The High Flyers

About This Movie

The High Flyers (1923) is an interesting piece of animation history, fitting snugly into the Aesop’s Film Fables series. Its tone carries that whimsical charm typical of early animation, combined with a moral lesson that feels both playful and poignant. The pacing is brisk, which keeps the viewer engaged, though it might not allow for deep character development—typical for shorts of the era. The practical effects, while simple, showcase the creativity of the animators, and there's a certain handmade quality that gives it character. It’s distinctive for its blend of lighthearted storytelling and the inherent lessons from Aesop’s tales, which still resonate today, even if the director remains a mystery.

The High Flyers is relatively rare, with few copies turning up in collector circles. Most known prints are from the early sound era, making original formats particularly sought after. It’s an intriguing piece for anyone interested in the evolution of animated storytelling and the Aesop brand, though it may not be on every collector's radar just yet.