Robot Wrecks
Spanky and the gang discover a demonstration of a "human-like" robot named Volto and are inspired to create a robot themselves to do their chores for them. Slicker Walburn convinces them they will need "invisible rays" to bring it to life which he just happens to have to sell to them. As they rush off to get their money, Slicker gets Boxcar Smith to wear the robot's outer body so when he "brings" the robot to life, it will be Boxcar bringing it to life. The gang unsuspectedly gets their robot to mow the lawn at Froggy's house, but with a signal from Slicker, Boxcar runs amok and mows down everything in his path. Froggy gets to explain what happened to his parents who bust up the fraud and get the miscreants to work with the gang to clean up the mess.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this animated short, a scientist invents a robot designed to do household chores. However, the robot malfunctions spectacularly, causing widespread chaos and destruction within the scientist's home. The scientist must then find a way to control or deactivate his rogue creation before it causes any more damage.
Critical Reception
As a classic Fleischer Studios cartoon, 'Robot Wrecks' is generally well-regarded for its imaginative animation and comedic timing. While not as iconic as some of their earlier Betty Boop or Popeye shorts, it stands as a charming example of the studio's work during the early 1940s. Audiences typically enjoyed its blend of futuristic concepts with slapstick humor.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its inventive animation and energetic slapstick.
- Appreciated for its early science fiction themes within a comedic context.
- Seen as a solid, though not groundbreaking, entry from Fleischer Studios.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1941 short is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This short marked one of the final collaborations between brothers Dave and Max Fleischer before their studio's decline.
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