The legs and FEET! Almost the whole story is told by the characters' feet. I think the choreographer contributed an enormous amount to the look of this cartoon. It looks as though the animators copied not only the choreographer's moves, but her feet in ballet shoes for Frankie's 'look'. The first bit with the defense attorney has his legs looking like a goat or a horse, and I immediately thought of a satyr. Given his fatal lack of discretion regarding his relationship with Nellie, maybe he *was* goat-like. Nellie's legs (and arms) tell us she's a 'twisted' character.
I love how diverse the UPA's animations were compared to other studios at that time. back when Disney wouldn't even include a colored person as a background character...
Sleepy Pup I am curious who you read as people of color in this cartoon! It's quite vague on purpose, I presume, but because of my slightly prejudiced upbringing I still (sadly) see white as "default", which is something I strive to change. Who did you read as non-white?:)
For what it's worth, the real-life Frankie Baker was black and really was aquitted. Not that that she had the happiest post-trial life, in part because the song publishers and movie makers that got rich off her story fought in court to keep her from seeing a cent.
@@AvitalShtap it mightve just been coincidence, but I think the lawyer here or Nellie Bly were supposed to be portrayed as black. if not, then, well, this is based on the story of a black woman murdering her lover, as Wychwood said, so there’s that.
Legend has it that in the scene where Frankie yells "That's a lie! That's a lie! SHE'S no singer!" she originally added "She's a..." before it cut to the judge pounding his gavel wildly. Would also explain why Nellie Bly looks so ruffled when we next see her; Frankie nearly called her a hooker in front the the entire courtroom!
The UPA animations always had those influences from the avant-garde art of the first half of the 20th century (cubism, futurism, Paul Klee, Mondrian, Joan Miró, etc.). Also in music: sometimes bebop, sometimes Stravinsky type stuff. The UPA animators were unique for their originality and artistic integrity...!!!
I'm still sad that John Hubley never got to make his feature length movie of 'Finian's Rainbow' - we'll never get to see a full-length animated musical done in the Hubley style.
All of the female voices are performed by Annette Warren, famous for dubbing Ava Gardner in "Show Boat" and Lucille Ball in both "Fancy Pants" and "Sorrowful Jones".
A very stylish intelligent early Fifties animated short for grownups with a great musical soundtrack. Yeah, it is a cartoon. But better than most. Way ahead of its time. Impressive. Jazzy. This is why I love the work of UPA.❤😎
I mean the animation is terrible, but I agree only adults are pretentious enough to claim it’s “stylish” and “intelligent” while being embarrassed by “cartoons”
Ive been referencing this cartoon a lot for an animation Im doing thats supposed to look UPA ish- I just love the movement and style so much, what a treat! Thank you for the upload!
One of the writers, Bill Scott, later joined Jay Ward on The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle as both a writer and the voice of Bullwinkle (and a bunch of other characters.)
I had no idea, myself. I just happened to see his name in the credits and looked him up on IMDB. Ward also worked on UPA's excellent The Tell-Tale Heart, which I also just discovered today. The subreddit r/ObscureMedia brought me here, actually.
Heavens to Murgatroid ! This is a real winner ! Enjoyed it VERY much ! UPA had their own wonderfully unique style ! THANK YOU for sharing this bodacious "blast from the past" with us ! CHEERS !! :-)
I think the animation might be connected, but there's a Gene Vincent song also called "Frankie and Johnny" from 1956. It's also about a girl a killed her abusive boyfriend
There is a much older song by that name that dates back to the earlier part of the 20th century. Maybe 1910s or 1920s. That's what the cartoon is based on
I cannot believe that this groundbreaking classic got snubbed by the Oscar and instead goes to Tom and Jerry: Two Musketeers. Don't get me wrong, I love Tom and Jerry, but the Two Musketeers is my least favorite short.
For someone who just recently watched this in 2020 it’s a pretty decent short .The animation and story of a young woman being in court due to her actions of killing the man she loved but in the end she really is definitely a killer
Turner Classic Movies has released a collection of (Restored) UPA cartoons on DVD called "The Jolly Frolics Collection". I can't link it here but it's not hard to find.
