Hell-Bent for Election
Hell-Bent For Election | |
---|---|
E.Y. Harburg (lyrics) | |
Animation by | Robert Cannon Ben Washam Ray Patin Volus Jones Rudy Larriva Emery Hawkins Phil Monroe |
Color process | Technicolor |
Production company | |
Distributed by | United Auto Workers |
Release date |
|
Running time | 13 mins (two reels) |
Language | English |
Hell-Bent For Election is a 1944 two-reel (thirteen minute)
The short was one of the first major films from United Productions of America (then known as "Industrial Films"), which would go on to become the most influential animation studio of the 1950s. As UPA did not have a full staff or a studio location until the late 1940s, this film was made in animator Zack Schwartz's apartment with the help of moonlighters from various local Hollywood animation studios. Among the moonlighters was Chuck Jones, who directed the film.[4][5]
Plot
The film is an
The conflict in the film centers on Joe, a
The film ends with a
Analysis
Hell-Bent for Election is a far more literal film than later UPA productions such as
The film was sponsored by
The short focuses on contrasting attitudes toward World War II, with the contest between the "Win the War Special" (representing Roosevelt) and the "Defeatist Ltd" (representing Dewey).[8] The argument between Joe and The Wrecker refers to the War and attitudes toward it. Joe argues that "we" [Americans] are out to win the war, while The Wrecker snarls that this is Roosevelt's war. As he says that, the Wrecker transforms into a caricature of Adolf Hitler.[8] After a psychedelic dream sequence, Joe's awakening results in him sending the munitions-laden Special on its run toward victory.[8] On the road to Washington, which characterizes the hope for a peaceful post-WW2 world, a billboard depicting Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and a caricature of Hideki Tojo is featured.[8] The "Post War Observation Car" displays veterans' benefits and full employment as post-war goals.[8]
Sources
- Shull, Michael S.; Wilt, David E. (2004). "Filmography 1944". Doing Their Bit: Wartime American Animated Short Films, 1939–1945. Jefferson, NC: ISBN 978-0-7864-8169-9.
See also
- List of American films of 1944
- 1944 United States presidential election
- United Productions of America
References
- ISBN 979-8-88771-010-5.
- ^ Amazon.com
- ^ Saved from the flames. Persuade me (eVideo,2008)-WorldCat
- ^ Hell-Bent For Election (1944) Theatrical Cartoon-BCDB[dead link]
- ^ MUBI
- ^ "Democratic Attitudes Towards Jim Crow in 1944? A Cartoon View". February 9, 2015.
- ^ Internet Archive
- ^ a b c d e Shull, Wilt (2004), p. 169–170
External links
- The short film Hell-Bent for Election is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive.
- Hell-Bent for Election at IMDb
- Hell-Bent for Election on YouTube