Title - Really Scent
Director - Abe Levitow
Released - 1959
Reason for Placement --
While taking the usual formula for a Pepe Le Pew short, Really Scent takes it upon itself to give us a few significant changes that help it to stand out. First of all, the action takes place in the US, specifically New Orleans, rather than France. Second, the victim of Pepe's chase, a black cat named Fabrette, is not a normal black cat with a stripe painted down her back; instead, she was born with the stripes, making her look exactly like a skunk.
And finally, as the narrator explains to both us and Fabrette, the cat actually wants to be with Pepe! While she does run away from his stench, all Fabrette wants is a boyfriend, and she's willing to do anything possible to be with Pepe (since regular cats run away when they see her stripe), even going so far as to hold her breath as long as possible.
I'm sure there's a lot of people who probably think that last element is probably a bit sexist and outdated, but to me, Really Scent will always be one of my favorite Pepe Le Pew toons.
[QUOTE]I'm sure there's a lot of people who probably think that last element is probably a bit sexist and outdated,[/QUOTE]
ReplyDeleteActually, that's what some people think of the Pepe Le Pew cartoons whether it's this one or not.
I don't think that bit is so absolutely sexist. Some women in real life would do anything possible to be with a man they love for the very simple reason that.............. they are in love with him. It isn't always about "her needing a man to feel complete" or whatever. Really, not allowing the Fabrette character to behave like this is MORE of a despicable act of sexism I say. Why is it when a man is willing to do anything for a woman people say he's "passionate" and "romantic" but when it's reversed and the woman is willing to do anything for a man she's considered "desperate" and "needy"?
ReplyDeleteI guess true gender equality is still a distance away on the horizon.
^Exactly, David.
ReplyDeleteI don't really want to look that into it. I just think that the "turnabout is fair play" theme is a welcome change of pace for the usually routine Le Pew shorts.
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