
Wholly Smoke 1938
Step into the whimsical world of 1938 animation with *Wholly Smoke*, a delightful short film directed by the legendary Frank Tashlin.
Director: Frank Tashlin
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wholly Smoke (1938) about?
This 1938 animated short follows Porky Pig as he's tricked by a bully into smoking a cigar, triggering a hallucination where he meets Nick O. Teen, a surreal smoke-man. The film spirals into a chaotic musical number featuring cigars, cigarettes, and pipes that perform like the Three Stooges.
Who directed Wholly Smoke?
The film was directed by Frank Tashlin, a pioneer of animation and later a celebrated filmmaker known for his sharp wit and visual humor.
Who stars in Wholly Smoke?
The main cast includes Mel Blanc, the iconic voice actor behind Porky Pig, and Tedd Pierce, a writer and animator who contributed to classic Warner Bros. cartoons.
Is Wholly Smoke (1938) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this short film is a fun slice of 1930s animation history, perfect for fans of vintage comedy and surreal humor. Its brevity and Tashlin's inventive style make it a charming time capsule, though modern viewers may find its themes a bit dated.
How long is Wholly Smoke?
The runtime is approximately 7 minutes, making it a quick yet memorable watch.
About Wholly Smoke (1938) — Frank Tashlin's Wacky 1938 Cartoon Comedy Explained
Step into the whimsical world of 1938 animation with *Wholly Smoke*, a delightful short film directed by the legendary Frank Tashlin. This seven-minute comedy follows the mischievous antics of a neighborhood bully who tricks Porky Pig into taking a puff from his cigar, sparking a surreal and hilarious chain reaction. Porky's hallucination leads to a bizarre encounter with Nick O. Teen, a surreal smoke-man, and an unforgettable musical number performed by a cast of anthropomorphic cigars, cigarettes, and pipes disguised as the Three Stooges. Tashlin's signature wit and visual gags shine in this playful satire of smoking culture, blending slapstick comedy with a touch of the absurd.
Filled with rapid-fire gags, catchy tunes, and Tashlin's trademark creativity, *Wholly Smoke* is a hidden gem of early animation. The film's lighthearted take on a controversial topic—smoking—makes it both a time capsule of its era and a quirky piece of cinematic history. Whether you're a fan of classic cartoons, retro comedy, or just a short burst of laughter, this 1938 animated short offers a unique blend of charm and mischief.