West of the Pesos

Last updated
West of the Pesos
Directed by Robert McKimson
Story by Tedd Pierce [1]
Produced by John W. Burton (uncredited)
Starring Mel Blanc
Music by Milt Franklyn
Animation by Warren Batchelder
Ted Bonnicksen
George Grandpré
Tom Ray
Color process Technicolor
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date
  • January 23, 1960 (1960-01-23)
Running time
6:02
LanguageEnglish

West of the Pesos is a 1960 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon short directed by Robert McKimson. [2] The short was released on January 23, 1960, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester. [3]

Contents

Plot

In the ACME Laboratorio por Experimento, mice subjected to scientific experiments are depicted as being held captive in cages, expressing concerns about their uncertain fates. Amidst their captivity, the mice engage in various activities, such as card games and harmonica playing, while guard cat Sylvester patrols outside to deter any potential escape attempts. Meanwhile, in the village, señorita mice lament the disappearance of their family members and boyfriends.

The village mayor endeavors to rally volunteers for a rescue mission, yet they quickly realize the formidable challenge posed by Sylvester's cunning and agility. In a stroke of hope, a mouse suggests enlisting the assistance of Speedy Gonzales. Despite Speedy's absence on vacation in Guadalajara, the resourceful mice contact him through his sister Carmela, prompting his swift arrival in the village.

Upon Speedy's arrival, he is greeted with jubilation akin to that of a bullfighter entering the arena, catching Sylvester's attention. Speedy boldly taunts the feline, prompting Sylvester to engage in pursuit. However, Speedy outmaneuvers him effortlessly, rescuing fellow mice and thwarting Sylvester's traps with his unparalleled speed and cunning.

Subsequent encounters between Sylvester and Speedy include comedic exchanges such as Speedy's evasion of a rock trap, his use of disguises to smuggle out mice, and his ingenious utilization of train tracks for the rescue operation. Throughout, Speedy's agility and wit prevail, leading to Sylvester's frustration and ultimate defeat.

In the denouement, Speedy is hailed as a hero, receiving adulation from the mice, particularly Carmela. His exuberance culminates in a departure into outer space, leaving the mice to humorously dub him a "loco satellite."

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slowpoke Rodriguez</span> Warner Bros. theatrical cartoon character

José "Slowpoke" Rodríguez is a fictional animated cartoon mouse, part of the Looney Tunes' cast.

<i>Tweetie Pie</i> 1947 short film by Bob Clampett and Friz Freleng

Tweetie Pie is a 1947 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on May 3, 1947, and stars Tweety with Sylvester, who is called "Thomas" in this cartoon.

<i>I Taw a Putty Tat</i> 1948 short animated cartoon directed by Friz Freleng

I Taw a Putty Tat is a 1948 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated cartoon directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on April 1, 1948, and stars Tweety and Sylvester.

The Wild Chase is a Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies short directed by Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt. The short was released on February 27, 1965, and stars Speedy Gonzales, Sylvester and Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. This cartoon was the only Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner cartoon to be directed by Freleng or Pratt, who specialized in Speedy and Sylvester cartoons. It is also noted as a crossover between the Sylvester/Speedy and Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner cartoons.

Tabasco Road is a 1957 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon directed by Bob McKimson. The short was released on July 20, 1957, and stars Speedy Gonzales.

<i>Speedy Gonzales</i> (film) 1955 American film

Speedy Gonzales is a 1955 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated short directed by Friz Freleng from a story by Warren Foster. The short was released on September 17, 1955, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

<i>Gonzales Tamales</i> 1957 film

Gonzales' Tamales is a 1957 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes animated film directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on November 30, 1957, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

It's Nice to Have a Mouse Around the House is a 1965 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon animated short directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on January 16, 1965, and stars Daffy Duck, Speedy Gonzales, Sylvester and Granny. The voices were performed by Mel Blanc and Ge Ge Pearson.

Chili Weather is a 1963 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on August 17, 1963, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

<i>Quacker Tracker</i> 1967 film

Quacker Tracker is a 1967 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon directed by Rudy Larriva. The short was released on April 29, 1967, and stars Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales. It was the first of three "buffer cartoons" produced by Format Productions in between Warner Bros. ending its contract with previous Looney Tunes producers DePatie–Freleng Enterprises and re-establishing its own cartoon studio.

Well Worn Daffy is a 1965 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes animated short directed by Robert McKimson. The short was released on May 22, 1965, and stars Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales.

A Taste of Catnip is a 1966 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Robert McKimson. The short was released on December 3, 1966, and stars Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales with cameos by Sylvester the Cat and Hector the Bulldog. It was the final overall theatrical classic-era Warner Brothers cartoon featuring Sylvester and Hector during the golden age of American animation.

Daffy's Diner is a 1967 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Robert McKimson. The short was released on January 21, 1967, and stars Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales. It was the final Warner Bros. cartoon to be produced by DePatie–Freleng Enterprises.

<i>Mexican Boarders</i> 1962 film

Mexican Boarders is a 1962 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon short directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on May 12, 1962, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester. Voice actors are Mel Blanc, and Tom Holland as the narrator.

Nuts and Volts is a 1964 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon short directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on July 20, 1964, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

Here Today, Gone Tamale is a 1959 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes animated short, directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on August 29, 1959, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

Cats and Bruises is a 1965 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt. The short was released on January 30, 1965, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

Road to Andalay is a 1964 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated short directed by Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt. The short was released on December 26, 1964, and is one of the last shorts to feature Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

The Pied Piper of Guadalupe is a 1961 Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon directed by Friz Freleng. The short was released on August 19, 1961, and stars Speedy Gonzales and Sylvester.

Mexican Mousepiece is a 1966 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon directed by Robert McKimson. The short was released on February 26, 1966, and stars Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales.

References

  1. Beck, Jerry (1991). I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat: Fifty Years of Sylvester and Tweety. New York: Henry Holt and Co. p. 145. ISBN   0-8050-1644-9.
  2. Beck, Jerry; Friedwald, Will (1989). Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoons. Henry Holt and Co. p. 322. ISBN   0-8050-0894-2.
  3. Lenburg, Jeff (1999). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Checkmark Books. p. 137. ISBN   0-8160-3831-7.