Russian Rhapsody

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Russian Rhapsody

Merrie Melodies series
Directed by Robert Clampett
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Story by Lou Lilly
Voices by Mel Blanc
Music by Carl Stalling
Animation by Rod Scribner
Distributed by Warner Brothers
Release date(s) May 20, 1944 (USA)
Color process Technicolor
Running time 7 min, 04 sec
IMDb profile

After Falling Hare turned into a big hit in 1943, Bob Clampett made another Wartime cartoon involving gremlins, called Russian Rhapsody a Merrie Melodie, released to theaters on May 20, 1944. The original title of this cartoon was Gremlins from the Kremlin., but producer Leon Schlesinger changed the title when Disney began making its own wartime short about Gremlins, and asked other studios to not produce films about them. In Falling Hare, Bugs Bunny was the victim, whilst in this short the victim (and main character) was Adolf Hitler.

[edit] Credits

[edit] Synopsis

German Bombers are failing to make it to Moscow in World War II, so Adolf Hitler decides to personally fly a bomber to attack the Russians. On the way there however, the "Gremlins from the Kremlin" sneak onto the plane, and without Hitler's knowledge, begin to dismantle it.

Hitler eventually finds out about the gremlins, and tries to retaliate. He fails, and the gremlins succeed in throwing him out of the plane. Realizing the plane catching up to him, he tries to hide, but is hit. The short ends with the gremlins celebrating in victory, and Hitler remarking that "Nazis is the craziest peoples!".

[edit] Production

Many of the Gremlins are parodies of the Warner Brothers cartoon staff. The style of caricature is reminiscent of a 1936 Christmas Card from the staff, as drawn by T. Hee. Among the recognizable gremlins are Chuck Jones, Robert Clampett, Leon Schlesinger, Michael Maltese, and Ray Katz. Friz Freleng and Henry Binder are also referenced during the fake German rant at the beginning of the cartoon.

[edit] External links


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