“This is indeed a malignant situation.”

Supervision by Frank Tashlin; Animation by Volney White and Norman McCabe; Musical Direction by Carl W. Stalling. A Looney Tune released on June 19, 1937.
You know you’re in for a good time when, before the title card, we’re told that yeah, the things you’re about to see are based on those living, dead, and yet to live. You want to try being 100% percent creative 100% of the time? You’ve already been beaten to the punch by somebody who was already beaten to the punch, ad infinitum.
Sandy C. Ment, the simian building commissioner needs a new city hall built. He’s got two choices of contractors: Dirty Diggs, a round mound of a bully, but what choice would he have with a name like that, and Porky Pig, the best contractor the world has ever been blessed with. Not only does he try to be friendly with Dirt, but he actually does the work he gets paid for, on time, with reasonable prices. The Mr. Ment show asks the two to determine the expenses; lowest cost gets the job.
Both want this job real bad. For Diggs, ’tis a matter of pride. Porky is just civic minded. Both of them figure that 3,000,000.02 dollars is a fair estimate, even if no one asks for their two cents. (The only reason Porky made his so high is that I’m not around to donate to his cause.) Since neither put forth the lowest bid, there’s only one logical solution. They both will construct a hall. First one done, wins the job. The government gets a free building this way, and when the government wins, oh heck, it always does.
The contest begins. Diggs might have some expensive machinery, but if Porky’s flashing sign on his excavator means anything, he was able to afford neon. Whatever their expenses are, both can afford top-notch teams to make reality become fantasy. I think Porky has some familiar faces on his side. Could that be Benny and Betty Beaver? And I’m sure that camel is a war hero. But the one animal Porky won’t let help is the random rabbit. (I’m choosing to say they’re a) She probably doesn’t even work for him, since she keeps changing job-labeled shirts to sell herself. She’s probably just me in a past life.
Porky’s got a great lead. It’s because he has natural leadership and charisma. I’ve been telling you that for years. But Dirty isn’t afraid to cheat. He’d probably spontaneously combust if he didn’t. He sends his crew home early, and breaks out his secret weapon: Dirty Digg’s Brick Laying Machine. Patent Pending. All Rights Reserved. This little beauty is built like a tank and fires like a machine gun. Good thing putting up the framework is always the easiest fastest part of the job, now Dirt boy can just sit back and let the bricks fly.
Porky isn’t stupid enough to try and win an unwinnable race. He opts for the mature choice of bemoaning how his project is going to end up as a crack house, or a Starbucks. (He’s so sad, he’s dry sobbing.) Foolette the rabbit still striving to help, offers her help. Porky keeps on refusing. He’s not being mean. His “no’s” sound like a kid honestly admitting they can’t answer a question. And there’s no point in getting involved in hopeless endeavors. But Foolette is so upset, Porky relents and lets her do what she can.
She may be small, but there’s some power in those ears. They can be used as extra limbs, and that’s good as she doesn’t feel like using her arms today. Even better is that they’re unmatched in speed, save for a brick-tank-gun. Her efforts get the buildings’ progress tied in almost no time. To stay in the game, D.D. tries stepping up the speed on his ride. If it has one design flaw, it’s having the reverse function set after the speediest setting. Also, it tends to jam at that dial.
You know, why would you even want that on your device? It’s almost as if someone sabotaged your tank. *Malicious grin*. The bricks get sucked off the building, causing a dangerous amount of buildup. (Diggs is so upset, he talks without moving his mouth.) It’s gonna blow! Just like his work ethic. *Rimshot*. It’s clear Porky is our winner, as he is always meant to be. (Have you been to see his new movie yet? Have you made everyone you’ve ever met go? Don’t put this off.) Good guy that he is, he makes sure that Foolette gets most of the credit. Ear-obics do pay off!
Favorite Part: Another old acquaintance has set some dynamite. But is bothered by all the nosy onlookers who love detonators. He lures them over to the explosives, and sneaks back to do his job. Savage AF, but all in the name of progress.
Personal Rating: 4