April 14, 1970

Angel Puss (1944) *

Eleven Warner Bros cartoons have been banned since the 1960's, including ten "Merrie Melodies" and one "Looney Tune". They are known as "Censored 11". All the Merrie Melodies are terrific films: brilliant, innovative, funny and completely devoid of any actual (i.e. vicious and mean-spirited) racism. But the sole Looney Tune, "Angel Puss" is a truly boring and worthless film. And not just because of its racism (it's the only one of the "Censored 11" that really is offensive to blacks), but also for all the other reasons. The story revolves around a stupid black boy named Sambo who drowns a cat for money and feels guilty about it.