Pleased to Eat You

Plot

A hungry lion in the jungle is captured by a clever hunter who tricks the beast into a cage. After being transported to civilization, the resourceful lion manages to escape his confinement and immediately seeks food, stumbling upon a hot dog stand operated by a street vendor. The lion proceeds to rob the hot dog stand, devouring numerous sausages and creating chaos in the process. The police are alerted to the situation and a wild chase ensues through the city streets as the lion attempts to evade capture while continuing his quest for food. The pursuit leads to various comedic situations as the lion outsmarts his pursuers using his natural abilities and street smarts. Eventually, the lion's hunger is satisfied, but his freedom remains in jeopardy as the authorities close in on their unusual fugitive.

Historical Background

This film was produced during the Golden Age of American Animation, a period when theatrical cartoon shorts were a standard part of movie theater programming. In 1950, the animation industry was experiencing significant changes as television began to emerge as a new entertainment medium. Famous Studios, like other animation houses, was adapting to post-war economic conditions by streamlining production processes. The film reflects the comedic sensibilities of post-war America, featuring themes of resourcefulness and rebellion against authority that resonated with audiences of the time. The cartoon's urban setting and focus on consumer culture (the hot dog stand) mirrored the growing commercialization of American society in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Making Of

The production of 'Pleased to Eat You' took place during a transitional period for American animation studios. Famous Studios was operating at peak efficiency, producing multiple theatrical shorts each month. Director Izzy Sparber, known for his ability to deliver cartoons on schedule and under budget, utilized a team of experienced animators who had previously worked at Fleischer Studios. The animation team employed the limited animation technique that was becoming industry standard, focusing on key movements and using repeating cycles to save production time. The voice recording sessions were conducted at Paramount's sound stages, with Jackson Beck providing the lion's distinctive growls and dialogue. The musical score was created by Winston Sharples, Famous Studios' resident composer, who worked closely with the animators to ensure the music synchronized perfectly with the on-screen action. The hot dog stand sequence required particularly careful storyboarding to coordinate the complex movements of the lion, the vendor, and the various food items involved.

Visual Style

The film utilized traditional cel animation techniques with backgrounds painted in watercolor to create depth and atmosphere. The animation style featured the characteristic rubber-hose movement common to Famous Studios productions. The chase sequences employed multi-layered backgrounds to create a sense of movement and speed. Color was used effectively to distinguish between the jungle scenes (warm greens and browns) and the urban setting (grays and bright colors for the hot dog stand). The visual storytelling relied heavily on exaggerated facial expressions and body language to convey emotion and comedy.

Innovations

The film demonstrated Famous Studios' mastery of limited animation techniques while maintaining visual quality. The hot dog stand robbery sequence showcased innovative use of animation cycles to create complex action efficiently. The studio employed early versions of what would become standard techniques for animating animal characters in human environments. The chase sequences utilized perspective animation to create the illusion of movement through space. The film also demonstrated effective use of color to enhance storytelling and mood.

Music

The musical score was composed by Winston Sharples, Famous Studios' longtime musical director. The soundtrack featured jazz-influenced orchestral arrangements typical of the era, with prominent use of brass instruments during action sequences. The music incorporated leitmotifs for different characters, with the lion's theme featuring low brass and percussion. Sound effects were carefully synchronized with the animation, particularly during the chase and eating sequences. The film included minimal dialogue, relying instead on musical cues and sound effects to advance the story.

Memorable Scenes

• The lion's escape from the cage using his strength and clever thinking
• The hot dog stand robbery sequence where the lion skillfully catches and eats multiple hot dogs
• The police chase through city streets with the lion using rooftops and alleys to evade capture
• The final scene where the lion, full from his feast, peacefully sleeps in a park while police search nearby

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of the film were generally positive, with trade publications noting the cartoon's brisk pacing and effective comedic timing. The Motion Picture Herald praised the animation quality and the clever use of sound effects during the chase sequences. Modern animation historians recognize the film as a solid example of Famous Studios' output during their peak period, though it's not considered among their most groundbreaking works. The cartoon is often cited for its effective use of limited animation techniques to create dynamic action sequences.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by theater audiences of 1950, who appreciated its fast-paced humor and visual gags. Children particularly enjoyed the lion character and his clever escape from the police. The hot dog stand robbery sequence was especially popular with young viewers. The cartoon's short runtime and straightforward plot made it ideal for its intended purpose as a theatrical short before feature presentations. Audience reaction cards from Paramount theaters indicated strong positive responses, particularly from family audiences.

You Might Also Like