After a dozen appearances in Mickey Mouse cartoons, Pluto made his first Silly Symphony appearance in Just Dogs, a simple but memorable short. True to its title, Just Dogs doesn’t feature many surreal gags – most of the jokes are situational – but instead tells the story of a cute little terrier who’s determined to win Pluto’s favor. Bert Lewis’ score helps tell the story (there’s no dialogue other than barking) and the Disney animators under the direction of Burt Gillett show quite a bit of restraint, letting the charm of the characters carry this cartoon.

(The Silly Symphony Collection will available as a 16-record vinyl set at the D23 EXPO on August 14-16 and at the Disney Music Emporium on August 17)

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