"A Silly Symphony"

Release Date August 16, 1930

Running Time 7:34

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

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 : Cinephone; mono

Aspect ration : 1.33 : 1

Negative format : 35mm

Print format : 35mm

Cinematographic process : Spherical

Original language : English

Released by Columbia Pictures

Gallery

Click on the thumbnail for the full-sized picture

Comments

A Silly Symphony

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

From Rod Bennett : 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.

From Jerry Edwards : 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)