Sh-h-h-h-h-h: Tex Avery's Final Theatrical Cartoon
Released on June 6, 1955, Sh-h-h-h-h-h stands as a significant piece of animation history. Directed and written by the legendary Tex Avery and produced by Walter Lantz, this short film marks a poignant milestone: it was Avery's fourth and final cartoon for Walter Lantz Productions, and the last theatrical cartoon of his illustrious career before he departed from the world of theatrical animation.
The short is notable for its unique auditory choices, incorporating the 1922 Okeh Laughing Record for a significant portion of its soundtrack, blending classic sound effects with Avery's signature comedic timing.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Director/Writer: Tex Avery
- Producer: Walter Lantz
- Release Date: June 6, 1955
- Running Time: 6 minutes
- Color Process: Technicolor
- Distribution: Universal Pictures
- Significance: The final theatrical cartoon directed by Tex Avery.
Plot Summary: A Quest for Quiet
The story centers on Mr. Twiddle, a mild-mannered man who plays the congas in a jazz combo. The overwhelming noise of the brass instruments, which are pointed directly at his head, causes him to suffer from nervous tremors. Seeking help, he visits his psychiatrist, Dr. I.M. Jittery, who diagnoses him with trombonosis—a fictional condition caused by excessive brass noise. The doctor warns Twiddle that he must find a secluded, quiet location to restore his nerves, or he will literally blow up.
Following the advice of his wife, who is a nurse, Twiddle travels to the Swiss Alps to stay at the Hush-Hush Lodge. This mountaintop resort is dedicated to absolute silence; for example, the desk bell does not ring but instead displays a small sign that says "DING!" Even the staff communicate via written cards, though the hospitality is not without its quirks, as evidenced by a porter labeling Twiddle a "CHEAP SKATE!" after receiving a nickel tip.
Twiddle's hope for peace is short-lived. In the adjacent room, a new guest arrives with a trombone. The neighbor begins playing the instrument, accompanied by the hysterical laughter of a woman and the musician himself. Despite Twiddle's attempts to request silence—ranging from written notes to violent escalations involving a club, a cannon, a bomb, and a suspended safe—his efforts only backfire.
As Twiddle reaches the brink of a total nervous breakdown, he begs the hotel manager for a doctor. He is led back upstairs to the room next door, only to discover that the noisy neighbors are none other than Dr. I.M. Jittery and his nurse wife. Unaware that their patient was staying next door, the couple continues their loud revelry. The irony pushes Twiddle past his limit, and he explodes in a puff of black smoke. The cartoon concludes with Dr. Jittery lamenting that patients do not listen to medical advice while he and his wife continue laughing and playing the trombone.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Production Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Studio | Walter Lantz Productions |
| Animation Team | Ray Abrams, Laverne Harding, Don Patterson |
| Layout Artists | Raymond Jacobs, Art Landy |
| Music | Clarence Wheeler |
| Voice Talent | Daws Butler |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the cartoon Sh-h-h-h-h-h?
The cartoon was directed and written by Tex Avery.
Why is this specific cartoon historically significant?
It was the final theatrical cartoon directed by Tex Avery, marking the end of his career in theatrical animation.
What is "trombonosis" in the context of the film?
Trombonosis is a fictional ailment diagnosed by Dr. I.M. Jittery, characterized by nervous tremors caused by the incessant noise of brass instruments.
What unique audio element was used in the soundtrack?
The film utilized the 1922 Okeh Laughing Record for much of its soundtrack to accompany the scenes of hysterical laughter.
Where does the story take place?
The majority of the plot unfolds at the Hush-Hush Lodge, a silent resort located in the Swiss Alps.