Way Back When a Nag Was Only a Horse

Plot

This Fleischer Studios animated short takes viewers on a comedic journey to prehistoric times, exploring how language and everyday objects have evolved throughout history. The cartoon follows early cave people as they navigate their primitive world, with particular focus on the evolution of transportation and how the word 'nag' originally referred to horses before its modern connotation. Through a series of humorous vignettes, the film contrasts prehistoric life with modern conveniences, highlighting the dramatic changes in technology, communication, and daily living. The animation cleverly plays with word origins and historical development, using the Fleischer studio's signature style to bring cavemen, dinosaurs, and early inventions to life in a whimsical, educational yet entertaining manner.

Historical Background

Released in December 1940, this cartoon emerged during a pivotal moment in American history and animation. The United States was still officially neutral in World War II but was preparing for possible involvement. The animation industry was in its golden age, with theatrical shorts being a standard part of movie programs. Fleischer Studios was at its creative peak, having recently produced the groundbreaking Superman cartoons and continuing their Popeye series. The film reflects the era's fascination with progress and modernization, using prehistoric times as a humorous contrast to 1940s American life. This was also a time when educational content was becoming more common in entertainment, as society recognized the power of media to inform as well as amuse.

Making Of

The production of this cartoon took place during a transitional period for Fleischer Studios, which had recently relocated from New York to Miami, Florida to take advantage of tax incentives and escape union pressures. Dave Fleischer, known for his spontaneous and improvisational directing style, would often come up with gags on the spot during story sessions. The studio's famous 'bouncing ball' technique, which they pioneered for sing-along cartoons, may have influenced the educational approach of this short. The animators used the studio's signature rubber-hose animation style, giving characters fluid, exaggerated movements. The Stereo-optical process, a Fleischer innovation, was likely employed to create depth in the prehistoric backgrounds, setting the studio apart from competitors who used flat background paintings.

Visual Style

The cartoon employs Fleischer Studios' signature animation techniques, including their innovative Stereo-optical process that created a 3D effect by photographing animated cels over miniature three-dimensional sets. This technique gave the prehistoric backgrounds an unusual depth and realism that distinguished Fleischer cartoons from competitors. The animation style features the characteristic 'rubber hose' technique popular in the 1930s, where characters have fluid, boneless movements. The visual design likely combines Art Deco influences with prehistoric imagery, creating a stylized version of caveman life that was typical of the era's animation. Color usage would have been vibrant, utilizing the three-strip Technicolor process that Fleischer Studios had adopted for many of their productions.

Innovations

The most significant technical achievement in this cartoon would be the use of Fleischer Studios' patented Stereo-optical process, which created a unique 3D effect by combining traditional animation with three-dimensional miniature sets. This innovation set Fleischer apart from other animation studios of the era and gave their films a distinctive visual depth. The cartoon also demonstrates the studio's mastery of the multiplane camera technique and their ability to synchronize complex animation with musical scores. The fluid character animation, achieved through the rubber-hose style, required considerable technical skill from the animators. Color technology was also a key achievement, with the cartoon likely produced in three-strip Technicolor, which was still relatively new and expensive in 1940.

Music

The musical score would have been composed by Fleischer Studios' regular music department, likely including Sammy Timberg as musical director. The soundtrack would feature original compositions that blend jazz influences with classical elements, characteristic of Fleischer's musical style. Sound effects would be prominent, using the studio's creative approach to audio that matched their visual innovation. The cartoon may include musical numbers or songs, as was common in Fleischer productions of this era. Voice work would have been done by the studio's regular talent pool, possibly including Jack Mercer or Mae Questel, though specific voice credits for this short are not well-documented.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence establishing the prehistoric setting with Fleischer's characteristic 3D backgrounds
• Scenes demonstrating the evolution of transportation from primitive to modern
• Wordplay sequences showing how language has changed over time
• Musical numbers combining education with entertainment

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for this type of short cartoon was typically limited to trade publications like Variety and The Film Daily. Educational-comedy shorts from Fleischer Studios were generally praised for their entertainment value while being recognized as less polished than Disney's educational efforts. Modern animation historians and critics often view these Fleischer shorts as important examples of the studio's versatility and their unique approach to combining education with entertainment. The cartoon is appreciated today for its historical value as a product of the Golden Age of Animation and as an example of Fleischer's distinctive style that differed significantly from the Disney aesthetic.

What Audiences Thought

As a theatrical short released in 1940, this cartoon would have been seen by movie-going audiences as part of a full program that included newsreels, previews, and a feature film. Audience response to Fleischer's educational shorts was generally positive, with viewers appreciating the humor and visual gags even if the educational content was secondary. The prehistoric theme and wordplay would have resonated with audiences of the time, who were familiar with caveman comedy tropes. Modern audiences viewing this cartoon today often appreciate it for its historical value and as an example of classic animation techniques, though some of the humor and references may feel dated to contemporary viewers.

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