The Steeple Chase

About This Movie

So, The Steeple Chase is this quirky little animation from 1933, and it’s got a real charm to it, despite the director being a bit of a mystery. You’ve got Mickey who’s in this tight spot with the race and the stakes are high since the Colonel has bet the farm, so to speak. The way they use that horse costume is just clever – kind of reminds you of those old slapstick shorts where everything just goes wrong. The pacing has this nice rhythm, balancing tension and humor, which really keeps you engaged. It’s not just about the race; it’s about the lengths one will go to for loyalty, with a touch of absurdity that’s distinctively 30s. A fun snapshot of animation's early days, for sure.

The Steeple Chase is a rather obscure piece of animation history, and finding copies can be a bit of a hunt. The film has seen some distribution on various formats over the years, but it's not one that pops up often in collector circles, making it somewhat of a rarity. Interest in early animation is growing, and this film’s unique approach to storytelling and humor makes it an intriguing candidate for collectors who appreciate the evolution of animated shorts.