Cubby's Stratosphere Flight

Plot

In this whimsical animated short, a young boy named Cubby constructs an elaborate Rube Goldberg-style flying machine in his backyard. The contraption successfully launches him into the stratosphere, taking him on a wild journey to the North Pole. Upon arrival, Cubby encounters an angry polar bear who also serves as a traffic cop, leading to a frantic chase through the arctic landscape. Cubby cleverly ducks into an igloo which transforms into a secret speakeasy, where he discovers a vibrant and wild musical floor show featuring various arctic animals. The film culminates in a chaotic but joyful celebration as Cubby narrowly escapes the pursuing bear and enjoys the unexpected entertainment.

Historical Background

Cubby's Stratosphere Flight was released during the height of the Great Depression, a time when audiences sought escapist entertainment in movie theaters. The film reflects several cultural phenomena of the 1930s, including the public's fascination with aviation advancements following Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight and the ongoing legacy of Prohibition (which would end later that year). The cartoon's speakeasy setting directly references the underground drinking establishments that flourished during the 1920s and early 1930s. The animation industry itself was undergoing significant changes in 1934, with the Hays Code beginning to be enforced, though this short managed to maintain its playful spirit. The film also emerged during the golden age of Hollywood cartoons, when studios were rapidly developing techniques and characters that would define the medium for decades.

Making Of

The production of Cubby's Stratosphere Flight took place during a tumultuous period for Van Beuren Studios, which was struggling financially and creatively against industry giants like Disney and Fleischer. Director Vernon Stallings, who had previously worked on the 'Aesop's Fables' series, brought his innovative approach to character animation to this project. The speakeasy sequence was particularly challenging to animate, requiring careful choreography of multiple animal characters performing simultaneously. The studio's limited budget meant that animators often had to reuse and modify existing animation cycles, a practice common in smaller studios of the era. The voice work was performed by in-house talent, with sound effects created using everyday objects in the studio's foley room. The film's musical score was composed by Gene Rodemich, who was Van Beuren's primary musical director during this period.

Visual Style

The film employs traditional cel animation techniques characteristic of the early 1930s, with notable use of the multiplane camera to create depth in the stratosphere flight sequences. The visual style features the 'rubber hose' animation technique popular during this era, with characters having flexible, boneless limbs. The color palette, despite being black and white, uses tonal variations effectively to distinguish between different environments - the warm tones of Cubby's home, the cool grays of the arctic landscape, and the dramatic shadows of the speakeasy. The animation of the Rube Goldberg machine demonstrates sophisticated mechanical movement, while the musical numbers feature dynamic camera movements and creative staging.

Innovations

Cubby's Stratosphere Flight showcased several technical innovations for its time, particularly in its use of the multiplane camera system to create depth during the flight sequences. The animation of the Rube Goldberg machine demonstrated sophisticated mechanical understanding and timing, requiring precise synchronization of multiple moving parts. The film also featured early experiments with character lip synchronization, though the results were sometimes inconsistent. The speakeasy transformation sequence required innovative use of dissolves and morphing techniques to smoothly transition the igloo into a jazz club. The production team developed new methods for creating convincing snow and ice effects using cel animation techniques that would influence later winter-themed cartoons.

Music

The musical score for Cubby's Stratosphere Flight was composed by Gene Rodemich, Van Beuren Studios' musical director, who incorporated elements of jazz and popular music of the period. The speakeasy sequence features an original musical number with lyrics that parody contemporary songs about nightlife and prohibition. Sound effects were created using innovative foley techniques, with the flying machine's sounds produced by combining various mechanical noises. The film's soundtrack represents an early example of synchronized sound in animation, with dialogue, music, and effects carefully timed to the visuals. The score was recorded using the RCA Photophone system, one of the leading sound-on-film technologies of the era.

Memorable Scenes

• The elaborate Rube Goldberg machine sequence where Cubby's contraption comes to life with chain reactions and mechanical precision
• The transformation of the simple igloo into a vibrant speakeasy complete with jazz music and dancing animals
• The chase sequence through the arctic landscape where Cubby outsmarts the polar bear traffic cop using various snow-based tricks

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of Cubby's Stratosphere Flight were generally positive, with trade publications like Variety praising its inventive gags and smooth animation. The Motion Picture Herald noted that the film's 'imaginative sequences and lively musical numbers' made it a strong supporting feature for theatrical bookings. However, critics also pointed out that the animation quality, while competent, didn't quite match the standards being set by Disney at the time. Modern animation historians have re-evaluated the film as an important example of Van Beuren Studios' output and a representative piece of 1930s animation that captures the era's aesthetic sensibilities and technical capabilities.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences of 1934 reportedly enjoyed Cubby's Stratosphere Flight for its slapstick humor and musical entertainment, with theater owners noting that it received good audience reactions as part of their programming. The film's blend of fantasy, comedy, and music appealed to family audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment during difficult economic times. While Cubby never achieved the popularity of Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop, the character developed a modest following among regular moviegoers who appreciated his mischievous adventures. The speakeasy sequence was particularly well-received, with audiences responding positively to the unexpected musical number featuring Arctic animals.

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