The Blue Racer


The Blue Racer is a series of 17 theatrical cartoons produced from 1972 to 1974 created by Friz Freleng and David H. DePatie. The character's first cartoon, Snake in the Gracias, was released theatrically on January 24, 1971.

Production

The cartoons were directed by Art Davis, Gerry Chiniquy, Sid Marcus, Robert McKimson, David Deneen, Bob Balser, Cullen Houghtaling and produced by David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng. The majority of the cartoons were animated at the DePatie-Freleng studio, except for two done overseas: Aches and Snakes at Australia's Filmgraphics studio, and Little Boa Peep at Spain's Pegbar Productions.

Plot

A fast-moving blue snake named the Blue Racer tries unsuccessfully to catch a stereotypically-Japanese beetle, who is a black belt in karate. Both characters spun off from Tijuana Toads in "Hop and Chop" and "Snake in the Gracias". The goofy crane from Tijuana Toads also later appeared in the series as well. 17 cartoons were produced.

Production

  • Bob Holt voiced both the Blue Racer and the Japanese Beetle in the 1972 short Support Your Local Serpent.
  • The Japanese Beetle's last appearance was in the 1972 short Blue Racer Blues.

    Filmography

All cartoons were written by John W. Dunn.
No.TitleDirected by:Released:
1Hiss and HersGerry ChiniquyJuly 3, 1972
2Support Your Local SerpentArt DavisJuly 9, 1972
3Nippon TuckGerry ChiniquyJuly 19, 1972
4Punch and JudoArt DavisJuly 23, 1972
5Love and HissesGerry ChiniquyAugust 3, 1972
6Camera BugArt DavisAugust 6, 1972
7Yokohama MamaGerry ChiniquyDecember 24, 1972
8Blue Racer BluesArt DavisDecember 31, 1972
9The Boa FriendGerry ChiniquyFebruary 11, 1973
10Wham and EggsArt DavisFebruary 18, 1973
11Killarney BlarneyGerry ChiniquyMay 16, 1973
12Blue Aces WildGerry ChiniquyMay 16, 1973
13Fowl PlayBob McKimsonJune 1, 1973
14Freeze a Jolly Good FellowSid MarcusJune 1, 1973
15Snake PreviewCullen HoughtalingAugust 10, 1973
16Aches and SnakesDavid DeneenAugust 10, 1973
17Little Boa PeepBob BalserJanuary 16, 1974

Other appearances

The Blue Racer appeared in the 1978 Pink Panther |Pink Panther] cartoon Pinktails for Two where he mistook the Panther's pink tail for a lady snake. In this film, the Blue Racer did not speak or move with super-speed.

Home video

All 17 shorts were available on DVD and Blu-ray on May 30, 2017 from Kino Lorber. Extras included were audio commentaries and two featurettes.