Load of rubbish!!

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I am astounded at the level of vitriol and self-inflated arrogance displayed by many of the IMDb "reviews" of MELODY TIME. MELODY TIME is a delightful compilation/potpourri of 7 episodes that showcase POPULAR MUSICAL ARTISTS of the day. And despite Disney's temporary post-war decline in quality, I challenge anyone to cite another example of animation that is so GLORIOUS and flawlessly rendered; it is a true feast for the eye, and contains some of Disney's absolutely best visual work. True, the film lacks the narrative cohesion of a single-storyline feature but---GUESS WHAT??--- that's the way the studio designed it!A few specific reactions.1.) "Once Upon a Winter" -- the overall design is as sumptuous and gorgeous as anything you will ever see; the studio designed this in a post-Deco visual style that was used in 1940's Christmas cards and graphics. It is stunning (the sky, the trees, the horses, the use of light and shadow, etc).I find the story a bit too crude and slapstick-y, especially where the young lady is concerned, which works against this segment's overall elegance and beauty. Frances Langford and the expert singing of the chorus are also first-rate.2.) "Johnny Appleseed"-- A continual marvel to look at and listen to. Gorgeous pastels, pinks, blues, apple-blossom clouds, landscapes, vistas, rivers, wind-rain-snow storms....the visual design of the pioneer's covered-wagon procession is another example of Disney's artists at their very best. And popular Irish tenor/comedian Dennis Day's virtuoso vocal performance (he portrays all of the characters) is a whimsical delight. And yes, Johnny's main song, with its graceful melody and charming whistling refrain, is happily titled "The LORD IS GOOD TO ME". How about THAT?!3.) "TREES" -- with the ever-popular Fred Waring Chorus (ever heard of them? Look 'em up. A little research might broaden my fellow reviewer's appreciation of "Melody Time's" appeal to audiences of its day).TREES is the "nature/concept" segment of the film and simply stunning in its visual design and execution. Seriously, show me anything that surpasses it in terms of its beauty. It's like a fantasy on the best parts of "Fantasia's" Beethoven Pastoral Symphony...but expanded and amplified.4.) I find "Little Toot" a bit tedious, since it's so predictable. But it's very well-done, great for the kids, and features the iconic Andrews Sisters of the '40's (ever heard of THEM?....)5.) "BLAME IT ON THE SAMBA!!!" --Must be seen to be believed. Donald Duck and his parrot-pal Joe Carioca in a hallucinogenic tropical-fantasy that echoes Disney's bizarre "Pink Elephants on Parade" from "Dumbo"...but in a South-American jungle-cafe setting. Totally, joyously insane...and very sophisticated in its design.The unhinged goofiness is highlighted by the combination of live-action footage of ETHEL SMITH, a popular and fabulously talented Organist of the day, who specialized in Latin Dance Music. Ethel floats in a big mojito glass, Ethel dances with our two bird-brain friends, Ethel plays the congas, Ethel gets a hot foot (with a stick of dynamite) from that crazy Aracuan bird, Ethel's organ EXPLODES, comes raining down and magically reassembles itself... Wildly imaginative and hilarious. OH YES....in case any of our reviewer colleagues are interested, "Blame It" also includes the fantastic singing of The DINNING SISTERS--- another popular female trio of the era, whose technical accuracy and flawless vocal blend is ANOTHER bonus in this delightful musical journey. (Incidentally, the lyrics of the song mention three Brazilian folk percussion instruments, here used as part of the "recipe" for the Samba: CABASA (a gourd/shaker), PANDERO (tambourine), and PUITA (a little drum with a string device that produces a curious "groaning" sound).6.) "PECOS BILL" -- with Roy Rodgers and the SONS OF THE PIONEERS, the greatest Western harmony group of all time. Check their history, should you be interested. It's good to see them together on screen and in color. And, in response to a couple of IMDb negative swipes at the two young child actors in the prologue, Luana Patten and Bobby Driscoll were among the most talented kids of the day (Bobby, especially). Read about his accomplishments and his tragic end here on IMDb; you may want to reconsider your snarky comments about his talents.Most of the PECOS BILL animated segment is pretty over-the-top in tone; it's almost off-putting, since it's characters are SO grotesque and exaggerated. However, the present-day ninnies at Disney, obsessed as they are with political-correct "enlightenment", chose to CENSOR the first verse of the rollicking "Ballad of Pecos Bill" on this DVD release---WHY? Because the animators dared to show Pecos Bill lighting a cigarette as he tames a cyclone.But all is not lost: the night-time imagery of the desert in this segment---the moon and stars, the echoing wail of coyote, etc etc, are simply STUNNING. It's hard to believe that a mere cartoon could evoke such a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. And the combination of the Sons' legendary performance of "Blue Shadows on the Trail" with Disney's artwork HAS to be one of the most enchanting, ravishingly beautiful things ever put on film.There is SO MUCH to treasure in MELODY TIME...not only its visual perfection, but the way in which it preserves 7 great performances by popular musical artists of the day in their prime. If anyone ever makes it through all of the other pathetic, ill-tempered, short-sighted, dismissive "reviews" here on IMDb and reads my comments, I hope you will be convinced to decide on the merits of MELODY TIME for yourself.LR

