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So, 'Mail Early' is quite the intriguing piece from 1941. Directed by the enigmatic Norman McLaren, it's this playful animation that combines drawn symbols over a painted background, which gives it a unique layered effect. The atmosphere is both whimsical and slightly nostalgic, heightened by Benny Goodman's jazzy version of 'Jingle Bells' that accompanies the visuals. It's fascinating how McLaren utilized clear 35 mm stock to create such a dynamic visual language, making it distinct from other shorts of its time. You can feel the creativity bursting through in every frame, capturing that spirit of the era and promoting the importance of postal services in a charming way.
As a piece of Canadian animation history, 'Mail Early' remains relatively scarce among collectors, primarily due to its limited release as a publicity short for Canada Post. It's a fascinating intersection of art and commerce that McLaren approached with his inventive style. Original 35 mm prints can be particularly hard to find, making it a notable entry in discussions around early National Film Board productions and McLaren's pioneering work in animation.
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