Another classic cartoon from director
Chuck Jones, this hilarious Merrie Melodies short introduces the singing, dancing amphibian Michigan J. Frog (later to become the official symbol of the Warner Brothers television network.) The frog is initially discovered by a fairly average man, who finds a mysterious box in the remnants of a demolished building. Inside the box is the frog, who immediately begins a rousing performance of "Hello My Ragtime Gal," complete with kick-step, top hat and cane. The man is thrilled at this discovery, realizing such a rare frog could be quite valuable. He decides to stage a public performance by the frog, and ends up sinking his life savings into the show. Things go awry, however, when the frog refuses to perform -- it turns out the frog will only sing and dance when the man is alone. If anyone else is around, it just sits there and ribbits. Michigan J. Frog's songs are the only dialogue in this film, which also features performances of "'I'm Just Wild About Harry," a Rossini aria, and an original number, "The Michigan Rag," penned by Jones and writer Michael Maltese. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide