In the world of classic animation, Porky Pig stands out as one of the most beloved characters. In 1938, Warner Bros. released "Porky in Egypt", a Looney Tunes cartoon directed by Bob Clampett. This short film takes Porky on a surreal and comedic journey into the Egyptian desert.
The 1938-39 film season saw a significant number of Merrie Melodies produced in color, about twice as many as Looney Tunes in black and white. This indicates a preference for color animation during that period.
The Setup
The cartoon starts with Porky Pig as a tourist in Egypt. He misses the camel train with the rest of the tourists who are going to see a mummy. To catch up, he rents his own camel, named Humpty Bumpty. Together, they venture into the vast Egyptian desert.
The scene is set with typical Egyptian imagery. We see locals waking up and chanting, followed by a humorous twist where they start rolling dice. A veiled woman walks by, initially appearing attractive, but her face is revealed to be that of an old hag, setting the tone for the film's absurd humor.
Desert Madness
As Porky and Humpty Bumpty travel deeper into the desert, the intense heat begins to take its toll. The brutal sun affects them both, leading to what the cartoon refers to as "the Desert Madness."
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Humpty Bumpty starts to hallucinate. He imagines himself marching off and playing the bagpipes, doing an Irish dance, etc. This is where the cartoon gets hilarious, with Humpty becoming delirious and hysterical. He hallucinates camels walking in a line. The camel fears the “desert madness” is upon them, but is relieved when another hallucination of a camel train saves them.
Porky, too, is affected by the heat. He sees a mirage of a swimming pool and dives in, only to land face-first in the sand. This scene showcases the classic Hollywood mirage trope.
The music in "Porky in Egypt" adds to the comedic effect, incorporating tunes like "Vision of Salome" and "The Campbells Are Coming," with a pun between "Campbells" and "camels."
Breakdown and Return
Humpty Bumpty's breakdown is a highlight of the cartoon. He screams, "The voices! They got me! IT'S THE DESERT MADNESS!" and quotes Rudyard Kipling's poem "Boots." He even briefly becomes a caricature of Lew Lehr, remarking "Camels is the cwaziest peoples."
Eventually, Porky and Humpty Bumpty make their way back to town. They seek refuge in a building to escape the strange voices they hear.
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Cultural Context and Humor
While "Porky in Egypt" is filled with humorous moments, it also reflects the cultural context of the time. Some scenes might be considered culturally insensitive by today's standards, but the cartoon's primary focus is on absurd humor rather than making specific cultural statements.
The cartoon's humor is reminiscent of Bob Clampett's surreal style, which is also evident in other cartoons like "Porky in Wackyland." The gags are cleverly timed, and the animation is fluid, enhancing the overall comedic effect.
Other Porky Pig Adventures in 1938-39
"Porky in Egypt" was just one of many Porky Pig cartoons released during the 1938-39 season. Here are a few other notable entries:
- Porky in Wackyland (9/24/38): Bob Clampett's surreal masterpiece, where Porky travels to Africa in search of the last of the dodos.
- Porky’s Naughty Nephew (10/16/38): Porky goes on a picnic with his mischievous nephew Pinky, leading to a series of chaotic events.
- The Daffy Doc (11/26/38): Daffy Duck creates chaos in a hospital, attempting to operate on Porky Pig.
These cartoons showcase the diverse range of scenarios and comedic styles that Porky Pig encountered during this period.
Here's a table summarizing some of the key Porky Pig cartoons from the 1938-39 season:
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| Title | Release Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Porky in Wackyland | September 24, 1938 | Porky searches for the last dodo in a surreal African landscape. |
| Porky’s Naughty Nephew | October 16, 1938 | Porky's picnic with his nephew Pinky turns into a series of mishaps. |
| Porky In Egypt | November 5, 1938 | Porky's Egyptian vacation leads to "desert madness" and hallucinations. |
| The Daffy Doc | November 26, 1938 | Daffy Duck wreaks havoc in a hospital while trying to treat Porky. |
In conclusion, "Porky in Egypt" remains a memorable entry in the Looney Tunes canon, thanks to its surreal humor, memorable characters, and the "desert madness" that ensues. It's a testament to the creativity and comedic genius of Bob Clampett and the Warner Bros. animation team.
Looney Tunes | Classic Porky Pig Compilation | Vol. 2 | Warner Classics
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