstein : Not only does "Rival Romeos" prefigure "Steamboat Willie" - it features some backgrounds later reused in "The Barn Dance."

Ub Iwerks' animation of Oswald driving to his date and trying to cut off Pete's car are some of the finest (and funniest!) Oswald scenes I've seen.

Only real problem with the cartoon is that as a silent, its theme of musical serenading seems inappropriately chosen. The gags often would have worked far better with real sound and music.

I'd rate the short 8 of 10. Perhaps the best Disney Oswald I've seen.