Every once in a while, such as upon hearing the music when Frankie's pronounced innocent, I understand why some people criticize jazz as being uncivilized and savage.
Haha these are really cool 😂 this is very funny and the sound track and over all sound is soooO good 😄 the colours are vibrant and bold absolutely LOVE this . You got great taste kid 😉👏🏼
Man, young me did not appreciate the UPA animation for the art that it is. Back then I arrogantly saw it as lazy and sloppy, but lord was I wrong. The artistry of this animation needs a comeback in our current day, animation feels so stale nowadays.
Before 1980, most cel animation WASN'T for children! Bakshi can sure tell you that. Fred Silverman and Hanna Barbera changed it forever when Fred's niece discovered the Smurfs; the brat's reaction made him see dollar signs. Just like with Ted Turner, here we have an entire world still reacting to what a bunch of old farts decided 40 years ago. Had enough yet? We grownups can always take this artform back, y'know... it does not need hippies; fact is Silent Generation made all this stuff anyway: NOT Boomers.
+Heather Ferreira Wow, Heather I really like adult animation and I hate that animation is not taken seriously, but REALLY? The Brat? I hate the Smurfs but now I want to love them out of fucking spite. Thanks for souring this short for me you jerk.
Eric Twele I don't know my kids and I found this on here about 5 years ago my son was 10 my daughter 6 and they fell out laughing!! To this day If I say Rooty toot toot they crack up😅
justjeff53 : I have been desperately searching for an old cartoon (early 50's I believe) that was similar to Gerald Mc Boing-Boing, but was a bit more "artsy". It seemed to feature sounds and very primal or simple drawings. I do not remember the name, but it was not Gerald...any ideas for me to follow? Many thanks!
Nice to hear from someone who enjoys these classic cartoons.~ Artsier than a UPA cartoon? That would be quite a feat. I have a vague recollection of such a cartoon, but I just can't place it. Possibly animation specifically for early television. If I find anything, I'll let you know.
I would love to subscribe but BoobTube rarely works then when I manage to subscribe many become unsubscribed automatically. I do appreciate your sharing
The Royal Ocean Film Society kid did a sweet 3 part mini video essay on the history of UPA. It's so good. Here's the first part: th-cam.com/video/A8-09DbxHBU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=yfWlL3rVbqz7UpSh
I LOVE Frankie’s expressions, those dirty looks she does are so fun
This is really a milestone in stylized animation. The music, the character designs and the color scheme to dramatize key scenes!
🚬👴🏻🥃 I HATE JIMMY FALLON
Otherwise known as bad animation.
the animation is just so bloody good. so much creativity and originality, the artist's mind let loose. Love it
I swear, the bartender is behind everything.
The legs and FEET! Almost the whole story is told by the characters' feet. I think the choreographer contributed an enormous amount to the look of this cartoon. It looks as though the animators copied not only the choreographer's moves, but her feet in ballet shoes for Frankie's 'look'. The first bit with the defense attorney has his legs looking like a goat or a horse, and I immediately thought of a satyr. Given his fatal lack of discretion regarding his relationship with Nellie, maybe he *was* goat-like. Nellie's legs (and arms) tell us she's a 'twisted' character.
I showed this to a friend and he went further that Honest John looked like the devil. Dont worry, he wast a religious nutjob.
Interesting Tarantino-esque take there.
@@zeltzamer4010 haha
🚬👴🏻🥃
🚬👴🏻🥃 I HATE JIMMY FALLON
I love the soundtrack dissonance so much. Gorgeous, mature cartoon.
🚬👴🏻🥃GET A LIFE.
I love how diverse the UPA's animations were compared to other studios at that time. back when Disney wouldn't even include a colored person as a background character...
It’s beautiful
Sleepy Pup I am curious who you read as people of color in this cartoon! It's quite vague on purpose, I presume, but because of my slightly prejudiced upbringing I still (sadly) see white as "default", which is something I strive to change. Who did you read as non-white?:)
For what it's worth, the real-life Frankie Baker was black and really was aquitted. Not that that she had the happiest post-trial life, in part because the song publishers and movie makers that got rich off her story fought in court to keep her from seeing a cent.
