Release Date:

November 23, 1940

Main Character(s):

Sniffles

Summary:

On Christmas Eve, Sniffles attempts to stay awake to see the arrival of Santa Claus.

That’s Not All, Folks:

The cartoon was given a Blue Ribbon reissue. Due to carolers singing “Joy to the World” being part of the opening credits, it was kept in the reissue. The credits were:

Supervision: Charles M. Jones

Story: Rich Hogan

Animation: Robert Cannon

Musical Direction: Carl W. Stalling

Additionally, a 35mm print with the original titles is rumored to exist. Hopefully, it will be unearthed one day.

This is one of the few cartoons to have been released on my birthday (exactly 64 years before I was born).

Ironically, Jones’ previous cartoon was “Good Night Elmer”, which was about trying to go to sleep. Here, Sniffles attempts to do the opposite.

This is also a rare instance of a Warner cartoon to be completely centered around Christmas.

Sniffles’ clock is branded “Monahan”. This is a reference to storyman Dave Monahan.

What I Like About This One:

The carolers’ rendition of “Joy to the World” at the start of the cartoon.

Sniffles somehow being able to tell the exact time of Santa’s arrival (1 hour and 33 minutes and 47 seconds).

The brand of coffee Sniffles uses is called “Haxwell Mouse Coffee.”

Sniffles dancing to Strauss’ “Vienna Life” on the radio (animated by Phil Monroe).

The radio abruptly switching to the lullaby “Sleep Baby Sleep” causing Sniffles to fall asleep with his face resting on a hair brush. He is woken up again when the radio switches to a rousing rendition of “Jingle Bells” and upon looking at himself in the mirror, believes that the hole marks on his face from the brush are measles before realizing to his relief that this isn’t the case.

After minutes go by, Sniffles attempts to smile with his eyes open very wide before washing his face and using cigarette paper as a towel which he tosses into a nut wastebasket (the music that plays during this whole scene is also very lovely).

At 11:30, Sniffles’ coffee is shown to have failed to help him stay awake and the radio signs off for the night.

The animation of Sniffles’ eyes watching the clock as well as his body slowly slumping off of his chair.

Attempting to read a magazine, Sniffles just so happens to open up to a retirement ad (which shows a tired little boy in pajamas holding a candle and a tire). Sniffles then sees his bed which he turns away from, only to see its reflection in the mirror. Turning the other way has him seeing the shadow of the bed.

Eventually, Sniffles’ conscience causes him to give in and go to bed. He goes to sleep just as Santa flies by and the carolers sing a reprise of “Joy to the World”.

Where Can I Watch It?

At archive.org!

Carrot Rating:

🥕🥕🥕🥕 ½