As Adolf Hitler personally flies a bomber on a mission to the Soviet Union, the gremlins from the Kremlin set about to stop him.As Adolf Hitler personally flies a bomber on a mission to the Soviet Union, the gremlins from the Kremlin set about to stop him.As Adolf Hitler personally flies a bomber on a mission to the Soviet Union, the gremlins from the Kremlin set about to stop him.
- Director
- Writer
- Stars
- Adolf Hitler
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- …
- Gremlins
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- …
- Radio Announcer
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn the early 1940s Walt Disney was developing a feature film based on Roald Dahl's book "Gremlin Lore", and asked the other studios to refrain from producing Gremlin films. While most of the studios complied, Warner Bros. already had two cartoons too far into production - Falling Hare (1943) and this cartoon. As a compromise, Leon Schlesinger retitled the cartoons to remove any reference to gremlins. The original title was Gremlins From the Kremlin.
- Quotes
Adolf Hitler: [shouting] Stoupnegel Hamburger mit der Frankfurter und der Sauerkrauten
[long gasp]
Adolf Hitler: mit der Zoot Suit, mit der Reet Pleat, Zoot!
[long gasp]
Adolf Hitler: Schtunk Friz Freleng, mit der Heinrich Binder, und der What's Cookin' Doc!
[long gasp]
Adolf Hitler: Pumpernickel mit Sauerkrauten from der Delicatessen, mit Liverwurst, Hassenpfeffer, und der Chattanoga Choo-Choo! Gesundheit! Ve vill bomben der Moskau, bomben Schtalin, bomben that Irish general Tim O'Shenko!
[cries]
Adolf Hitler: That O'Shenko... To bomb Moscow, I will send the best pilot in the R-r-reich-ch-ch! The greatest superman of all time!
Man: Who's that? You, Fuhrer?
Adolf Hitler: Eh-h-h-h, who else?
- Alternate versionsFootage is obviously missing between when the gremlins hit Adolf on the head with a mallet and when a circle is cut around him by a gremlin so he falls out of the plane.
- ConnectionsEdited into Lend a Paw (1941)
- SoundtracksSong of the Volga Boatman
Traditional
'Russian Rhapsody' is classic Bob Clampett in style. This is meant in a good way, Clampett's distinctively wild and outrageous style is all over 'Russian Rhapsody' in visuals and humour and like his best cartoons a lot of the cartoon is pretty anarchic (again typical of prime-Clampett). By all means, 'Russian Rhapsody' is not one of his best cartoons overall, but it is very good and does Clampett in his prime period justice.
By all means, 'Russian Rhapsody' could have been better. Some of the references may go over some viewers heads, especially if they are not familiar with what is being referenced (it was a bit hit and miss with me, some were familiar, others weren't), and the ending falls somewhat flat.
However, there is so much to admire about 'Russian Rhapsody', that Clampett's style can be found all over it and that he's on top form is just one of the things. It's a very strange cartoon certainly, with a fairly positive view of Russians, gremlins and Hitler like you've never seen him before in a cartoon, and it may not be for the easily offended or historians looking for accuracy (it is a lampoon cartoon so that should be pushed at the back of the mind).
It is also though a very funny, and often hilarious, cartoon, with some very witty dialogue, deliciously weird, anarchic and for the time perhaps daring sight gags and the visual humour provides a lot of the fun too. One does admire how much is gotten away with here in 'Russian Rhapsody', the gremlins come close to stealing the show and personally will admit to thoroughly enjoying this interpretation of Hitler. Stalin is even included and it's a highlight.
As to be expected, Mel Blanc is outstanding as always. He always was the infinitely more preferable voice for Porky, Joe Dougherty never clicked with me, and he proves it here. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.
When it comes to the animation, 'Russian Rhapsody' is very good. Much of it is fluid in movement, vibrant and very meticulous in detail, much of it also pretty imaginative. Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it. The song is very catchy.
Overall, not one of Clampett's best and not for everyone perhaps but strange and great fun. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jan 15, 2018
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Gremlins from the Kremlin
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime7 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1