@@wychwoodmusic oh what an interesting piece of history 😀
@@AvitalShtap it mightve just been coincidence, but I think the lawyer here or Nellie Bly were supposed to be portrayed as black. if not, then, well, this is based on the story of a black woman murdering her lover, as Wychwood said, so there’s that.
ong this cartoon bangs
the whole UPA aesthetic needs to make another comeback I stg 😭
Real shit this is genius.
6:01 You have asked for the truth without compunction. I have preformed that fiction...eh function.
Legend has it that in the scene where Frankie yells "That's a lie! That's a lie! SHE'S no singer!" she originally added "She's a..." before it cut to the judge pounding his gavel wildly. Would also explain why Nellie Bly looks so ruffled when we next see her; Frankie nearly called her a hooker in front the the entire courtroom!
I didn't expect a lot of views. But I figured the right people would find it.. Thanks for watching.
You're welcome ! Oodles of thanks for uploading it for us to enjoy !
You are a Legend!!!
I mean many people should know about it’s existence
Deserves way more
SeñorUwU definitely interesting
The UPA animations always had those influences from the avant-garde art of the first half of the 20th century (cubism, futurism, Paul Klee, Mondrian, Joan Miró, etc.). Also in music: sometimes bebop, sometimes Stravinsky type stuff.
The UPA animators were unique for their originality and artistic integrity...!!!
That's why UPA would be known as "The Bauhaus of Animation".
@@KlandestinosProducciones
👍👍👍👍👍
I'm still sad that John Hubley never got to make his feature length movie of 'Finian's Rainbow' - we'll never get to see a full-length animated musical done in the Hubley style.
Personally I thought Frankie was cuter than Nellie, despite being somewhat homicidal:)
schizoidboy Somewhat ? Lmao
Ye tbh
Amen to that ! I totally agree !
But did you see what Nellie could do with her legs? Imagine what she can do in the sack! ;-)
She’s pretty cute for a girl without a nose
6:56 : and here we go again...
Thanks a million for posting this great UPA production!!
Thanks.~ It's always nice to hear from folks who appreciate good, classic animation..
All of the female voices are performed by Annette Warren, famous for dubbing Ava Gardner in "Show Boat" and Lucille Ball in both "Fancy Pants" and "Sorrowful Jones".
Alan Eichler And that could only be the late, great Thurl Ravenscroft as the defense attorney.
Yes, it is!
I love this so much, great story telling with pretty animation
This is one of my all time favorite cartoons. Thanks for uploading!
This is a great short with a dark yet hilarious ending! Also, I'm so glad TH-cam didn't mark this as a kid's video--that would have been so wrong!
One of the best pieces of modern animation imo
I freaking love the song and the premise of the short. How many shorts are about a catchy song about murder...Ok that was creepy.
Not creepy at all ! This is animation at it's best ! And "Frankie and Johnny" is one of our greatest folk songs ! THANX for your comment !!
Right up there with STACK 'O LEE, or STAGGER LEE, depending on your background!😂
A very stylish intelligent early Fifties animated short for grownups with a great musical soundtrack. Yeah, it is a cartoon. But better than most. Way ahead of its time. Impressive. Jazzy. This is why I love the work of UPA.❤😎
I mean the animation is terrible, but I agree only adults are pretentious enough to claim it’s “stylish” and “intelligent” while being embarrassed by “cartoons”
Thanks for sharing this. I remember seeing it at a drive-in theatre when I was a small kid.
Thank you very much for uploading this gem, Jeff! It's one of my favorite cartoons. :-)
Ive been referencing this cartoon a lot for an animation Im doing thats supposed to look UPA ish- I just love the movement and style so much, what a treat! Thank you for the upload!
Come back and let me know when you finish it. I would love to see it.
One of the writers, Bill Scott, later joined Jay Ward on The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle as both a writer and the voice of Bullwinkle (and a bunch of other characters.)
I an animation fan and I never made that connection. Thanks.
I had no idea, myself. I just happened to see his name in the credits and looked him up on IMDB. Ward also worked on UPA's excellent The Tell-Tale Heart, which I also just discovered today. The subreddit r/ObscureMedia brought me here, actually.
