IT WOULS SEEM that the big items of the day were very important in formulating the themes of these variously plotted cartoons. The current events and those who made the news were the central to the body of these cartoon shorts. The thread bare plot lines and the gags were all modified to fit into the subject of the day.
IN THE CASE of this honored review's subject matter, being THE GALLOPIN' GAUCHO, incorporates three Hollywood successes from three very different sources and on-screen personalities of Movie Stars.
FIRST OF ALL, this title and character's Argentine locale seem to suggest that of Rudolph Valentino's portrayals. Mickey even does a brief Tango when entering the Cantina. His partner was most seductive and rodent-oriented sexy Minnie.
OUR NEXT CONTRIBUTOR to this characterization and storyline is Douglas Fairbanks. The super-athletic stunts and daring do of the hero here (Mickey, of course) are obviously inspired by Fairbanks on screen vim and heroic demeanor. Zorro, the Black Pirate and other characters created and performed by Doug, himself.
THIRDLY, AND THIS one may strike some as coming in from left field, we can see a little of Warner Baxter's Cisco Kid from IN OLD ARIZONA. This was the only "ancestor" film to be included that was a Talkie, but it was released that year, was surely fresh in the minds of all and featured Cisco with his name and likeness plastered all around on Wanted posters.
MUCH THE SAME as previous production, PLANE CRAZY, this was conceived and filmed as a silent; but later updated as a sound comedy via the process of "Post-synchronization"*
NOTE * Even STEAMBOAT WILLIE was made to talk and sing in this manner, although it was planned for Mickey as a sound film from the get-go.