...but no one in the 21st century is going to recognize any of the people who did the music for "Melody Time". Dennis Day? Fred Waring? Frances Langford? And besides, the movie has some of the hokiest sketches. As for Roy Rogers, maybe he and John Wayne were seen as role models in the '40s and '50s, but can we in the 2010s truly see them as such?* So, it's not just that I'm the sort of person who prefers to watch all sorts of different movies from around the world. I prefer it if family movies have a more complex purpose than being happy-go-lucky. For example, I wouldn't call "Frozen" a masterpiece but I thought that it made a good point about accepting oneself as one is and others as they are. But more than anything I always preferred the Looney Tunes cartoons; their irreverence and grittiness starkly contrasted with Disney's cuteness.The point is that I don't recommend "Melody Time".*Read John Wayne's comment about relations between white settlers and American Indians if you want to know what I mean.

All possibly to reflect Walt Disney's dreams and possibly some of his new ideas, while the world was recovering from the terrifying Second World War, Disney released "Melody Time", a collection of beautiful, heartwarming, musical and entertaining shorts. At the beginning, a speaking mask (who at times is the narrator), explains that there is something for everyone and there indeed just about is! A lot of different kind of shorts await you and you are bound to like at least one a little bit.In order of when the shorts are shown:"Once Upon A Wintertime": A different kind of Disney animation, including pristine backgrounds, Disney shows a rather messy winter love story. Not the best short in the bunch, but definitely not the least best, with a good woman singer. "Bumble Boogie": Good for the eye, this short shows a very angry and upset bee trapped and flustered in a world of musical caterpillars and images. A good short mainly for the older, for the young it may be a bit upsetting, especially as the bee is quite a likable character."Johnny Appleseed": One of the few shorts with a proper plot, with some of the best animation in the set, Johnny Appleseed is a heartwarming story, you may even be inclined to believe this beautiful American story is true! Good for all ages."Little Toot": Unfortunately, this short is rather tedious babyish and a slight bit depressing, probably the least good of the lot. However, it is likely to entertain the wee ones and maybe some grown-ups would not mind watching it."Tree": Is basically a poem, a moving painting and a picture of a tree. Like "Bumble Boogie", it is plot less and another feast for the eyes, hopefully it will become your favourite of the set. Very beautiful for any animation and stunning."Blame It On The Samba": Featuring Donald Duck, a parrot friend of his and a rascal of a waiter bird! Showing a naughty bird bullying and entertaining Donald Duck and his friend with the amazement and annoyance of the samba."Pecos Bill": The last of the set, Pecos Bill is pretty entertaining - even with a rather tedious beginning and animation that could do with some work. The songs and characters are certainly entertaining. It shows a young boy being bought up by coyotes and becoming a "rooting, tootin' cowboy".So, enjoy "Melody Time"!

I have seen this movie dozens of times and can't get tired of watching it. It's a great movie for small children, like my son and nephew, who are just 9 and 20 months, respectively. They're great entertainment, beautiful songs, nice stories of love, respect for others and nature and fun. For me the best are Pecos Bill and Little Toot. You just have to admire Disney's cartoonist for all the wonderful work they did as you cannot forget that this was made in 1948 thus all hand drawn! This is a great way of introducing kids into cartoon and animation movies, as other Disney movies, such as Lion King, Finding Nemo etc are for when they're a bit grown up. Once again, thumbs up for this, just as The three caballeros, Fantasia and Make mine music. There's just way too much violence and sex on TV for small kids to watch it, so stick to this magical movies and keep their innocence and imagination alive.