A Lecture on Camouflage (1944)

Simply A Masterpiece

Sadly Over-hyped

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Many of the Private Snafu cartoons are very enjoyable, being very well-made, entertaining and educational with good morals and interesting historical and instructional material. Even when inept, Snafu is still very much endearing and fun for a vast majority of his cartoons.To me 'A Lecture on Camouflage' is up there as one of the better Private Snafu cartoons. A great concept, executed in a way that's very funny often (especially in Snafu's complete and utter failure at doing what he's been taught) and also pretty educational. While the ending is shocking and ahead of its time, there is nothing here that's questionable, unintentionally creepy or disturbing.Actually, my only problem with 'A Lecture on Camouflage' is that part of me wanted it to be longer.On the other hand, 'A Lecture on Camouflage' is very well-animated though with fluid character designs, detailed and not sparse backgrounds and lively colours/shadings. Carl Stalling always did write outstanding music for the many cartoons he scored for and that is true for 'In the Aleutians', the orchestration is very lush and the pacing is characteristically lively.Snafu is endearing and amusing, even when so hopelessly inept and Technical Fairy First Class is a great teacher and contrast. The voice work is great, as one would expect from the immortal Mel Blanc.In conclusion, great cartoon and one of Snafu's better ones. 9/10 Bethany Cox

. . . from Dr. Seuss' fans to those viewers turned on by soft-core cartoon pornography. One of Snafu producer Seuss' future CAT IN THE HAT stories deals with the virtual impossibility of eradicating a household stain (particularly when the home lacks paper towels and disinfectant wipes). When Pvt. Snafu drives his Jeep into the jungle at the direction of his "Technical Fairy, First Class" (who delivers this LECTURE ON CAMOUFLAGE), his mentor points out that the Jeep's tire tracks constitute a dead give-away of his position to the Axis plane stalking him. Under the Fairy's chiding, Snafu erases his tracks three times with a succession of distinctive Seuss-like vehicles (the first two of which leave THEIR OWN tell-tale tracks!). Later, in a nod to 1939's WIZARD OF OZ, Nazis camouflaged NOT as lions, tigers, and bears but rather as a tree, stump, and rock chase Snafu from his lounging spot. Finally, the Fairy demonstrates himself the best way to hide amid a pair of topless blonde mermaids (clearly D-Cuppers who'd easily put Disney's LITTLE MERMAID to shame!).

This is one of a series of training films done by Warner Brothers during World War II under a contract with the US Army. There will be spoilers ahead:The lecture is delivered by Technical Fairy, First Class. As is the norm for the Private Snafu series, Snafu is used as the perfect example of what you SHOULDN'T do! Snafu is first seen in a vehicle equipped like a Good Humor ice cream truck, which naturally draws fire. Then he fails to hide his track in a very funny bit.The fact that the enemy, of course, will also use camouflage is also covered, with Snafu and a Nazi coming into contact. This is also a very interesting and humorous scene which also makes the point that you need to exercise caution and know your surroundings.There's a section on the use of shadows as camouflage, which Snafu fails royally. The end result is what one would expect for Snafu. The short closes on Technical Fairy, First Class imparting one last bit of sage advice before taking advantage of an opportunity to join two mermaids not for younger eyes.This short is available on various DVDs and online and is well worth seeking out.

Once again another fine Snafu shot.This is mainly having to do with how to hide yourself from the enemy with the technique of camouflage.Technical Fairy does all the talking while Snafu demonstrates. Course he's no good at doing it for one thing.Throughout the lesson Snafu keeps running and hiding from the enemy. With Technical Fairy Fist Class yelling at him and telling him what to do.A Good lesson on how to blend in with the scenery when your in war.My rating for this one 8/10