The Peanut Vendor/Experimental Animation (1933)

I mentioned learning of a second version of the animated 'The Peanut Vendor', also released in 1933...interesting. Well, I like the song, so let's see what-WHAT THE EVERLASTING SMURF?
(drops jar of peanut butter on the floor)

This Two-and-a-Half minute feature was animated, written and directed by early creator Len Lye, who presented this film as a prototype in the hope of finding partners for a series of puppet films, but without success. The result, titled 'Experimental Film' and released in 1933, was later named 'The Peanut Vendor' after the performed song therin-and has ever since been so very easily confused with the similarly-titled creation by the Fleisher Brothers, released the same year. I can understand confusion or even dismay at expecting the one and getting the other....

As far as the content? I could comprehend that the reedy-voiced, singing and dancing gibbon Peanut Vendor, with its long, reaching arms, rolling eyes and toothful grin could appear a bit 'Uncanny Valley' for some-but the animation, which includes a twisting, dancing tree in the background-is IMHO masterful. Being a fan of Segundo de Chomon, Maya Deren, Curtis Harrington et al, It didn't take very long for me to be totally enraptured with the odd little beast. My sister on the other hand now insists that 'This Godless Abomination has rented space in my Nightmares !" This from a Jerry Lewis fan, go figure....Your Mileage May Vary, as the saying goes...

At any rate, now both films are listed here fore Completeness' sake...Enjoy! B&W, Sound.