
Bottles 1936
In the eerie glow of a storm-lashed night, a small-town chemist mixes a mysterious potion to alleviate his insomnia, unaware of the macabre forces he's unleashed.
Director: Hugh Harman
Cast





Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bottles (1936) about?
This 1936 animated short follows a night in a small-town chemist's shop where a sinister bottle, marked with a skull-and-crossbones, comes to life and drips a mysterious potion onto its sleeping owner. The eerie yet playful tale explores themes of chaos and unexpected consequences, wrapped in a darkly comedic fantasy.
Who directed Bottles?
Bottles was directed by Hugh Harman, a pioneering animator known for his innovative work in early animation and his contributions to the *Looney Tunes* series.
Who stars in Bottles?
The short features voice performances by Rudolf Ising, Bernice Hansen, Delos Jewkes, Dudley Kuzelle, Frank Nelson, and Allan Watson.
Is Bottles (1936) worth watching?
While *Bottles* isn't widely rated, its unique blend of horror, fantasy, and music makes it a fascinating watch for fans of vintage animation or offbeat horror-comedy shorts. Its ten-minute runtime and atmospheric storytelling offer a quick but memorable experience.
How long is Bottles?
Bottles (1936) has a runtime of 10 minutes.
About Bottles (1936) — A 1930s Animated Horror Short with a Sinister Twist
In the eerie glow of a storm-lashed night, a small-town chemist mixes a mysterious potion to alleviate his insomnia, unaware of the macabre forces he's unleashed. As the druggist drifts into slumber, the sinister skull-and-crossbones symbol on a nearby bottle springs to life, dripping potent drops onto his unsuspecting form. This 1936 animated short from visionary director Hugh Harman blends horror, fantasy, and music into a hauntingly surreal tale that feels like a precursor to classic horror-comedy shorts. With its vivid atmosphere and playful yet unsettling visuals, *Bottles (1936)* offers a unique snapshot of early animation's ability to merge whimsy with the macabre, making it a cult curiosity for fans of vintage cinema and weird tales alike.
Crafted in just ten minutes, the film showcases Harman's knack for blending dark humor and eerie charm, anchored by the distinctive vocal performances of Rudolf Ising and the unmistakable tone of 1930s animated horror. The story's blend of chemistry, supernatural mischief, and musical undertones creates an experience that's as intriguing as it is brief, leaving viewers to wonder about the druggist's fate—and the mischief the bottle might unleash next.