Story
"All’s Fair at the Fair" is a 1938 animated short film directed by Dave Fleischer, with animation by Myron Waldman. The film is part of the celebrated "Color Classics" series produced by Fleischer Studios. This series aimed to compete with Walt Disney’s "Silly Symphonies," and "All’s Fair at the Fair" is a testament to the studio’s innovation and creativity in the animation domain. The short film utilizes the Technicolor process, which was relatively new at the time and contributed to the vivid and engaging visuals that Fleischer Studios was known for.
The plot centers around two farmer characters, Elmer and Mirandy, who visit a World’s Fair full of futuristic and automated marvels. The film captures the awe and wonder of technological advancements, presenting a whimsical look at what the future might hold. The narrative is lighthearted and humorous, featuring various fairground attractions and automated devices that entertain and bamboozle the rustic couple. The animation style and storytelling reflect the Fleischer Studios’ unique approach, marked by surreal imagery and a fluid, lively animation style.
Dave Fleischer, one of the co-directors, was a significant figure in the history of animation. Alongside his brother Max Fleischer, he co-founded Fleischer Studios, which created iconic characters such as Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor, and Koko the Clown. Myron Waldman, the animator for this short, was also a notable figure in animation and contributed to many of the studio’s successful projects, including both "Betty Boop" and "Superman" series. Fleischer Studios’ innovative techniques, such as the Rotoscope and the use of three-dimensional sets in animation, set them apart from their competitors and left a lasting impact on the animation industry.