Pigs in a Polka (1943)
The classic Merrie Melodies animated short Pigs in a Polka was officially released on February 6, 1943.
Quick Facts
- Director: Friz Freleng
- Musical Score: Johannes Brahms (Hungarian Dances Nos. 5, 7, 6, and 17)
- Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Accolades: Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
Note: Because the copyright was not renewed in 1971, the film is currently in the public domain.
Current Status
As of today, February 14, 2026, you can find various digital archives and enthusiast sites, such as Audiomake, highlighting its legacy as one of the most inventive musical cartoons ever made.
Overview
Pigs in a Polka is a landmark 1943 Merrie Melodies short produced by Leon Schlesinger Productions and released by Warner Bros. It is famous for being a "pantomime" cartoon, where the story is told entirely through visual action synchronized to classical music, with no spoken dialogue.
The Plot & Musical Structure
The cartoon reimagines the classic "Three Little Pigs" fable. It follows the three brothers as they build their respective houses of straw, matchsticks, and bricks, while being pursued by a hungry, violin-playing Big Bad Wolf.
Musical Synchronization
The short is meticulously timed to four of Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dances. The animation follows the tempo of the music so closely that every hammer strike, footstep, and breath matches the orchestral hits:
- Hungarian Dance No. 5: Used for the Wolf's introduction and his iconic "gypsy" dance sequence.
- Hungarian Dance No. 6: Underscores the building of the matchstick house and the frantic chase scenes.
- Hungarian Dance No. 7: Plays during the opening introduction of the pigs.
- Hungarian Dance No. 17: Used for the Wolf's final, desperate attempt to blow down the brick house.
Satire and Legacy
While it is a great standalone cartoon, it was specifically designed as a double-parody of two major Disney influences:
- The Three Little Pigs (1933): It mocks the character designs and the earnest "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" tone of Disney's original.
- Fantasia (1940): The intro features a Wolf silhouette parodying narrator Deems Taylor, mocking the idea of "high-brow" musical interpretation.
Academy Award Recognition: The short was so well-received that it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1943.