"I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You" (1932 Original Black & White Cartoon)

🎥 Step back in time with us as we explore the complex and controversial 1932 animated short film, "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You," produced by Fleischer Studios and starring the iconic Betty Boop, alongside Koko the Clown and Bimbo.

🎺 Immerse yourself in the musical brilliance of jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra, as they perform the catchy tune "You Rascal You," setting the tone for this pre-Code animation gem. Discover the historical significance of this film, marking one of Louis Armstrong's earliest appearances on the big screen, featuring additional performances of "High Society Rag" and "Chinatown."

🎶 Uncover the intriguing competition between animators Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising, who capitalized on contemporaneous music library accessibility for the Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies series. Delve into the origins of the film's title, derived from the 1931 song by Sam Theard, and witness the unique incorporation of the Hebrew word כּשר (kosher) on a speedometer in Koko's tail.

🔍 However, it's crucial to address the controversial aspects of this animation. Renowned scholar Thomas Brothers highlights the presence of racist imagery and dialogue, depicting black characters as cannibals and savages. The film associates Louis Armstrong with these characters, intertwining his face with that of the cannibals during the vocal chorus.

🌐 Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the cultural and historical layers of "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You," acknowledging its musical brilliance while critically examining the problematic elements embedded within. #BettyBoop #LouisArmstrong #AnimationHistory #ControversialCartoons #PreCodeAnimation #ClassicAnimation #CulturalAnalysis #FleischerStudios #JazzInAnimation