What an amazing talent Bill Scott was ! But that's too be expected from a native of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota, and a graduate of Wottsammata U !!
If anything that’s interesting to know that
A copy of really great quality, a pleasure to watch. Thank you!
I love how theatrical this is
The animation has aged well
Neat feature. I think I have seen this as a kid in the early 70s. Too bad many of the UPA features are lost in time. Thanks for posting!
Heavens to Murgatroid ! This is a real winner ! Enjoyed it VERY much ! UPA had their own wonderfully unique style ! THANK YOU for sharing this bodacious "blast from the past" with us ! CHEERS !! :-)
Thurl Ravenscroft voiced the lawyer, right? Tony the Tiger, singer of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."
It's reminds of the Chicago the movie 🎥 about musical murder with Catherine_Zeta jones , Renée Zellweger and Richard Gere
i find myself always searching for it and getting inspired, such a fun short! one of my all time favorites
Thx for this upload ! This cartoon is truly a great piece of art inspired by bebop sonority, aesthetics and tone. Love it :D
Pure! Pure and Demure!
Great Pat Matthews animation, with Johnny sneaking up on Frankie, like a melodrama villain.
4:47 he said it 😭
Love the animation! Add a little *Thurl Ravencroft. some percussion*
*and some arty drawing* and I am in!!!!
Amen to that! Thurl Ravencroft (God rest his soul) was awesome and I really love UPA cartoons.
Recived An Oscar Nomination In 1951
True the Tom and Jerry short The Two Mouseketeers win the Oscar for best animated short in 1951.
I hope universal gives to all upa shorts the love and release it deserve for good
thank you SO MUCH for uploading this. Great copy, and very interesting info!
I think the animation might be connected, but there's a Gene Vincent song also called "Frankie and Johnny" from 1956. It's also about a girl a killed her abusive boyfriend
There is a much older song by that name that dates back to the earlier part of the 20th century. Maybe 1910s or 1920s. That's what the cartoon is based on
Enjoyed this classic cartoon and background information! Much thanks!
I cannot believe that this groundbreaking classic got snubbed by the Oscar and instead goes to Tom and Jerry: Two Musketeers. Don't get me wrong, I love Tom and Jerry, but the Two Musketeers is my least favorite short.
Thanks for uploading
I hope to see this one day on MeTV!
Lol this was hilarious and this art is fantastic. Gotta watch the rest of UPA's output.
6:02 favorite character in glasses
4:20 whoa thought i was about to hear the grinch. lol 4:20
Well, the guy saying the lines is Thurl Ravenscroft, known for You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Grim Grinning Ghosts, etc.
Great animation!
I agree 100 per cent !!
For someone who just recently watched this in 2020 it’s a pretty decent short .The animation and story of a young woman being in court due to her actions of killing the man she loved but in the end she really is definitely a killer
The visual style is also great.
The animation is pretty smooth for a limited animated cartoon
A rooty toot toot!
As Snaggle Puss would say, "Likewise, I'm sure !" :-)
I'm not totally sure what this is, but I know I like it.
6:53 caught red handed
the song reminds
me mafia 2 the
new york was the best
those 50s
Turner Classic Movies has released a collection of (Restored) UPA cartoons on DVD called "The Jolly Frolics Collection". I can't link it here but it's not hard to find.
This, is arguably the funniest vid on Earth. Nice Work, JCM!!!!
Every once in a while, such as upon hearing the music when Frankie's pronounced innocent, I understand why some people criticize jazz as being uncivilized and savage.
Haha these are really cool 😂 this is very funny and the sound track and over all sound is soooO good 😄 the colours are vibrant and bold absolutely LOVE this . You got great taste kid 😉👏🏼
Bebop , baby! I can see Dizzy Gillispie digging this cartoon! Manteca!
She was so clearly guilty.
Stupid court system doesn't work.
MindMeme
Kind of stating the obvious.
Ummm....it's a cartoon. It's not meant to be an accurate reflection of our judicial system.
People here for Thurl
⬇️
Frankie's wearing Louboutins. I recognize those blood red soles.
