Brave Little Tailor (1938)

Stitcher “Mickey” is being pestered by some pesky flies that he swiftly despatches with his swatter. Unfortunately, when he regales a fellow villager of tales of his brute strength, his achievement is mistaken for killing seven giants! Given that a giant is currently tormenting the kingdom, he is summoned before the king and promised loads of golden bazookies and the hand of the Princess “Minnie” if he can handle this small problem. With a lump in his throat and armed only with his pinking shears, off he goes on his perilous mission. No, there’s no doubt about the conclusion, but along the way I thought there were shades of a rodent version of “David and Goliath” as his nemesis makes short work of a wagon-load of pumpkins and a cigarette from some straw whilst he is sustained only by thoughts of his gal. The animation uses it’s Arthurian-style timeframe to make good use of the scenario and costumes to help create a fun and action-packed ten minutes. I was still rooting for the big guy, though!