In the Looney Tunes cartoon series there are number of ‘S’ characters. Yesterday, you saw Sam Sheepdog and on a couple of cousins including my A-Z post button I used Sylvester. Today, I’m going to share with you two Mexican cousins Speedy Gonzales and Slowpoke Rodriguez. I remembered Speedy right off but forgot all about poor Slowpoke.
Speedy naturally is the “The fastest mouse in all Mexico”. His other noted characteristics is when he speaks in English he uses an exaggerated Mexican accent.
Slowpoke is described as the “the slowest mouse in all Mexico” but he’s not slow in the “la cabeza” the head. He also carries a gun. He generally speaks in a monotone voice and seems to not ever be surprised by anything.
Speedy and Slowpoke appeared in only two cartoons together. Mexicali Shomes (1959 B&W) and Mexican Boarders (1962). The B&W short appears to be the whole thing. I found a two colorized clips of each of the cartoons.
I’ve heard from my peeps that Speedy Gonzales was cancelled in the US due the political correction hype but I was tickled to learn that ClownfishTV (about 6 mins in) basically says Speedy is not canceled with Mexicans and Hispanics defend the little mouse. Cartoon Network yanked the cartoon because of ethnic stereotyping but it looks like they didn’t ask the people who might have been offended who weren’t offended before removing it for viewing. *roll eyes* I think it’s cool Mexicans are speaking out over this ridiculousness. .
In 1953 Speedy made his debut mostly name and speed only appearance in Cat-Tails for Two (B&W). It wasn’t until 1955 artist redesigned his character to how we recognize the little critter and appeared in Speedy Gonzales (B&W film). Here’s the opening and closing colorized version I remember.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your day. Please leave a direct link for today’s post in comments to ensure others can find an easy way back to you. I’m heading over to the A2Z headquarters to see who’s joined the party now. I hope to see you again tomorrow for the next letter in the alphabet in my Looney Tunes Art Sketch series! X💋X💋 Cathy
Alphabetical Looney Tunes Art Sketch series quick links: