From the time of Porky Pig's debut until about the time that we entered WWII, Warner Bros. mostly cast him roles that they figured represented every aspect of life. One of these was the captain of the Mayflower. Bob Clampett's "Pilgrim Porky" is basically a series of spot gags, the sort of stuff that one would expect in a Tex Avery cartoon (except that Avery's stuff was cleverer). Also, there are some racial stereotypes.
To this cartoon's credit, I like it's portrayal of the Mayflower and everything relating thereto better than the story that we've usually been taught. I find it cool to see a mangling of our national myth. Both "The Addams Family Values" and "The Ice Storm" talked about the true significance of the first Thanksgiving. Overall, this one's OK for some brief entertainment. I should admit that some of the gags made me laugh. Clampett directed better stuff over the next few years.
To this cartoon's credit, I like it's portrayal of the Mayflower and everything relating thereto better than the story that we've usually been taught. I find it cool to see a mangling of our national myth. Both "The Addams Family Values" and "The Ice Storm" talked about the true significance of the first Thanksgiving. Overall, this one's OK for some brief entertainment. I should admit that some of the gags made me laugh. Clampett directed better stuff over the next few years.