4.7/10
Senior Film Conservator

A definitive 4.7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. April Maze remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have six minutes and want to see a classic character get absolutely dunked on by nature, then yes. It is for people who like rubber-hose animation and don't mind a bit of scratchy audio.
If you need a deep story or high-definition visuals, you will probably hate this. It is just a cat and some kittens getting wet in the rain.
So, Felix takes his nephews—Inky and Winky—out for a picnik. I always forget thier names because they just look like smaller, rounder versions of Felix himself.
The way they walk is the best part. It has that rhythmic, bouncy logic that only existed in the 1930s. Their knees don't really exist; they just sort of bend like noodles.
They find a spot, set down the basket, and immediately a rabbit shows up. This isn't a cute Disney rabbit. This is a jerk rabbit.
He moves with this weird, frantic energy. He steals their food and just mocks them. It's actually kind of frustrating to watch because Felix is usually the smart one, but here he’s just getting outplayed by a bunny.
The rain in April Maze isn't just water. It feels like a personal attack from the sky.
The clouds look angry. When the thunderstorm hits, it’s not just noise—the animation makes the environment feel genuinely hostile to the characters.
There is a moment where the lightning actually scares the kids. It’s a bit sad, honestly. They just wanted some sandwiches.
I noticed the background art is super simple. It is mostly just white space with a few lines for grass. It makes the characters pop, but it also feels a bit empty, like they are picnicking in a void.
It’s a strange little artifact. It’s much faster than something like Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler, obviously, but it has its own kind of madness.
I think I prefer this era of Felix where he’s a bit more vulnerable. Later on, he became too much of a "star," but here he’s just a tired uncle trying to keep it together.
It’s better than The Cow's Kimono if you want something with a bit more slapstick. Watch it for the rabbit. He’s the real villain of 1930.
The ending is very abrupt. They just run away. No moral, no big finish. Just a wet cat. 🐱⛈️
It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a good reminder that nature has always been a bully.

IMDb —
1929
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