User Reviews

Friz Freleng's "Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears" is one of several cartoons that usually don't get any circulation these days due to racial stereotypes (I saw it at an exhibit about Mel Blanc). In this case, the stories of Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood get combined to create a jazz-filled extravaganza. A really good time.

It's easy to enjoy these cartoons, just as long as we understand the content. Cartoons like this one and "Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs" were intended as homages to African-American culture. And anyway, it's not as if racism has totally vanished from our culture (just look at some of the depictions of Barack Obama).

Overall, a really fun cartoon.

This is a very peculiar little film that was pulled from circulation a long time ago because some found the film to be racially offensive. However, compared to many of the other films Warner Brothers pulled out of circulation for the same reason, the racist elements of this film seem very, very mild and can be forgiven due to the time in which it was made. If you don't believe me, try watching ALL THIS AND RABBIT STEW or COAL BLACK AND DE SEBBEN Dwarfs!!! In fact, although the three jazz playing characters look stereotypically exaggerated, the characters don't act stupid or lazy like in some of the other offensive cartoons. Because of this, the film is important historically and if viewed by adults I think they can take the imagery without "blowing a gasket". Would I want little kids to see it? Maybe not--or at least I'd have to talk to them and explain the context of the cartoon and the attitudes towards Black America.

As far as the cartoon itself goes, it's pretty similar to MGM's SWINGSHIFT Cinderella, except that it isn't nearly as funny or well-made. Pretty typical of early 40s Warner Brothers, but not among their finer films.

Merrie Melodies short, directed by Friz Freleng, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. This one updates and re-imagines the Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood stories for the (then) modern day. The Three Bears here are three jazz musicians who play their instruments to the point they are too hot to handle, so they leave them to cool off. While they are out, sexy Goldilocks shows up. Little does she know the Big Bad Wolf is after her because Red Riding Hood was late showing up to Grandma's. Anyway it's a light-hearted cartoon with some good jazz music and a few clever gags. In addition to Mel Blanc, this short features voice work from Lillian Randolph, Ernest Whitman, and Dorothy Dandridge's mother Ruby and sister Vivian. As for the animation, the characters are drawn and voiced in an exaggerated stereotypical way that will make some uncomfortable today. I'm far from politically correct but even I cringed at some of it, particularly the Red Riding Hood character. I do think the cartoon has value, historically and artistically, but be aware of what you're watching before you seek it out.

"Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears" was such a WONDERFUL cartoon; it is sad that they do not show it. IT was funny with Papa Bear playing clarinet, Mama Bear on piano, and Baby Bear playing bass. The piano got too hot, so the three bears went for walk in the woods. "Grandma's house" was pictured as a night spot; Red was absent in her war-factory job, so the Wolf went to the Three Bears' house. Goldilocks danced with the Big Bad Wolf and wore him out, after the Three Bears came back from their walk. I am fond of mixed-up fairy tales, having read them as deadpan humor, like "Loldigocks and the Tree Bores". THIS mixed-up fairy tale REALLY tops.

This short is just wonderful, with a jazz soundtrack and with the three bears as a jazz combo that takes a break (takes five) because their instruments get too hot from their playing. This is another short that will probably never see broadcast or commercial release because it's politically incorrect. Which is truly a shame, because there's nothing here that would offend anyone, unless it's someone that sees racist overtones in their breakfast cereal. It's fast paced, infectious and totally delightful. Well worth seeing. Most highly recommended.

'Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears' will never be one of my favourite cartoons by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a very entertaining cartoon and one of the better "Censored 11" cartoons.

As to its banning and its criticism for racism, sure there are stereotypes but by today's standards they come across as tame and to be honest this reviewer didn't detect any blatant racism. There are far more extreme examples of racism and racial stereotyping in other "Censored 11", a prime example being the hunter in 'All This and Rabbit Stew'. While it does need a re-watch, from memory 'Angel Puss' was pretty offensive and the worst of the "Censored 11" but by all means it will be given a chance.

It is not a perfect cartoon. The animation is very exaggerated which is not and won't be to the tastes of some people, personally found it quite unattractive with quite ugly and over-stereotypical character designs, not very imaginative (Bob Clampett this ain't) and does lack smoothness and fluidity. It is agreed that Little Red Riding Hood is very annoying.

On the other hand, the music is absolutely amazing and easily the highlight of the cartoon. 'Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears' is also very funny, sometimes hilarious, with the bears very effectively and imaginatively utilised.

Effective also is the voice acting, which is very exuberant and of top-notch quality throughout. Mel Blanc, one of the greatest voice actors who ever lived and had the unsurpassed ability to voice multiple characters in the same cartoon and give them different and individual personalities, can do no wrong, and 'Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears' is interesting for the involvement of Ruby and Vivian Dandridge, mother and sister of Dorothy.

To conclude, a very enjoyable "Censored 11" cartoons and one of the better ones. 8/10 Bethany Cox