The National Film Board of Canada is a governmental agency that gives financial support to many of the native film makers. Whether this is a good idea or not, it does allow many people to get exposure for projects that might not otherwise be possible as they are not commercially-designed films. Art films, experimental and cultural projects about from the NFB and "Cactus Swing" is a great example of such a non-commercial film project. In this short film, a cowboy sleeping on the range is awoken by the sound of a lot of the desert animals frolicking and singing a country western song, "The Cactus Swing". It's pretty cute and your toes go to tapping--but there also isn't much to it. It also has some of the most bizarrely designed snakes I've ever seen--you just have to see 'em to appreciate them. Not a must-see film, but a cute little time-passer.
3 Reviews
Can't Get A Night's Sleep
boblipton24 February 2020
A prospector trying to sleep in a cave is awakened by a band of desert animals playing the title tune, and cacti dancing.
Among the earliest sound cartoons were the Fleischers' Screen Songs, in which the audience listened to music and saw images synchronized to them. This one pretty much follows in that long tradition. If it sounds nonsensical, well, the lyrics don't make much sense, but they are bright, the music is country-western, and you can't get much more western than a cactus or six dancing around. Think of it as a music video, and you'll pretty much get this.
Among the earliest sound cartoons were the Fleischers' Screen Songs, in which the audience listened to music and saw images synchronized to them. This one pretty much follows in that long tradition. If it sounds nonsensical, well, the lyrics don't make much sense, but they are bright, the music is country-western, and you can't get much more western than a cactus or six dancing around. Think of it as a music video, and you'll pretty much get this.
So help me, I don't know why, but I enjoy this carton!!!
llltdesq22 March 2001
Normally, I am not overly fond of terminally cute cartoons or country music. This cartoon is guilty on both counts. With all that going on, I should really run screaming from this one, but I don't. Maybe it's just sufficiently bizarre below the surface to be good, or maybe I'm getting sentimental in my dotage. No matter-the animation is top-notch and it's a well-done short, for all it's cuteness. From behind the net, he takes the puck and fires it past the goalie and he scores to win the Cup!!! Recommended.
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