Day 3: Toe tappin’
October 3, 2022
Dear Disney,
In 1952, the Walt Disney company produced and released a theatrical short that, I believe, inspired generations of Americans, and others around the world that enjoy Americana, what it means to Trick and Treat. Disney’s “Trick or Treat” is a theatrical short that brings joy to my heart whenever I watch it.
Trick or Treat. Copyright Disney 1952
Growing up, I never watched this short. I believe I had heard the song, “Trick or Treat for Halloween”, but was unaware of its origins.
When Disney+ came out, Darling and I, set our kids down to watch Disney Halloween movies and shorts, to get into the spirit of Halloween. Darling and I enjoyed the short, but our children were not really amused.
This year, Darling and I rewatched “Trick or Treat” with an eye to see if the short was everything we thought it should be.
I had only watched the short once before, but I was amused with myself because I did not recognize how violent the short was. The short starts with Witch Hazel, voiced by June Foray, riding her broom Beelzebub and scaring bats out of a bell tower. Then she flies off and gets scared by a traveling jack-o-lantern that turns out to be balancing on the head of one of Donald’s nephews. Then Huey, Luey, and Duey, Donald’s nephew, ring their uncle’s doorbell for treats on Halloween. He laughs and opens the door, placing explosives in his nephews treat bags, and, finally, dousing them with water. Witch Hazel watches all of this, and after confronting Donald herself, decides to place a spell on Donald. She flies around enchanting a number of inanimate objects while the song, “Trick or Treat for Halloween” is being sung. Donald continues to be difficult. Witch Hazel bespells his feet and causes Donald an immense amount of pain that leaves him unconscious. Huey, Duey, and Luey thank Witch Hazel for her assistance, and she flies away over the small village.
It is obvious to me that the Walt Disney company used the slapstick comedy to reach as many people as possible, but in the lens of a modern audience, the humor is a little unfunny. It’s cute, and the feeling of nostalgia is strong, but I do not think this short is really the best Disney has done.
That being said, the song “Trick or Treat for Halloween”, written by Mack, David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston and performed by the Mellowmen is perfect. It is cute, and funny, and lyrical, and has me clapping along with the rhythm. The animation and colorwork, animated by Volus Jones, Bill Justice, George Kreisl, and Don Lusk, is perfect mid-century Disney.
I will watch this short again, if only for the music and beautiful color works.
Sincerely,
Jim Dear and Darling
