The Country Cousin: A Little Bit of Chaos

Is this worth your time?

If you have about eight minutes and want to see some classic hand-drawn stress, then absolutely. It’s a riot if you like old-school animation, but if you’re looking for something with a complex narrative, stay away. This is pure, frantic energy from 1936.

Abner arrives, and he’s clearly out of his depth. The way he gets tossed around by the city traffic is honestly kind of relatable if you’ve ever walked through Times Square during the holidays. It’s stressful!

The pacing here is wild. One minute they’re eating, and the next, there’s a mousetrap literally snapping at their heels. It makes me think of It's a Gift in terms of how much slapstick can happen in one kitchen. The tension is real, even if it is just a cartoon mouse.

I noticed there’s a specific bit where Morty is trying to look cool, but he’s just as terrified as Abner. It’s a nice touch. They aren't just archetypes; they’re two guys who clearly need a vacation.

Random observations:

• The sound effects in this are surprisingly sharp. That *snap* of the trap? Chilling.
• I’m pretty sure I saw a background character move weirdly in the street scene. Maybe he was tired?
• Watching them drink the spiked punch is funny, but it also feels like a weirdly aggressive choice for a 1936 cartoon.

The whole thing ends with Abner running back to the country. Can you blame him? Honestly, the city looks like a nightmare in this short. It reminds me of the chaotic energy in No Loafing, where everyone is just trying to survive the day.

It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s got a pulse. Sometimes that’s enough. 🐭