Love Thy Neighbor

About This Movie

So, 'Love Thy Neighbor' from 1934 is one of those interesting little pieces from Fleischer Studios. It plays out as a Screen Song featuring Mary Small, who, if you haven’t heard her, has this surprisingly big voice for a little girl. The pacing is snappy, and the bouncing ball sing-along aspect really pulls you in. The animation, while typical for the era, has its charm—especially the parody of the 'Nosey News' reel. There’s this delightful silliness to it that captures a certain vibe of the time. It's not groundbreaking, but it definitely has a certain warmth and whimsy that can be hard to find in today’s animations.

'Love Thy Neighbor' has had limited releases over the years, making it somewhat of a rarity among animation collectors. Its original format has seen various home media adaptations, but they often lack the charm of the theatrical experience. Collectors appreciate it for its historical context in animation, although it may not hold the same weight as some other classics from the era. Still, the combination of Mary Small's performance and the playful animation keeps it in the conversation among enthusiasts.