The Penguin Parade 1938
Step into the whimsical world of Tex Avery's *The Penguin Parade (1938)*, a delightfully absurd animated short where a nightclub becomes the stage for a penguin extravaganza.
Director: Tex Avery
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Penguin Parade (1938) about?
*The Penguin Parade* follows a nightclub filled with penguins—plus the occasional walrus—as they put on a wild musical revue. The show kicks off with a crooning penguin impersonating Bing Crosby, whose jazzy performance ignites a scat-singing free-for-all and a full-band instrumental that sends the instruments into a literal meltdown. The short is a whirlwind of music, humor, and Avery's signature animated chaos, all packed into seven hilarious minutes.
Who directed The Penguin Parade?
The film was directed by Tex Avery, the animation pioneer behind some of Warner Bros.' most iconic cartoons and a master of blending surreal humor with musical energy.
Who stars in The Penguin Parade?
The cast includes Mel Blanc and Cliff Nazarro, with Tex Avery himself contributing to the creative direction as both director and voice talent.
Is The Penguin Parade (1938) worth watching?
While *The Penguin Parade* isn't rated on IMDb, its pedigree as a Tex Avery short alone makes it worth a watch for fans of classic animation and vintage jazz comedy. The film's playful energy, clever musical gags, and Avery's trademark style ensure it's a fun, brief escape into a bygone era of cinematic invention—perfect for a quick dose of nostalgia or a primer on pre-war animation genius.
How long is The Penguin Parade?
The runtime of *The Penguin Parade* is 7 minutes.
About The Penguin Parade (1938) — A Jazz-Soaked, Melting Nightclub Extravaganza for Penguins
Step into the whimsical world of Tex Avery's *The Penguin Parade (1938)*, a delightfully absurd animated short where a nightclub becomes the stage for a penguin extravaganza. Directed by the legendary Avery, this seven-minute jazz-soaked comedy throws convention to the wind, featuring a walrus in the audience and a stage full of tuxedo-clad penguins belting out swing tunes. The real star is Bing Crosby's penguin doppelgänger, whose jazzy rendition of *When My Dreamboat Comes Home* ignites a scat-singing frenzy among the backup singers, followed by a full-band instrumental that literally sends the instruments into a melting, jazz-fueled haze. The film's over-the-top energy and Avery's signature irreverence make it a must-see for fans of vintage animation and musical mischief. With its playful chaos and infectious rhythm, *The Penguin Parade* is a time capsule of 1930s creativity and a testament to the boundless imagination of early Hollywood cartoons.
At its core, the short is a love letter to jazz and absurdity, blending the polished vocals of a crooner with the unhinged energy of a swing band run amok. The visual gags—melting instruments, spontaneous dance routines, and a walrus stealing the show—underscore Avery's genius for pushing animation's limits while keeping the humor sharp and accessible. Whether you're a historian of classic cartoons or just looking for a quick, joyful escape into vintage zaniness, this is one parade you won't want to miss.