Thanksgiving might be a time for turkey and togetherness, but in 1945, Tex Avery's "Jerky Turkey" turned the tables on tradition. This hilarious cartoon, now in the public domain, is a wild ride filled with slapstick, pop culture references, and a whole lot of attitude from a very fast turkey.
A World War II Twist on Thanksgiving
"Jerky Turkey" isn't your average Thanksgiving cartoon. Released in April 1945, the short film cleverly weaves in references to World War II. We see Pilgrims lining up for cigarette rations, a "draft notice" gag, and even the ship the Pilgrims arrive on sporting a "Kaiser Shipbuilding Co." sign (a nod to the wartime shipbuilding giant).
The Star of the Show: A Jive-Talking Turkey
The real star of the show, though, is the turkey himself. Voiced in a spot-on Jimmy Durante impression (complete with the signature "Ho ho!"), this turkey is anything but docile. He's a fast-talking hustler, outsmarting the bumbling Pilgrim hunter at every turn.
Tex Avery's Slapstick Genius
Tex Avery, the director behind classics like "Red Hot Riding Hood" and "Droopy Dog," is known for his zany animation style and outrageous gags. "Jerky Turkey" is no exception. The cartoon is packed with sight gags, dizzying chases, and moments of pure absurdity that had audiences in stitches in 1945 and still hold up today.
A Public Domain Gem
One of the best things about "Jerky Turkey" is its public domain status. This means you can legally watch it for free!
A Timeless Reminder: Laughter is the Best Side Dish
While Thanksgiving is about gratitude and delicious food, "Jerky Turkey" reminds us that laughter is also a key ingredient. This wacky cartoon is a perfect watch for anyone who wants a break from the traditional Thanksgiving fare and a healthy dose of Tex Avery's brand of humor. So, this Thanksgiving, skip the football for a bit and gobble up some laughs with "Jerky Turkey." You won't regret it!
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