Woody Woodpecker (1941)
The debut of animation's most manic bird — a seven-minute masterpiece of slapstick chaos from Walter Lantz Productions.
Woody Woodpecker - Movie Information
- Original Title: Woody Woodpecker
- Release Year: 1941
- Directed by: Walter Lantz
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 16, 1941 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Cracked Nut (US), Woody Woodpecker (FR)
- Production Companies: Walter Lantz Productions, Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Woody Woodpecker - Plot
Woody Woodpecker spends his day singing loudly and pecking holes in trees. He infuriates the other woodland creatures - when he isn't baffling them with his bizarre behavior. Woody overhears a squirrel and a group of birds gossiping about him. Even though he just sang a song proclaiming his craziness, he denies their whispered accusations that he's nuts. But after they trick him into knocking his head on a statue, the poor bird hears voices in his head and decides the animals might be right. He decides to see a psychiatrist.
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Woody Woodpecker - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Walter Lantz
Main Cast
- Mel Blanc
- Sara Berner
- Danny Webb
Writers
- Ben Hardaway
- Jack Cosgriff
Producers
- Walter Lantz
Woody Woodpecker - FAQs
What is Woody Woodpecker (1941) about?
Woody Woodpecker (1941) follows the manic, laugh-happy bird as he terrorizes the forest with his singing and tree-pecking. After woodland creatures gossip that he's nuts, a clever trick leaves Woody hearing voices — and he ends up booking himself an appointment with a psychiatrist.
Is this the very first Woody Woodpecker cartoon?
Yes! This 1941 short marks Woody Woodpecker's debut appearance. Produced by Walter Lantz and released by Universal Pictures, it introduced the world to the hyperactive, cackling bird who would go on to become one of animation's most beloved and enduring characters.
Where can you watch Woody Woodpecker (1941)?
You can check current streaming availability for Woody Woodpecker (1941) on JustWatch, which lists all platforms where the short is available to watch or rent in your region.
Who voiced Woody Woodpecker in the 1941 short?
Mel Blanc — the legendary voice actor behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and countless other cartoon icons — voiced Woody Woodpecker in this debut short. He also voiced Dr. Horace N. Buggy, the psychiatrist character, bringing both roles to hilarious life.
Why does Woody visit a psychiatrist in this short?
After the woodland animals gossip that Woody is crazy, they trick him into banging his head on a statue. The knock leaves him hearing voices in his head, which convinces even the self-assured bird that they might have a point — so off he goes to see a psychiatrist.
Who directed and produced Woody Woodpecker (1941)?
Walter Lantz both directed and produced this debut short through his studio, Walter Lantz Productions, in partnership with Universal Pictures. Lantz is the creative force behind the entire Woody Woodpecker franchise and remained closely associated with the character throughout his career.
Is Woody Woodpecker (1941) considered a classic of animation?
Absolutely. The 1941 short is celebrated as a landmark in American animation history. It introduced a wildly original character whose anarchic energy and signature laugh set him apart from contemporaries. The short helped establish Walter Lantz Productions as a major force in the golden age of cartoons.
What are some similar animated shorts to watch?
If you enjoy classic animated shorts, check out Baseball Bugs (1946), Chip an' Dale (1947), Hatch Up Your Troubles (1949), and Winter Storage (1949). These golden-age gems share the same slapstick spirit and irreverent humor that made Woody Woodpecker's debut so memorable.
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