A Bear Necessities Tale: Exploring Ub Iwerks' 1935 "The Three Bears"

 In the golden age of animation, nestled amongst the groundbreaking works of Walt Disney Studios, another studio was making its mark – Ub Iwerks. One of their charming creations is the 1935 animated short, "The Three Bears," a delightful reimagining of the classic children's story. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore this colorful cartoon.

A Familiar Tale with a Cartoon Twist

"The Three Bears" follows the basic premise of the classic story. We meet a curious young girl, Goldilocks (though unnamed in the cartoon), who stumbles upon a charming cottage in the woods. Inside, she encounters the belongings of three bears – a large bowl, a medium-sized bowl, and a tiny bowl – and succumbs to the temptation of porridge. One chair is too hard, another too soft, and the third, just right, leads to a disastrous nap for Goldilocks. When the three bears return home, chaos erupts as they discover their home in disarray.

Ub Iwerks: The Animator Behind the Bears

Ub Iwerks, a former Disney animator and co-creator of Mickey Mouse, established his own studio after parting ways with Disney. "The Three Bears" is part of the ComiColor Cartoons series, a collection of 25 animated shorts produced by Ub Iwerks Studio between 1933 and 1936. These cartoons are known for their vibrant color palettes, innovative special effects (for the time), and focus on humor and character animation.

A World of Color and Movement

"The Three Bears" stands out for its use of color. The forest scenes are awash with lush greens and browns, while the interior of the cottage is a delightful explosion of color, with each bear's belongings vibrantly depicted. The animation, though lacking the fluidity of later works, is full of charm. The characters move with a certain cartoonish exaggeration, adding to the humor of the situations.

A Legacy of Entertainment: A Classic Tale Reimagined

While not as widely known as some Disney films, "The Three Bears" holds a special place in animation history. It's a reminder of the creativity and innovation present in early animation studios like Ub Iwerks. The cartoon's simple story and relatable characters, combined with its vibrant visuals and humorous moments, continue to entertain viewers of all ages.

Finding the Three Bears Today

Thanks to the magic of the internet, "The Three Bears" is easily accessible to modern audiences. Several versions can be found online, allowing viewers to experience this piece of animation history for themselves.

So, next time you're looking for a classic tale with a touch of animation magic, seek out Ub Iwerks' 1935 "The Three Bears." It's a delightful reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the charm of early animation.