The Major Lied 'Til Dawn 1938
Frank Tashlin's 1938 animated short *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn* blends slapstick humor with jungle adventure tropes in a whirlwind of sight gags and exaggerated storytelling.
Director: Frank Tashlin
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn* (1938) about?
This 7-minute animated short follows a big-game hunter's exaggerated jungle adventure, where his tall tales of safaris spiral into absurdity. From forgetful elephants to a hunter 'shifting gears' on an elephant's back, the film packs rapid-fire sight gags into a surreal, comedic safari.
Who directed *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn*?
The film was directed by Frank Tashlin, a pioneer of animation whose work defined the comedic style of early cartoons.
Who stars in *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn*?
The short features voice work by Tommy Bond and Mel Blanc, with Tedd Pierce contributing to the creative direction.
Is *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn* (1938) worth watching?
While it's a niche gem from animation's golden age, its blend of rapid-fire humor and surreal visual gags makes it a delightful watch for fans of vintage cartoons. The film's absurdity and Tashlin's direction shine, even if it's not widely known today. If you enjoy classic animation with a comedic edge, it's absolutely worth a look.
How long is *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn*?
The runtime is 7 minutes.
About The Major Lied 'Til Dawn (1938) — The Crazy Cartoon Jungle Hunt You Need to See
Frank Tashlin's 1938 animated short *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn* blends slapstick humor with jungle adventure tropes in a whirlwind of sight gags and exaggerated storytelling. The film opens with a grizzled big-game hunter spinning tales of African safaris to a young boy, only to dive into a wildly absurd narrative where the hunter teams up with native guides to capture animals—with consistently ridiculous results. From an elephant that can't recall its assigned task to a chase scene where the hunter 'shifts gears' on the back of an elephant like a car, every moment drips with Tashlin's signature brand of playful chaos. The 7-minute runtime races by, packed with visual puns and rapid-fire jokes that celebrate the absurdity of adventure storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s animation's golden age, *The Major Lied 'Til Dawn* captures the era's love for fast-paced comedy and exaggerated characters. Tashlin's direction leans into the ridiculous, transforming a traditional jungle hunt into a surreal escapade where logic takes a backseat to laughter. The film's themes of storytelling gone wild and the absurdity of 'civilized' hunting practices shine through its zany visual gags, making it a standout in the comedy-animation genre.