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Director: Earl Hurd
Release date: April 23, 1919
Stars: Bobby Bumps and Fido
Rating: ★★★
Review:
‘Bobby Bumps’ Pup Gets the Flea-Enza’ is a funny take on the devastating Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918-1920. In this cartoon Bobby Bumps and Fido both think Fido’s got the influenza, while he only got a flea (depicted as a black devilish little man).
The humor is mild, but Earl Hurd once again demonstrates to be one of the best animators of the era. Every shot and move look smooth and elegant. The best gag may be the visit to the horse doctor.
‘Bobby Bumps’ Pup Gets the Flea-Enza’ is available on the Blu-Ray-DVD combo ‘Cartoon Roots: The Bray Studios Animation Pioneers’
Director: Otto Messmer
Release date: October, 1919
Stars: Charlie Chaplin
Rating: ★★
Review:
‘Charley at the Circus’ is an entry in Pat Sullivan’s Charlie Chaplin animated cartoon series.
As the title implies, the complete film takes place in a circus, and involves gags with Kewpie the Strong Woman, Mitzi the fat lady, a flea circus and a bearded lady, and Pauline the noseless goat. Notice the throwaway gag on the upcoming prohibition.
As with the other Charlie Chaplin shorts, the animation is crude and stiff, but at least this film profits from a running gag of a heavy guy chasing Charlie Chaplin. Nevertheless, there is no hint of greatness in this cartoon, and it’s clear that animator Otto Messmer still had to find his vibe.
‘Charley at the Circus’ is available on the Blu-Ray ‘Cartoon Roots: Otto Messmer’s Feline Follies’
Dr. Grob's Animation Review 