Tad Pole . . . during this 1943 Looney Tune, TIN PAN ALLEY CATS. Though it comments some on current events (depicting Stalin kicking Hitler's butt in the World War Two battle for Stalingrad, Russia), the final portion of CATS consists of a Private Message from Warner to Emmett's mom Mamie (these names are validated on Wikipedia and elsewhere) warning her NEVER to bring her then-toddler son anywhere near Ted Turner's Racist "Jim Crow" South. Warner populates this final portion of CATS with dozens of symbolic warning devices, including the lips of a grieving Till Family Member (Emmett's Dad?) plodding along post-lynching, lamenting "Mamie, Mamie, Mamie." Warner's cartooning scribes frequently found their colored pencils being directed by a Ouija Board-like impulse from Beyond, usually portending some sort of American death or disaster. No doubt this warning was meant to keep young Emmett away from that serial attendee of MGM's racist offerings, GONE WITH THE WIND FAN J.W. Milam. However, Mamie somehow missed Warner's warning and took Emmett to Money, MS, where J.W. slew him Aug. 28, 1955. That bastion of American Racism, Atlanta "Braves" owner and televised "Tomahawk Chopper" Ted Turner soon added CATS to his infamous cover-up scheme called "The Censored Eleven."

utgard14 Merrie Melodies short, directed by Bob Clampett, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. This one bears some similarities to two of Clampett's other shorts, Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs (also on the Censored Eleven list) and Porky in Wackyland. The plot, such as there is one, is about a black cat going to a night club where the music works him into such a frenzy he has surreal hallucinations. Look, the stereotypical way black people in this are drawn and speak is gross. I don't think anyone will reasonably deny that. But there is some value in this cartoon that's missing from some of the other Eleven. For one thing, the music is terrific. For another, the animation is really nice (offensive parts aside). The trippy hallucination scene is right up Clampett's alley. No one did these types of scenes better than him at that time. So see it if you're a fan of Clampett's and if you don't have a delicate stomach with regard to the offensive elements.

MartinHafer Uggghhh!!!! This is one of several Looney Toons cartoons that were shelved decades back due to their strongly racist content. And while SOME of them are actually highly offensive BUT well-made, this one is a bore even if it weren't full of racial stereotypes. For some of these offensive cartoons, I have recommended people watch them--particularly for their historical value. However, this one has really nothing to recommend it--being a long cartoon with nothing but stupid music and very, very big-lipped Black characters acting,...well,...STUPID! So, the film is offensive, poorly made and not particularly entertaining--everything you'd like in a cartoon, huh?! (this is sarcasm, by the way)

Robert Reynolds This is an incredibly good cartoon that has sadly been shoved into the vaults because of the fact that it caricatures pianist Fats Waller (as a cat, no less) and the powers that be are afraid this short might offend somebody somewhere. Even sadder still, Fats Waller himself is probably all too unknown these days. A great musician and one of those larger-than-life personalities that come along a few times each generation. This short reminds me in spots of Porky In Wackyland, but with better music. This is well worth the effort to hunt for. Most highly recommended.