The short film focused on 3 nursery rhymes: "Little Jack Horner," "Mary, Mary," and "London Bridges." Each seemed perfectly silly and fun in the beginning. The cartoon features a set of three colorful jesters who would dance about and sing the rhyme for you. But soon after, you would find that the story of the poem had a much darker origin.
In the case of "Little Jack Horner," it was the story of a thief. Jack actually stole something very valuable from a king which had been hidden away within a pie. Interestingly, it seems that Mister Horner did get away with the crime. The narrator even says he lived happily ever after. Yet consider that the bad guy actually did win in that particular story.
"Mary, Mary" was easily the darkest of all three. Apparently the Mary from the rhyme had to do with Mary, Queen of Scotts. Most children would not even know the implications of that. This woman's life was full of contradictions that drove so many people out of their minds. And it did not end well for her either. The cartoon was very clear on this point. She was basically executed for being... annoying. Trust me, it was jealousy that did her in. Some people like contrary, but others despise when anything doesn't fit in their box. It was really too bad.
The last rhyme, "London Bridges" was kind of a mix of happy and sad. It actually was the story of London Bridge--its rise and its eventual fall. The sadness of the story came from the fact that so many wonderful things don't last forever. I got the impression that it was not really due to lack of good maintenance--although I can't say for certain if that wasn't part of the problem. Some things just get old. And after getting burned in the London Fire and being hit by all sorts of things... the bridge just gave up. This was the only story with a happy ending. The bridge was rebuilt and survives to this very day.
"The Truth About Mother Goose" is extremely well produced with beautiful artwork (especially the "Mary, Mary" segment.) They kept it fun but did not mind going to dark places when necessary. The music would go from happy to dreadful at a moment's notice and you are never sure when that change is going to happen. The three jesters were a lot of fun as well.
The short film is just under 15 minutes, and I encourage you to watch it. It is available on YouTube. Here is a link: CLICK HERE!
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Fairy tales and nursery rhymes alike are based on things true. The fiction may be cute, but the reality is typically frightening. Mary Queen of Scots was executed because Elizabeth of England considered her a contender for the throne. She was beheaded... and that is pretty damn grisly for a nursery rhyme. The "quite contrary" was propaganda to make killing her seem like a good thin.
ReplyDeleteWell it certainly wasn't a good thing all around. I like people who are contrary! They are a breath of fresh air.
DeleteChildren sing the most playful tunes about the darkest things. Just pay attention to the lyrics and you can tell that something deeper is being conveyed. But the lively way in which it is sung serves to obscure this.
ReplyDeleteIn some cases it may have also meant to make light of something that was ultimately horrible.
DeleteI remember seeing this as a kid, I recall being infatuated with the contrast between its dark themes and humor. It has some fantastic animation and music. That poor painter who lived on London bridge... haha. Historically accurate or not they sure did put a lot of love into making it and is wonderful for it.
ReplyDeleteThe part with the painter getting hit by the boat is still hard to watch. It just wouldn't stop!!!
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