Unnatural History (1959)

Unnatural History Review

Unnatural History is a 1959 animated short film from the Merry Melodies series. It is a very weak entry in the series.

This is one of those shorts that consist entirely of blackout gags. I simply never found these cartoons particularly enjoyable and/or good. Certainly by this point in the series’ history this type of film feels like an afterthought from a previous era, not belonging within the likes of Bugs Bunny and others.

Admittedly, I did laugh at the chameleon bit. That was very funny and clever. A couple of segments here definitely do work, but most are fleeting experiences with a lack of stronger comedic punch to make them more memorable. I also did not understand the point of that dog running gag. It was repeated throughout, but it just felt tacked on the remainder of the short.

Unnatural History has some solid humorous moments in it, but most of this Merry Melodies short was uninspired and forgettable.

My Rating – 3.1