Outpost is a 1944 Private Snafu short directed by Chuck Jones.
Plot[]
The United States maintains far-flung military outposts manned by diligent sentinels. At an outpost on a tiny Pacific island, under its single palm tree lies the local sentinel, Snafu. His only companion is a local bird. Snafu loudly complains about his 249 days on the island, and a message coming over the radio informs him that his 249th request for a transfer has been denied.[1]
Snafu and the bird get to sleep and dream about girls. Their dreams get mixed up, and irate Snafu wakes up threatening to break the bird for insubordination. The dejected bird locates a floating can of food marked "Pickled Fish with Rice". On the bottom, it says "Imperial Japanese Navy." Snafu is not interested in the bird's finding, and the bird buries it. When American authorities learn about the can, the bird digs it up, and Snafu reports its Japanese markings.[1]
The report of Snafu concerning the can leads to American bombers annihilating a Japanese fleet. The day ends with Snafu and his bird sharing their tiny beach, lamenting his lack of involvement in the war. He is unaware of his own role in the Japanese defeat.[1]
Analysis[]
This is considered a transitional film in the series, with Snafu successfully able to complete a mission despite his discomfort and being unaware of the importance of the task. [2]
Sources[]
- Shull, Michael S. & David E. Wilt
(2004), "Private Snafu Cartoons", Doing Their Bit: Wartime American Animated Short Films, 1939-1945, McFarland & Company, ISBN 978-0786481699
References[]