Story
This animated short film, released in 1935, is part of the ComiColor series produced by Ub Iwerks. The film loosely adapts the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb" into a comical and whimsical animated narrative. The story revolves around Mary taking her little lamb to school, causing chaos and hilarity among the students and the teacher. The whimsical nature of the story is amplified by the vibrant, colorful animation that was a trademark of Iwerks’ work during this period.Ub Iwerks is a legendary figure in the history of animation, having co-created Mickey Mouse with Walt Disney. After parting ways with Disney, Iwerks created his own animation studio, producing a series of innovative and colorful films. Iwerks is also known for his technical contributions to the animation industry, including the development of the multiplane camera, which added depth to animated scenes. His work on this film showcases his ability to infuse traditional stories with visual creativity and humor.Shamus Culhane and Al Eugster, who also contributed to this project, were notable animators in their own right. Culhane later became a significant figure in the animation industry, working for studios like Fleischer and Walter Lantz Productions, and contributing to many classic animated films and series. Al Eugster also had a distinguished career, working for several major studios, including Disney, Fleischer, and Famous Studios. Their collaboration on this film highlights the confluence of some of the top talents in early American animation.