Movie spotlight
Rhapsody in Zoo
Utililizing from fair-to-passable-to-get the hook performers and acts, Mentone Musicals producer Milton Schwartzwald offers them all in a menagerie setting, with several humans, dressed in wild animal skins acting as audience members. Toss in Mark Plant---next seen on film years later---as an master-of-ceremonies dressed (or undressed as the case may be) like Tarzan. First act in this zoo is The Nagasake Tramp Band (all black performers)who do a couple of novelty instrument specialties, followed by Ruth Daye (aka Ruth Day) who does a tap dance that leaves Leo and the other audience lions roaring. Schwartzwald, never one not to know how to change the pace, then brings on The Ashburns, who trip through some ballroom dancing. Singer Evelyn Poe picks the pace back up with a hot-swing number. Evidently, on the premise that if one novelty band is good then two should be twice as good, The Kidoodlers make their entrance.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this animated short, a zoo director is concerned about the animals' unhappiness and decides to throw a musical party for them. The animals, initially reserved, soon find their rhythm and burst into a joyous dance, much to the director's delight. It's a whimsical tale of how music can bring joy and liberation to even the most confined creatures.
Critical Reception
As a Fleischer Studios short, 'Rhapsody in Zoo' is generally appreciated for its animation quality and inventive musical sequences, typical of the era's best cartoons. While not as iconic as some of their Betty Boop or Popeye shorts, it holds its own as an entertaining and technically proficient piece.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its lively animation and energetic musical numbers.
Appreciated for its whimsical premise and charming depiction of animals coming to life.
Seen as a solid example of Fleischer Studios' animation style during its golden age.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the cartoon's visual inventiveness and the fun, upbeat musical score, noting it as a delightful piece of classic animation.
Fun Fact
This short is notable for showcasing the Fleischer Studios' trademark rubber-hose animation style and their innovative use of music and sound effects, which were groundbreaking for the time.
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