Betty Boop's Ker-Choo

Plot

Betty Boop, Koko the Clown, and Bimbo attend an exciting auto race where Betty is suffering from a severe cold. Throughout the race, Betty's powerful sneezes unexpectedly become her greatest advantage, creating chaos on the track and helping her competitors in various ways. As the race progresses, Betty's sneezes grow stronger and more dramatic, eventually leading to her victory when a final tremendous sneeze propels her car across the finish line. The cartoon showcases the Fleischer Studios' signature surreal animation style with gags involving Betty's illness transforming into racing advantages. The short concludes with Betty celebrating her win while still sneezing, bringing the comedic premise full circle.

Historical Background

Released in March 1933, 'Betty Boop's Ker-Choo' emerged during a pivotal moment in American history and animation. The nation was in the depths of the Great Depression, with unemployment reaching 25%, and Franklin D. Roosevelt had just been inaugurated as President, beginning his New Deal programs. In the animation world, this period marked the transition from the freewheeling pre-Code era to the more restrictive Hays Code enforcement that would begin in earnest later in 1934. Betty Boop herself was undergoing a transformation from her original flapper persona to a more demure character. The cartoon's auto racing theme reflected America's growing fascination with speed and technology, despite the economic hardships. The Fleischer Studios, based in New York rather than Hollywood, represented an East Coast alternative to Disney's dominance in animation, bringing urban jazz culture and surrealist humor to their cartoons.

Making Of

The production of 'Betty Boop's Ker-Choo' took place at Fleischer Studios' newly expanded facility in New York, which had recently moved from Broadway to 1600 Broadway. Dave Fleischer supervised the animation while his brother Max focused on the technical innovations. The cartoon was created using the studio's patented Stereoptical process, which allowed for three-dimensional backgrounds by using actual models filmed on a horizontal plane. The sneeze effects were particularly challenging to animate, requiring multiple layers of cels and careful timing to create the explosive visual impact. Voice actress Bonnie Poe recorded her sneezes in multiple takes, with the sound engineers experimenting with different microphone placements to achieve the desired comedic effect. The racing sequence required extensive planning, with animators studying actual auto races to capture the movement and chaos accurately.

Visual Style

The cartoon showcases Fleischer Studios' revolutionary approach to animation cinematography, utilizing their patented Stereoptical process which created a distinctive three-dimensional effect by filming dimensional model sets. The racing sequences demonstrate remarkable depth of field, with multiple planes of action moving simultaneously. The animation features fluid character movement achieved through rotoscoping techniques combined with exaggerated cartoon physics. The cinematography employs dynamic camera angles unusual for the period, including dramatic close-ups of Betty's sneezes and sweeping shots of the racing action. The visual style incorporates Art Deco elements popular in the 1930s, particularly in the background designs of the racetrack and vehicles. The use of shadows and lighting creates a moody atmosphere that enhances the comedic timing, especially during the sneeze sequences. The animation's frame rate varies strategically, with slow-motion effects emphasizing the impact of Betty's sneezes and rapid-fire cuts during the race's climax.

Innovations

This cartoon represents several technical innovations for its time, particularly in the realm of sound synchronization and visual effects. The Fleischer Studios' use of the Stereoptical process allowed for unprecedented depth in animation, creating a three-dimensional quality that set it apart from competitors' work. The sneeze effects required complex multi-layer animation techniques, with several dozen cels used to create the explosive visual impact of each sneeze. The sound engineering involved pioneering techniques in recording and manipulating vocal effects to create the distinctive sneeze sounds. The racing sequences demonstrated advanced animation timing and motion blur effects that conveyed speed and movement more realistically than previous cartoons. The production utilized early forms of what would become known as 'limited animation' in certain sequences to conserve resources while maintaining quality. The cartoon also featured innovative use of color tints in some theatrical releases, despite being primarily produced in black and white.

Music

The musical score for 'Betty Boop's Ker-Choo' was composed by Sammy Timberg, Fleischer Studios' resident musical director, and reflects the jazz-heavy sound that characterized the studio's output during this period. The soundtrack prominently features a lively jazz orchestra with brass sections and syncopated rhythms that drive the racing sequences. The sneeze effects were musically enhanced, with each sneeze accompanied by orchestral stabs and percussive accents that heightened the comedy. The background music incorporates popular musical motifs from 1933, connecting the cartoon to contemporary popular culture. Sound effects were innovative for their time, with the sneezes created through a combination of vocal recordings, instrumental effects, and mechanical sound production. The cartoon uses diegetic music effectively, with the race announcer's voice and crowd noises creating an immersive audio environment. The soundtrack demonstrates Fleischer's commitment to integrating music and sound as integral components of the storytelling rather than mere accompaniment.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Betty's first sneeze accidentally helps another racer, establishing the running gag
• The climactic final lap where Betty's series of increasingly powerful sneezes create chaos on the track
• The victory scene where Betty celebrates while still sneezing, bringing the comedic premise full circle

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews in trade publications like Variety and The Film Daily praised the cartoon's inventive gags and smooth animation. Critics particularly noted the clever use of Betty's cold as a running joke and the technical skill displayed in the racing sequences. The Motion Picture Herald called it 'another delightful Fleischer creation' and highlighted the studio's ability to consistently produce fresh and entertaining shorts. Modern animation historians view the cartoon as an exemplary specimen of Fleischer's work during their creative peak, with scholars like Jerry Beck and Leonard Maltin citing it as a standout Betty Boop entry. The cartoon is often analyzed in academic studies of early animation for its sophisticated timing and innovative sound design. Contemporary critics appreciate how the short maintains its comedic effectiveness despite the passage of nearly a century, demonstrating the timeless appeal of well-executed physical comedy.

What Audiences Thought

The cartoon was well-received by theater audiences in 1933, who found Betty's predicament both relatable and hilarious. The sneeze gags generated consistent laughter in theaters, with audience members reportedly mimicking the 'ker-choo' sound effect. The auto racing setting proved particularly popular with male audiences, while Betty's charm and comedic timing appealed to the female demographic. Children especially enjoyed the exaggerated physics and visual gags, making it a favorite among family audiences. The short was so popular that it was often held over for multiple weeks in theaters, unusual for an animated short of the period. In later years, the cartoon developed a cult following among animation enthusiasts and Betty Boop collectors, with original theatrical prints becoming highly sought after. Modern audiences discovering the cartoon through home video and streaming continue to respond positively to its inventive humor and classic animation style.

You Might Also Like