Constructores de Barcos

MADE DURING WHAT was probably the zenith of the Mickey/Donald/Goofy stint as the Disney Studios' answer to the screen comedy team. The beauty of the shorts were indeed becoming a victim to their own achievement; as well as providing a springboard to the up and coming succession of full length animated features. (SNOW WHITE, PINNOCHOIO, FANTASIA, BAMBI, DUMBO, etc.) MUCH LIKE SO many other entries in the series, the premise is at once both simple yet somehow quite brilliant in its execution. The "plot" of such a short calls for each of the comic threesome starts out together and shares several other sight-gag laden scenes. The action typically gives two sequences each to the three individually.

AS FOR THE unique aspects of this entry, it lies in the tranquility generated by a seascape (even an artificial & animated one). Never has "Going Down To The Sea In Ships" has never done in such surroundings, being rendered in the most richly hued Technicolor filming imaginable.

AS IS THE norm, the short ends up with the protagonists no further ahead in their construction of the boat from model-type kit. And it is this that leaves our comic trio of on screen heroes ready to fight another day.

As I continue to review the films that make up the "shorts" section on Disney Plus, I arrive at another classic Disney short, from the days of RKO's distribution that I can imagine went down reasonably well at the time, but doesn't have much going for it for a middle-aged man almost a century later.

Mickey (Walt Disney), Donald (Clarence Nash) and Goofy (Pinto Colvig) attempt to build a boat from an easy construction pack. The difficulty, and the fact that the boys keep getting in each other's way, hinders their progress and this is before Goofy mistakes the ships masthead for a potential love connection.

Apparently, this was the 99th Mickey Mouse short film, so it stands to reason that they've got the distinctive and charming art style down by now. That style, combined with the vocal performances that set the tone for the show going forward are, without question, great stuff. The plot and gags of the short though were a bit lacking compared to some of the other contemporary efforts that I've seen.

It's certainly not bad, by any means, but I did just find it a little bit underwhelming.

Another classic Disney short teaming their three stars of the time: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy (with an appearance by Minnie at the end). This time the trio are trying to build a boat from some sort of kit. It's a real boat but it comes ready-to-assemble with instructions and everything like a toy or model boat. The boys naturally have trouble, particularly Goofy and Donald. It's a funny cartoon with lovely animation and jaw-droppingly beautiful Technicolor. Good voice work from Clarence Nash, Pinto Colvig, and Walt Disney himself. Not the best cartoon featuring these three but a really good one.

If Mickey, Donald and Goofy build themselves a boat ('so easy even a child can do it') do you REALLY think that by the end of the cartoon it is still going to be standing? Obviously not.

Their usual lack of skill and ignorance for each other's well-being cause enough problems during the actual building of said boat but it is when Minnie christens the boat 'Queen Minnie' that all their hard work slaps them in the face.

And who would have known that Goofy was dumb enough to think a figurehead is a real lady and fall in love with her.

Mildy amusing.

Boat Builders was a solid Walt Disney cartoon. Featuring Mickey, Goofy and Donald, it has some really entertaining moments. My only real complaint is that some of the animation isn't always that great, there is the occasional stiff movement or the occasional flat background. That said the music is wonderful, and so is the voice acting, while Walt Disney and Clarence Nash both turn in fine work, it is Pinto Colvig as Goofy who comes off best.

Then there are parts that are truly funny, the scene with the loose plank was funny, but the best was when Goofy thinks a mermaid figurine is a real woman and starts chasing after her when Mickey takes her away. Overall, I enjoyed this cartoon. 8/10 Bethany Cox