"A Silly Symphony"

Synopsis

A spider seeks shelter inside an old toy store, where he soon discovers that the merchandise comes to life after dark.

Credits

Director : Wilfred Jackson

Animation

Johnny Cannon

Les Clark

Dave Hand

Tom Palmer

Dick Lundy

Ben Sharpsteen

Jack King

Norm Ferguson

Backgrounds

Carlos Manriquez

Emil Flohri

Music : Bert Lewis

Cut Scenes

A doll portrayed as a black stereotype saying "Mammy" was cut from this short. It has been restored for the recent (2006) DVD release "More Silly Symphonies."

Television

The Ink and Paint Club : #18 : A Bunch of Silly Symphonies

DVD

United States

Disney Treasures : More Silly Symphonies

Technical Specifications

Color Type : Black and White

Animation type : Standard

Sound mix : Mono ; Cinephone

Aspect ration : 1.37 : 1

Negative format : 35mm

Print format : 35mm

Cinematographic process : Spherical

Original language : English

Released by Columbia Pictures, Inc.

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Copyright Date : August 15, 1930; New York Opening : December 24, 1930; Los Angeles Opening : September 8, 1930

Released in an edited form to the home movie market under the titles "The Dancing Toys", "Fireworks" and "Christmas in Toyland."

This is (I believe) the first use of the much-remade "inanimate objects come to life after dark" plotline. Every cartoon-maker in Hollywood (including Disney) will re-use this gimmick dozens of times before the decade is over.

A spider enters a toy shop to escape from a winter storm and is scared by various toys. The tiny spider beats a hasty retreat when some firecrackers are accidentally ignited by a lighted candle. Contains a "usually censored" scene in which a black doll, shown in "typical" black stereotype clothes and hair style, crys "Mammy" after white, blond-haired dolls cry "Mama." A good, enjoyable cartoon.

Referenced Comments

Egyptian Melodies (1931)