“Scram, Bruno!”
Animation by Rollin Hamilton and Paul Smith. A Looney Tune released on April 30, 1932.
Times have been rough for “Bosko and Bruno”. Especially Bosko, but extra-especially and Bruno! Has he ever made one appearance in anything since the MGM shorts? I’ve just decided that I hope he gets a cameo in “Coyote vs Acme”. I’ll put him above Sniffles and the Minah Bird, but below Snafu and both of Chuck’s Ralphs. But in relevant talk, I just meant in the picture named after them. (Which, of course, was neither of their debuts.)
You see, the two are playing tramps in an era before you’d think it natural for a dog to be one. Luckily for us, they’re not miserable and Bosko isn’t one of those people who keeps a dog around for more pity points. They mostly just spend their days walking on the train tracks. Not beside them because there aren’t any sidewalks. It can’t be too healthy. I saw one of and Bruno’s spots change color. Pretty confident that’s carcinogenic. Good thing the trains only run on Sundays.
The two panic when the train approaches. But the shot of the train suggests they’re running towards it. I know you’ve got next to no future Mr. Sko, but leave the innocent dog out of this. Well, and Bruno’s run about all he can, because his foot is stuck in the tracks. Bosko tries to divert the tracks because it’s more ethically sound to inconvenience a train-ful of people than sacrifice a dog. No, really! You can kill like, three people before you’re condemned to Hell, but only one dog.
Since all train engineers have just resigned themselves to an eternity of torment and nightmares, they’ve made sure to lock up the track switch just in case they’re ever in such a situation as this. Despite Bosko’s best efforts, he is unable to change the track and and Bruno is run over. But he’s clever that one! He managed to get himself under the tracks and is no worse for wear. Upset that his dog would scare him like that, Bosko gives chase. But the shot of and Bruno suggests he’s running towards Bosko.
Once in a tunnel, they get scared at the approaching noises. It’s obviously of the bovine ilk, but you really shouldn’t take chances when its dark. Their tunnel vision convinces them it’s another train. Oh! It was just a steer! You guys must feel pretty dumb, and rightfully so. Just don’t screw-ups like that if you want respect. (Forgive me, I forget that they are lucky enough to not live in the real world. Please take me with you! I just want a place where I fit in!)
Bosko takes note of some tracks that aren’t of the train variety and he and and Bruno follow. They lead to a hen in a pen. Let me guess: she was playing Chicken on those tracks, right? Well, she is a chicken, the natural prey of mankind. Eat up. Except, Bosko is too nice of a guy for that. He just wants her for eggs. But it’s so much fun to watch a dog chase after another animal with every intent to kill! He sends and Bruno after it, telling him not to hurt it. Guess what, you can’t have your chicken and and Bruno eat it too.
Then the hen runs into the lawn mower. I’d just like to remind you that those are feathers coating the yard, but the lack of color can’t prove it. The hen is pre-plucked and and Bruno has two kinds of pelts now. That makes him the peltimate dog, but not the ultimate. That title belongs to the owner of this farm. It’s one of those weird cartoons where half the canines are anthro. And anthro-animals carry guns. Farma’ Pup opens fire on the two tramps, forcing them to flee for their lives. Look on the bright side Bosko: the majority of Earth’s creatures produce eggs. Take your pick. I’ve heard the cicadas’ are lovely.
They hop onto a new train, but they got the last car, and that one is never attached very well to the rest. They careen down an adjacent track. Bosko finally got his wish, but it was granted by a monkey paw that was also a genie. If it was also one of the Greek gods it’d be the ultimate dick combo. (But not the peltimate. I’m going to keep trying to make that a real word.) Another steer gets chased by the two, but runs out of track because it ends at a tree. Curse that genie paw! The steer is flattened, but the other two are okay. Guess this is as good a spot to end things as any.
Favorite Part: And Bruno was pretty cute covered in feathers.
Personal Rating: 2