Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears (1944)

Merrie Melodies short, directed by Friz Freleng, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. This one updates and re-imagines the Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood stories for the (then) modern day. The Three Bears here are three jazz musicians who play their instruments to the point they are too hot to handle, so they leave them to cool off. While they are out, sexy Goldilocks shows up. Little does she know the Big Bad Wolf is after her because Red Riding Hood was late showing up to Grandma's. Anyway it's a light-hearted cartoon with some good jazz music and a few clever gags. In addition to Mel Blanc, this short features voice work from Lillian Randolph, Ernest Whitman, and Dorothy Dandridge's mother Ruby and sister Vivian. As for the animation, the characters are drawn and voiced in an exaggerated stereotypical way that will make some uncomfortable today. I'm far from politically correct but even I cringed at some of it, particularly the Red Riding Hood character. I do think the cartoon has value, historically and artistically, but be aware of what you're watching before you seek it out.

I don't know why UA banned this cartoon from their networks, it promotes black culture. Black people did like to dance. Also, Eddie Selzer's first cartoon as producer. In fact, Freleng was a Jewish man himself, so I bet he faced discrimination too.The cartoon opens up with 3 jazz bears, who like music. They go for a walk, then, goldilocks come in. Goldilocks doesn't like the food or the bed. The Big bad wolf comes in and goldilocks dances with him. then grandma shows up and dances with the wolf, while the 3 bears play their music.It has a good musical timing, which Friz Freleng was known for. This makes him my favorite animator and director. I mean a lot of people would say Jones was better, but I like his style, but no one beats the mentor (Freleng) who taught Jones everything.

Friz Freleng's "Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears" is one of several cartoons that usually don't get any circulation these days due to racial stereotypes (I saw it at an exhibit about Mel Blanc). In this case, the stories of Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood get combined to create a jazz-filled extravaganza. A really good time.It's easy to enjoy these cartoons, just as long as we understand the content. Cartoons like this one and "Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs" were intended as homages to African-American culture. And anyway, it's not as if racism has totally vanished from our culture (just look at some of the depictions of Barack Obama).Overall, a really fun cartoon.

This short is just wonderful, with a jazz soundtrack and with the three bears as a jazz combo that takes a break (takes five) because their instruments get too hot from their playing. This is another short that will probably never see broadcast or commercial release because it's politically incorrect. Which is truly a shame, because there's nothing here that would offend anyone, unless it's someone that sees racist overtones in their breakfast cereal. It's fast paced, infectious and totally delightful. Well worth seeing. Most highly recommended.