Release Date:

December 4, 1937

Main Character(s):

None

Summary:

A takeoff on the forgotten radio program, the “Community Sing” (as the “Community Swing”) with forest animals being caricatured as celebrities.

That’s Not All, Folks:

The radio station, KUKU, is the name of an actual radio station in Willow Springs, Missouri. It is a pun on the word “cuckoo”.

The cartoon reuses animation from “The Coo Coo Nut Grove” (Ben Birdie) and “My Green Fedora” (a penguin singing the song instead of a rabbit).

Caricatures in this cartoon (and boy, there are a LOT of them) include Alexander Woollcott (as Owl Cott), Ben Bernie (as Ben Birdie), Walter Winchell (as Walter Finchell), Milton Berle (as Milton Squirrel), Eileen Barton’s character Jolly Gillette (as Polly), Wendell Hall (as Wendell Howl), Billy Jones (as Billy Goat), Ernie Hare (as Ernie Bear), Portland Hoffa, Fred Allen (as Mr. Growlin’), Eddie Cantor (as Eddie Gander), Sophie Tucker (as Sophie Turkey), WC Fields (as WC Fieldmouse), Dick Powell (as Dick Fowl), Fats Waller (as Fats Swallow), Deanna Turpin (as Deanna Terrapin), Irvin S. Cobb (as Irvin S. Frog), Fred MacMurray (as Fred McFurry), Bing Crosby (as Bing Crowsby), Al Jolson (as Al Goatson), Ruby Keeler (as Ruby Squealer), Lanny Ross (as Lanny Hoss), Grace Moore (as Grace Moose), Lily Pons (as Lily Swans), Haven McQuarrie (as Raven McQuandry), Joe Penner (as Joe Penguin), Martha Raye (as Moutha Bray), Tizzie Lish (as Tizzie Fish), Louella Parsons (as Louella Possums), Jack Benny (as Jack Bunny), Mary Livingstone (as Canary Livingstone), and Andy Devine (as Andy Bovine).

What I Like About This One:

Owl Cott saying he is “blandly announcing” about tonight’s program.

Walter Finchell trying to drop an egg on Ben Birdie but Ben’s cigar turns into an umbrella.

Wendell Howl having trouble on deciding what page to open the song books to. He eventually decides to not use the books, but the audience retorts, “Oh yes we will!” and throw them at him.

Portland Hoffa (as a rabbit) telling Mr. Growlin’ (who’s singing “Swanee River” instead of the title song) he’s singing the wrong song. His response is “WHY DON’T SOMEBODY TELL ME THESE THINGS!?”

The lineup of the celebrities as animals.

Grace Moose and Lily Swans trying to outdo each other in singing a high note.

Raven McQuandry asking, “Do you want to be an actor?” and getting “NO!” as a response.

Tizzie Fish’s ridiculous recipe for a “whiffle” (instead of a waffle).

Andy Bovine talking very loudly to his “parents”, Jack Bunny and Canary Livingstone.

Where Can I Watch It?

At archive.org!

Carrot Rating:

🥕🥕🥕 ½