Cock O’ The Walk had its New York debut with George Cukor’s Sylvia Scarlett, starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Although it’s a charming Disney “funny animal” cartoon, the themes are decidedly adult and the cinematic allusions would have flown over most kids’ heads – even back in 1935. From the Busby Berkeley-esque choreography to the fantastic usage of the popular tune “The Carioca” to the boxing match between the rivals for the heart of the hen, this short will still entertain grown-ups 80 years after its release. Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, the score is split between Frank Churchill and Albert Hay Malotte (this was Malotte’s first Silly Symphony).
