Jolly Little Elves (1934)

So much for no good deed going unpunished. A poverty stricken couple are huddled in their home on a cold winter’s night looking to share their last doughnut and a cup of coffee. Then there is a tap on their window and a half-naked young elf begs to be let in and heated up. They share their meagre fayre with him and he heads off after leaving them to go to bed. Whilst they are snoozing, an army of their new friend’s friends arrive and proceed to restock their cobblers shop. When they awaken in the morning, the couple find a fully restocked shop and sales soon beckon! Could this be the start of a cottage industry? I always like cartoons that start with a nice snowy scene and this one is charmingly simple, delivered with a kindly moral based on the principle of one good turn deserving another. It’s also got the benefit of the benefit of the world famous “Dunking Rhapsody” which has something vaguely Masonic about it, but that ought to be compulsory for all to sing whilst eating tea and any cakes!