Milk for Baby

About This Movie

So, 'Milk for Baby' is kind of a curious little piece from 1938. It has this charmingly simple premise where a baby refuses to drink milk until Edna May Oliver spins a yarn about W. C. Fields and a cow. The animation style, while not groundbreaking, carries that classic vibe typical of the late '30s. The pacing feels a bit off, and the humor is really hit or miss—like it's trying to replicate the Van Buren style but doesn't quite capture it. What stands out is Oliver's performance; she brings a warmth that's quite magnetic, and the whole thing has this whimsical, if somewhat uninspired, atmosphere that you don’t see much of anymore.

Milk for Baby has become a bit of a niche curiosity among collectors. It was released in a couple of formats over the years, but original prints are not particularly common, which adds to its allure. Its thematic elements and unique animation style make it an interesting study in the evolution of cartoon storytelling during that era, and it has garnered a small but dedicated following among collectors who appreciate its offbeat charm.