Steve Stanchfield has a nice transfer of this
Who’s the idiot who didn’t check to see if the gun was still loaded?
Truly we were all the idiots we met along the way...
Thank You so much!!!
nice copy
Thurl Ravenscroft for the defense
And if hadn't been shot dead, he'd have gone on to state "THEY'RE GRRRRREAT !!"
Man, young me did not appreciate the UPA animation for the art that it is. Back then I arrogantly saw it as lazy and sloppy, but lord was I wrong.
The artistry of this animation needs a comeback in our current day, animation feels so stale nowadays.
RIP lawyer
You didn't have to leave 8 comments
rare toon alert!
Do they all say “A Rooty Toot Toot”?
I generally find UPA cartoons to be tedious but this is definitely an exception.
Definitely NOT a children's film. WORTH IT!!!!
Before 1980, most cel animation WASN'T for children! Bakshi can sure tell you that. Fred Silverman and Hanna Barbera changed it forever when Fred's niece discovered the Smurfs; the brat's reaction made him see dollar signs. Just like with Ted Turner, here we have an entire world still reacting to what a bunch of old farts decided 40 years ago. Had enough yet? We grownups can always take this artform back, y'know... it does not need hippies; fact is Silent Generation made all this stuff anyway: NOT Boomers.
+Heather Ferreira Wow, Heather I really like adult animation and I hate that animation is not taken seriously, but REALLY? The Brat? I hate the Smurfs but now I want to love them out of fucking spite. Thanks for souring this short for me you jerk.
+Jose Osorio Gee, calm down Jose.
Sorry, but that just REALLY pushed my buttons.
Eric Twele I don't know my kids and I found this on here about 5 years ago my son was 10 my daughter 6 and they fell out laughing!! To this day If I say Rooty toot toot they crack up😅
i wonder if this song is what Brian Quinn from the Impractical Jokers got the phrase that he sometimes uses from.
"rooty toot toot!"
"Sordid Bar"
Ok so how come Johnny died with a big smile on his face?
justjeff53 : I have been desperately searching for an old cartoon (early 50's I believe) that was similar to Gerald Mc Boing-Boing, but was a bit more "artsy". It seemed to feature sounds and very primal or simple drawings. I do not remember the name, but it was not Gerald...any ideas for me to follow? Many thanks!
Nice to hear from someone who enjoys these classic cartoons.~ Artsier than a UPA cartoon? That would be quite a feat. I have a vague recollection of such a cartoon, but I just can't place it. Possibly animation specifically for early television. If I find anything, I'll let you know.
That would be great! And yes, I am a sucker for good ole artsy fartsy amusements. Many thanks 😲
Any idea what happens in it? Or what the characters look like?
at first I thought it was Bas Sheva singing
You should’ve aim for the girl Frankie
Frankie doesn't have much luck with men, but then again her men don't have any luck with her. ;)
Why Is Zach In The Thumbail?
pure demure💅
RIP man
one of the voices sounds like stan freberg
this was not a accident
Gabriel Litewski She's a Murderer in town!!!
Ahead of its time....maybe Beat
she killed the lawyer too
She was one cute chick but there's no denying that she seemed to have a homicidal streak....
Jubal Calif yeah I know what you mean
Frankie has not only murdered her boyfriend but she's murdered her attorney who had the same name as her boyfriend for short
I would love to subscribe but BoobTube rarely works then when I manage to subscribe many become unsubscribed automatically. I do appreciate your sharing
5:05
i accidentally used this phrase with the girl i like and i needed to know where i got it from...🙃
Where’s the Pink Panther
0:52 walking and camera angles
3:46 white char against colored bg
The Royal Ocean Film Society kid did a sweet 3 part mini video essay on the history of UPA. It's so good. Here's the first part:
th-cam.com/video/A8-09DbxHBU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=yfWlL3rVbqz7UpSh
CAT ANDERSON PLAYED THE TRUMPET????
10/28/1951
Frankie's lost her senses with Nellie Bly over Johnny and Honest John, What gives for a jealous woman to murder her boyfriend just cuz your crazy?