utgard14 Merrie Melodies short, directed by Friz Freleng, notable today for being one of the Censored Eleven. For those who don't know, the Censored Eleven are cartoons that were withheld from syndication because they were considered to be too offensive due to their use of racial stereotypes and imagery. This one updates and re-imagines the Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood stories for the (then) modern day. The Three Bears here are three jazz musicians who play their instruments to the point they are too hot to handle, so they leave them to cool off. While they are out, sexy Goldilocks shows up. Little does she know the Big Bad Wolf is after her because Red Riding Hood was late showing up to Grandma's. Anyway it's a light-hearted cartoon with some good jazz music and a few clever gags. In addition to Mel Blanc, this short features voice work from Lillian Randolph, Ernest Whitman, and Dorothy Dandridge's mother Ruby and sister Vivian. As for the animation, the characters are drawn and voiced in an exaggerated stereotypical way that will make some uncomfortable today. I'm far from politically correct but even I cringed at some of it, particularly the Red Riding Hood character. I do think the cartoon has value, historically and artistically, but be aware of what you're watching before you seek it out.

tavm This is the last of the Warner Bros. "Censored 11" cartoons I've seen on Thad's Animation Blog and what a cartoon to watch as the final entry since it has hot jazz music performed by the title character animals, the Big Bad Wolf from Red Riding Hood (who's off riveting), Goldilocks wearing out the Wolf from jitterbugging with him, likewise with the returning Red Riding Hood and her Grandma (with voice by Dorothy Dandridge's mom, Ruby). In fact, the story starts with the instruments that the bears are playing (clarinet, piano, and bass) all literally getting red hot from rehearsing too much! So they all take a walk while both the Wolf and Goldilocks go inside. While nearly all of the characters have African-American features, only the piano-playing bear has the stereotyped face, voice, and characterization (of the Stepin Fetchit kind). And with Friz Freling at the helm, you know you're in for an animated musical treat. In fact, Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears seems like one of the least offensive of the "Censored 11" cartoons I've seen here. It's certainly way better than the worst one, Angel Puss. So on that note, I highly recommend this short for animation buffs and jazz music lovers.

petersgrgm "Goldilocks and the Jivin' Bears" was such a WONDERFUL cartoon; it is sad that they do not show it. IT was funny with Papa Bear playing clarinet, Mama Bear on piano, and Baby Bear playing bass. The piano got too hot, so the three bears went for walk in the woods. "Grandma's house" was pictured as a night spot; Red was absent in her war-factory job, so the Wolf went to the Three Bears' house. Goldilocks danced with the Big Bad Wolf and wore him out, after the Three Bears came back from their walk. I am fond of mixed-up fairy tales, having read them as deadpan humor, like "Loldigocks and the Tree Bores". THIS mixed-up fairy tale REALLY tops.

Robert Reynolds This short is just wonderful, with a jazz soundtrack and with the three bears as a jazz combo that takes a break (takes five) because their instruments get too hot from their playing. This is another short that will probably never see broadcast or commercial release because it's politically incorrect. Which is truly a shame, because there's nothing here that would offend anyone, unless it's someone that sees racist overtones in their breakfast cereal. It's fast paced, infectious and totally delightful. Well worth seeing. Most highly recommended.