Private Snafu: Spies

Voices of: Mel Blanc (uncredited)
Directed by: N/A
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Short, Animation, Comedy
Length: 4 minutes
1943

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: Private Snafu (Mel Blanc) has an important secret that he's determined to keep. However, bit by bit, he lets his secret out, which provides the NAZIs with exactly the intel they need.

Review:

Tim: Private Snafu: Spies is an interesting example of an animated short from World War II produced by Warner Brothers for use by the military (it was not created for general audiences). It was meant to entertain young recruits, but to also teach them valuable lessons about military life. Spies deals with the importance of keeping military secrets to yourself.

The story opens with Private Snafu talking to the audience about an important secret, and how he'll never let it out. However, bit by bit, he accidentally lets slip little pieces of the secret (he's taking a trip, going by ship, going to Africa), which is immediately picked up by a whole host of NAZI and Japanese spies. It's a fairly ingenious little film, and it clearly gets its message across.

The film has two big strengths- first, the rhymes were written by Dr. Seuss himself. That should come as no surprise to anyone who watches the film, because the rhymes are so catchy and clever that they immediately stick in your mind. Secondly, the characters are voiced by the great Mel Blanc, which is also not shocking because of the familiarity of the voices (many of which are recycled). These two elements help create a very entertaining, funny little movie.

The film is a bit more risque than cartoons from the 1940s. There are some very stereotypical representations of the Japanese and the Germans. A character says "hell," and Hell itself is actually depicted. A female spy communicates her secrets through radios in her bosom. It's obvious that this film was not meant for the public at large. That is partially what makes it so interesting- it feels like we're watching something that we weren't supposed to see.

This short little film is interesting because it helps us to understand the military mindset in 1943. It is a clever, funny little movie that clearly drives its point home. It was certainly interesting.




Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- N/A



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: N/A