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5.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Felix Tries for Treasure remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Ah, the allure of the unknown! The glint of gold just beyond the horizon, or in this case, beneath the churning waves. Felix Tries for Treasure, a delightful excursion into the nascent days of animated storytelling, offers precisely this kind of escapist fantasy, wrapped in the endearing, iconic persona of Felix the Cat. For those of us who appreciate the foundational artistry that paved the way for modern animation, this film serves as a charming, if somewhat primitive, testament to the power of imagination. It’s a narrative that, despite its apparent simplicity, resonates with a timeless appeal, proving that a compelling story doesn't always require grand budgets or intricate CGI. Sometimes, all it takes is a clever cat, a plucky sidekick, a mysterious map, and the boundless blue of the ocean.
The film opens with an almost idyllic scene, one that grounds the impending fantastical voyage in the mundane: Felix and young Sammy Johnson engaged in a game of baseball. This seemingly innocuous beginning quickly pivots, however, as the duo stumbles upon a tattered, ancient map. Not just any map, mind you, but one detailing the hidden undersea bounty of Lizzie the Pirate Queen. The sudden shift from backyard sport to high-stakes treasure hunt is executed with a briskness characteristic of early animation, wasting no time in establishing the central conflict and the catalyst for adventure. It’s a moment that captures the universal childhood dream of discovering something extraordinary in the everyday, a sentiment that remains potent regardless of the era. The instant spark of determination in Felix's eyes, even in rudimentary animation, is palpable, drawing the audience into his burgeoning ambition.
This initial setup, while straightforward, is remarkably effective in setting a tone of whimsical possibility. It reminds me, in its spirit of spontaneous adventure, of the unbridled imagination found in films like The Tin Bronco, where unconventional modes of transport and unexpected discoveries propel characters into unforeseen escapades. Both films, in their own unique ways, celebrate the spirit of pioneering and the thrill of the chase, albeit with vastly different backdrops. Here, the treasure isn't merely gold; it's the experience, the journey, the very act of daring to dream beyond the terrestrial.
One of the most charming aspects of Felix Tries for Treasure is the sheer ingenuity displayed by Felix and Sammy in constructing their own submarine. This isn't a sleek, high-tech vessel; it's a ramshackle contraption, a testament to makeshift engineering and the belief that where there's a will, there's a way. The sequence dedicated to its creation, though brief, speaks volumes about the characters' resourcefulness and the boundless optimism inherent in the pursuit of a grand goal. It's a visual metaphor for the creative process itself, taking disparate parts and assembling them into something entirely new and functional, driven solely by a shared vision.
The act of building their own submarine, rather than simply finding one, elevates the narrative beyond a simple quest. It imbues Felix and Sammy's adventure with a sense of earned accomplishment, making their eventual descent all the more personal. This DIY spirit, the idea of forging one's own path, is a recurring motif in many classic tales of adventure, much like the determined protagonists in films such as Do or Die, where characters must rely on their wits and self-made solutions to overcome formidable obstacles. The homemade submarine, in its charming imperfection, becomes almost a character in itself, a symbol of their courageous leap of faith.
Once submerged, the film truly comes alive, transforming into a vibrant, albeit monochrome, underwater spectacle. The ocean depths, with their myriad creatures, become a canvas for Otto Messmer's distinctive artistic vision. The variety of undersea life Felix and Sammy encounter is impressive, showcasing the animators' imaginative flair in populating this aquatic world. From graceful fish to curious crustaceans, each creature adds a layer of wonder and occasional peril to their journey. These encounters are not mere window dressing; they serve to emphasize the vastness and unpredictability of the environment Felix and Sammy have dared to invade.
The visual storytelling here, even without the benefit of color, is remarkably effective. The play of light and shadow, the fluid movements of the animated sea creatures, all contribute to a sense of immersion. It’s a testament to the early animators' ability to evoke atmosphere and character with relatively simple means. This exploration of an alien environment, filled with both beauty and danger, echoes the journey into the unknown seen in more dramatic narratives like A Man There Was, where the protagonist faces the unforgiving elements and the harsh realities of nature. While Felix's adventure is decidedly more lighthearted, the underlying theme of confronting the unfamiliar remains a powerful narrative engine.
However, the most memorable, and perhaps most unsettling, encounter comes in the form of the 'loan shark.' This isn't just a clever play on words; it's a brilliant, if somewhat dark, stroke of metaphorical genius. In a film ostensibly aimed at a younger audience, the introduction of a character representing financial peril adds an unexpected layer of mature commentary. This 'loan shark' is the ultimate antagonist, not a beast of the deep driven by primal instinct, but a creature embodying a very human, very modern threat. It's a stark reminder that even in the most fantastical of adventures, the anxieties of the real world can surface in unexpected forms.
The confrontation with this figure is surprisingly tense, injecting a genuine sense of danger into the otherwise whimsical proceedings. It forces Felix and Sammy to contend not just with the physical challenges of the deep, but with a more abstract, insidious threat. This element elevates Felix Tries for Treasure beyond a simple children's cartoon, hinting at the broader societal concerns that even early animated works could subtly address. It’s a moment that resonates with the underlying tension and moral dilemmas found in films like Her Dangerous Path, where characters must navigate treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical, to achieve their goals.
