How to Make a Horse Leap

Bob Clampett looked to be on his way to a great career as a movie cartoon producer. He signed a multi-picture deal with Republic and made one cartoon. But by the time it was released in late 1947, Republic pretty much had decided to get out of the short subject business, and It’s a Grand Old Nag was the only cartoon he made for the studio.

It’s too bad. The cartoon is briskly paced, the animation is first-rate, the voice work is well done and even first-time, the story flows well with some good (and familiar) gags and the music fits, despite the composer never having worked in animation.

Bumpkin-like Charlie Horse (played by Stan Freberg) is hired by Gregory Ratoff-ish director (played by Dave Barry) to be the latest stunt double for an arrogant star. In one scene, Charlie is supposed to jump off a cliff. His hoofs won’t do it. The director finds a way to help. Clampett cuts to an interesting perspective. The footprint on the butt is a nice touch.



Steve Stanchfield and Thad Komorowski can be thanked for finding a print of this rare cartoon. If you want to learn more about it, see this post, or search on "Republic" on the blog.