I Haven't Got a Hat

The cartoon series, Merrie Melodies, was posing a problem for its producers because of its lack of popular characters, unlike its competitor, Walt Disney, who had a bevy of lovable personalities. The makers of the Looney Tunes episodes set about correcting that gap in March 1935's "I Haven't Got a Hat" by introducing a new set of animated characters they hoped would rejuvenate the series. One figure introduced in the cartoon especially stood out, and has remained as a mainstay to the Warner Brothers-affiliated series, Porky Pig.

Producer Leon Schlesinger had been selling his Looney Tunes to Warner Brothers in the early 1930s, and complemented those cartoons by originating his new 'Merrie Melodies' in 1931 as an answer to Walt Disney's "Silly Symphonies." The public became enamored with the 'Merrie Melodies,' with its musical-based themes. What it was lacking, however, was a nondescript cast. Director Friz Freleng, motivated by a suggestion from Schlessinger, gathered his artists to produce five new personalities in "I Haven't Got a Hat": Little Kitty, Oliver Owl, Ham and Ex, and Porky Pig. In addition, Beans the Cat shifted over to 'Merrie Melodies' from the Looney Tunes to replace the boy Buddy. All the newbies in the cartoon were each introduced in Miss Cud's schoolroom by the teacher. Porky is the first student to go in front of the class, reciting the poem 'Paul Revere's Ride,' talking with a stutter and seen without his pants.

Schlessinger's long range plan was to create a consistent line of characters similar to the 'Our Gang' series. His idea lasted a mere two years. Except for Porky, all the characters whom were introduced in "I Haven't Got a Hat," including potential super star Beans the Cat, dropped off the screen. Porky was a fan favorite immediately after his debut. The pig was voiced by Joe Dougherty, a stutterer himself. Trouble was Dougherty hadn't been able to control his stutter in the narration booth, taking an inordinate amount of time to finally nail Porky's lines. Dougherty was eventually replaced by Mel Blanc, who stepped in for Porky in 1937.

It's an earlier version of Porky though. He still stutters, but not the way he stuttered when Mel Blanc started doing his voice later. In this cartoon, he still manages to get his words out after a few tries, unlike when Blanc did the voice, and Porky would choose different words in mid sentence that were easier for him to say.

I liked the teacher. She even had her own bell.

The poem by Little Kitty was cute. "Corn Flakes".

The song, "I Haven't Got A Hat" by the twin dogs, Ham and Ex was done well with some good bass lines.

The highlight of the cartoon was the piano recital by Oliver Owl. A brilliant bit of musicianship, thanks to assistance from Beans and a fighting cat and dog.

I Haven't Got a Hat (1935)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

A small school is having their recital day. Porky Pig, stuttering and all, must stand up and do The Midnight Ride of Paul revere while other students follow.

I HAVEN'T GOT A HAT isn't the greatest animated short ever made but it is somewhat historic as this here was the first appearance of Porky Pig. His look and vocal performance is a lot different than the Porky most people know and love but it's still rather interesting seeing this early version. For the most part this is an innocent enough of a short as it's basically introducing us to a bunch of new characters with of course Porky taking off. There really wasn't any major laughs but it was pleasant enough.

Miss Cud is the school teacher. The students include Beans the Cat, Porky Pig, Oliver Owl, Ham and Ex. The students are performing in a Musical and Recital.

Warner Brothers was trying to copy Our Gang's success with a bunch of characters as kids. Beans became an early minor Looney Tunes star, but it is Porky Pig who is the big longtime breakout. Both made their first appearance here. By itself, this is mostly an introduction to a bunch of characters. There isn't much to the story. It is basic and a passable six. But that is only if there is nothing else. This is a rookie card. Those are worth way more.

'I Haven't Got a Hat' is significant for being the debut of Porky Pig, but that is not the only reason for watching. It is a decent cartoon in its own right, but Porky did go on to feature and star in better and funnier cartoons as he evolved.

While one is sympathetic towards Porky, this reviewer knows what it's like to be in Porky's position, and he is likable, he is rather underused in an appearance that is more a cameo than anything else and he's had a stronger personality elsewhere.

'I Haven't Got a Hat' is also somewhat light on plot, which is more an excuse to string along renditions of characters performing songs and a few other antics.

And while there are smiles throughout the whole duration of the cartoon, 'I Haven't Got a Hat' is short on humour that's consistent or hilarious, it's not that it's unfunny it's just that there's not enough and it's mildly amusing really.

However, this reviewer really loved the bright and colourful animation with lots of beautiful backgrounds and imaginative visual detail, and even better the music which is essentially the actual star of the show, the character, the energy, the enthusiasm and the lusciousness is seriously phenomenal.

Also appreciated the agreed warmth and gentility of the writing, and the vocals with all the voice actors sounding like they were having the time of their lives. The supporting characters do make more of an impression than Porky and are used more.

Oliver and Beans' antics this reviewer agrees steals the show, it was fun and didn't get repetitive. Kitty was adorable, and one cannot help smiling in the appearance of Ham and Ex.

In conclusion, a good if not great debut for Porky Pig, that's a very pleasant watch but doesn't see the best or funniest of him. 7/10 Bethany Cox