Sunday, October 18, 2015

Toon Legends: Woody Woodpecker in The Mad Hatter (1947-8)

I wrote a while back that Woody Woodpecker had long been associated with Universal. Well, pilgrims, it turns out that wasn't always the case!

"The Mad Hatter", carrying a 1947 copyright date, and released in February 1948, was distributed by United Artists. Creator Walter Lantz wasn't too thrilled with the business agreement with UA, and a few years later, made the move to Universal.



Co-author Ben Hardaway was, I believe, the voice of Woody in this one. The script plays out as if Hardaway had tried to copy some of the gags from WB favorites Daffy Duck & Porky Pig, because you can imagine those two having the same kind of problems with the hat, although Porky would have an encounter with some magic shoes.......

Rating: B.

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