Mean Moe Tells William Tell

About This Movie

Mean Moe Tells William Tell is a curious piece of animation history, coming from the often overlooked Out Of The Inkwell series. The short features a wry take on the classic tale of William Tell, where the character Mean Moe takes a rather darkly humorous twist by munching on an apple that’s meant for Tell's head. The pacing feels brisk, yet it allows for those trademark Fleischer character antics to shine. The animation style carries that quirky, hand-drawn charm that’s hard to replicate, and the characters are brimming with personality. It's a real curiosity, this kind of playful subversion of tales we think we know well, and makes for an interesting chat when discussing the evolution of cartoon humor in the 60s.

This short is part of the lesser-known Out Of The Inkwell series, which makes it an intriguing find for collectors. Its original airing and syndication in the early '60s adds to its historical context. While not widely circulated in recent years, interest in Fleischer animations has seen a resurgence, making pieces like this more appealing as collectors dive into niche markets. The scarcity of quality prints can add value, and it’s always a conversation starter among enthusiasts.