The Screwdriver
Woody Woodpecker is driving through the countryside and is, shall we say, not a stickler for the rules. He's practically asking for trouble when he confronts a traffic cop who explains he is looking for speeders. Woody reveals himself to be a speeder by driving to Alaska and back in less than a minute. The cop tries to arrest him but Woody states, "I bet ya wouldn't be so tough without that uniform." The officer undresses but Woody attacks him with a boxing glove camera. Woody also gets his goat by dressing as a farmer on horse-and-buggy and as a Chinaboy with rickshaw. Finally, the cop flips out and is sent to a mental hospital with Woody as his caretaker.
Insights
Plot Summary
A short film noir where a detective investigates a murder. The investigation reveals a trail of deceit and betrayal as the detective gets closer to the truth.
Critical Reception
As a short film from 1941, specific critical reception is not widely documented. However, it is often viewed as a minor example of the burgeoning film noir style, appreciated for its atmospheric tone and tight narrative within its limited runtime.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its atmospheric depiction of urban decay and suspense.
- Noted for effectively conveying a sense of dread and moral ambiguity in a short format.
- Appreciated as an early, albeit brief, example of film noir aesthetics.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this short film is not available.
Fun Fact
This short film is notable for its early use of stark lighting and shadow techniques that would become hallmarks of the film noir genre.
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