The creative genius of Otto Messmer, widely credited with defining Felix the Cat's persona and visual style, is evident throughout this short. Messmer’s work, characterized by its fluid animation and expressive character designs, was revolutionary for its time. Felix, with his iconic black body, wide grin, and detached tail, became a global phenomenon, a testament to Messmer's ability to imbue simple drawings with vibrant personality. In Felix Tries for Treasure, we see the hallmarks of this style: the exaggerated reactions, the inventive visual gags, and the relentless forward momentum of the narrative.
It's a stark contrast to the more intricate and character-driven narratives that would emerge decades later, but its charm lies in its directness and its reliance on visual storytelling. There's a purity to it, an unadulterated joy in movement and expression that still captivates. While the specific writers aren't credited, the overarching creative vision clearly stems from Messmer's fertile imagination, shaping a world where anything is possible, even a cat building a working submarine. Comparing this to the more dramatic, human-centric narratives of the era, such as Den retfærdiges hustru or The Dead Secret, highlights the distinct path animation was forging – a path towards boundless fantasy and allegorical simplicity.
Beyond the surface-level adventure, Felix Tries for Treasure subtly explores themes that resonate far beyond its runtime. The pursuit of treasure, of course, is a classic narrative trope, often symbolizing ambition, greed, or the search for fulfillment. Here, it feels more aligned with the innocent curiosity and adventurous spirit of childhood. Felix isn't driven by avarice, but by the thrill of discovery and the challenge of the quest itself. Sammy Johnson's presence further emphasizes this, grounding the adventure in a relatable, youthful perspective.
The film also touches upon themes of resourcefulness and perseverance. The very act of building a submarine, and then navigating the dangers of the deep, speaks to the human (or feline, in this case) capacity to overcome obstacles through ingenuity and sheer will. The 'loan shark' character, as previously mentioned, introduces a layer of social commentary, subtly critiquing the predatory nature of certain financial systems, even within a fantastical setting. This unexpected depth is what truly makes the film stand out, much like how The House That Jazz Built, while seemingly about music, delves into the cultural shifts and societal anxieties of its time.
Watching Felix Tries for Treasure today is more than just an entertaining experience; it's a journey back in time, a nostalgic glimpse into the very foundations of cinematic art. It reminds us of a period when the rules were still being written, when animators were pioneering techniques and storytelling conventions that would influence generations. The simplicity of the animation, far from being a drawback, becomes part of its charm, allowing the viewer to appreciate the raw talent and imaginative power at play.
The film, like many of its contemporaries such as The Ballet Girl or When We Were 21, showcases the storytelling sensibilities of its era – direct, often melodramatic, but always striving to engage the audience on an emotional or adventurous level. It's a film that, despite its age, retains a vibrant energy, a testament to the enduring appeal of Felix and the timeless narrative of seeking fortune against all odds. It's a foundational piece, a stepping stone in the grand edifice of animation history, and its influence, though perhaps not immediately obvious in today's hyper-realistic CGI spectacles, is undeniably present.
Felix himself, as portrayed by Otto Messmer, is a character of immense charm and resilience. He navigates the perils of the deep with a characteristic blend of wit and unflappable determination. His iconic expressions and fluid movements, even in the black and white canvas, convey a wide range of emotions and intentions, making him an incredibly engaging protagonist. It's easy to see why Felix became such a beloved figure, predating and influencing many of the animated icons that followed. His adventure in Felix Tries for Treasure is a perfect encapsulation of his adventurous spirit and his ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The dynamic between Felix and Sammy Johnson also adds a layer of warmth to the narrative. Their partnership, built on shared ambition and mutual support, is a delightful element, reinforcing the idea that even the grandest adventures are better undertaken with a trusted companion. This camaraderie, this sense of shared purpose, is a universal theme that resonates deeply, much like the alliances forged in films such as A Lion's Alliance, where the strength of the bond between characters is paramount to their success. It's this blend of individual heroism and collaborative effort that makes their undersea quest so compelling.
Felix Tries for Treasure is far more than just a historical curiosity; it's a vibrant, entertaining piece of early animation that continues to delight. Its simple yet effective plot, imaginative visuals, and surprisingly nuanced thematic elements make it a standout among its peers. Otto Messmer's pioneering work with Felix the Cat laid crucial groundwork for the art form, and this particular adventure showcases his talents beautifully. The film’s ability to weave together innocent fun with a subtle critique of societal pressures, all within the framework of a thrilling undersea quest, is truly remarkable.
For enthusiasts of classic animation, or anyone curious about the origins of modern cartooning, Felix Tries for Treasure is an essential viewing experience. It’s a reminder that even in the rudimentary stages of a new art form, profound stories and unforgettable characters can emerge. It offers a captivating blend of adventure, ingenuity, and a touch of unexpected social commentary, solidifying its place as a cherished artifact of cinematic history. The journey with Felix and Sammy is a testament to the enduring power of dreams, even those found at the bottom of the ocean, guarded by pirate queens and, yes, even loan sharks. Much like the determined protagonist in The Quitter, Felix embodies a spirit of perseverance that transcends the screen, inspiring audiences to face their own challenges head-on.
IMDb —
1922
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