Nelly's Folly is a 1961 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon short written and directed by Chuck Jones released on December 30, 1961.[1][2]
| Nelly's Folly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Chuck Jones Abe Levitow Maurice Noble |
| Story by | Chuck Jones David Detiege |
| Produced by | David H. DePatie |
| Starring | Gloria Wood Mel Blanc John A. Ford Ed Prentiss |
| Narrated by | Ed Prentiss |
| Music by | Milt Franklyn |
| Animation by | Ken Harris Tom Ray Richard Thompson Ben Washam |
| Backgrounds by | Philip DeGuard |
| Color process | Technicolor |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures The Vitaphone Corporation |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7:23 |
| Language | English |
Plot
editSet in Africa, a giraffe named Nelly captivates viewers with her melodious singing, showcasing her talent to her jungle companions. Unexpectedly, a hunter emerges and is astounded by Nelly's performance, swiftly offering her a contract promising fame and wealth.
Leaving behind her jungle home, Nelly ventures to New York City, eager to explore the allure of show business. Initially thrust into the world of advertising and live performances, she eventually becomes a successful singer and fashion icon, epitomizing the glamorous facade of fame. However, as her career flourishes, Nelly grapples with feelings of loneliness and disillusionment, longing for genuine companionship.
Her quest for love leads her to the zoo, where she falls for a male giraffe, only to discover he is already married. Scandal ensues, tarnishing Nelly's reputation and prompting her agent to warn of career repercussions. Despite attempts to salvage her stardom, Nelly finds herself relegated to obscurity, relegated to foreign film roles and performing in deserted venues.
Disheartened by the superficiality of fame, Nelly forsakes her celebrity status and returns to her roots in Africa. There, amidst the tranquil beauty of her homeland, she finds solace in singing a heartfelt love song. Mirroring her emotional journey, a male giraffe joins her in song, symbolizing the renewal of hope and the triumph of true love over adversity.
Crew
edit- Animation: Richard Thompson, Ben Washam, Tom Ray, Ken Harris
- Layouts: Maurice Noble
- Backgrounds: Philip DeGuard
- Film Editor: Treg Brown
- Voice Characterizations: Gloria Wood, Mel Blanc, Ed Prentiss
- Music: Milt Franklyn
- Produced by David H. DePatie
- Co-Directors: Maurice Noble, Abe Levitow
- Story: Dave Detiege, Chuck Jones
- Directed by Chuck Jones
Music
edit- "Auld Lang Syne"
- "The Flower of Gower Gulch" (originally featured in Drip-Along Daffy); written by Michael Maltese
- "Voices of Spring"; Johann Strauss II
- "Aloha Oe"; Queen Liliuokalani
- "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean" (aka "The Red, White and Blue")
- "Then You'll Remember Me", from the opera The Bohemian Girl
Accolades
editNelly's Folly was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1962.[3][4][5]
Home media
editDVD:
References
edit- ^ Lenburg, Jeff (1999). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Checkmark Books. pp. 104–106. ISBN 0-8160-3831-7. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ Beck, Jerry; Friedwald, Will (1989). Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoons. Henry Holt and Co. p. 335. ISBN 0-8050-0894-2.
- ^ Short Film Winners: 1962 Oscars
- ^ 1962|Oscars.org
- ^ "Cartoons Considered For An Academy Award – 1961 -". cartoonresearch.com.