Nelly's Folly is a 1961 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon short written and directed by Chuck Jones released on December 30, 1961.[1][2]

Nelly's Folly
Directed byChuck Jones
Abe Levitow
Maurice Noble
Story byChuck Jones
David Detiege
Produced byDavid H. DePatie
StarringGloria Wood
Mel Blanc
John A. Ford
Ed Prentiss
Narrated byEd Prentiss
Music byMilt Franklyn
Animation byKen Harris
Tom Ray
Richard Thompson
Ben Washam
Backgrounds byPhilip DeGuard
Color processTechnicolor
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures
The Vitaphone Corporation
Release date
  • December 30, 1961 (1961-12-30) (USA)
Running time
7:23
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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Set in Africa, a giraffe named Nelly captivates viewers with her melodious singing, showcasing her talent to her jungle companions. Unexpectedly, a hunter emerges and is astounded by Nelly's performance, swiftly offering her a contract promising fame and wealth.

Leaving behind her jungle home, Nelly ventures to New York City, eager to explore the allure of show business. Initially thrust into the world of advertising and live performances, she eventually becomes a successful singer and fashion icon, epitomizing the glamorous facade of fame. However, as her career flourishes, Nelly grapples with feelings of loneliness and disillusionment, longing for genuine companionship.

Her quest for love leads her to the zoo, where she falls for a male giraffe, only to discover he is already married. Scandal ensues, tarnishing Nelly's reputation and prompting her agent to warn of career repercussions. Despite attempts to salvage her stardom, Nelly finds herself relegated to obscurity, relegated to foreign film roles and performing in deserted venues.

Disheartened by the superficiality of fame, Nelly forsakes her celebrity status and returns to her roots in Africa. There, amidst the tranquil beauty of her homeland, she finds solace in singing a heartfelt love song. Mirroring her emotional journey, a male giraffe joins her in song, symbolizing the renewal of hope and the triumph of true love over adversity.

Crew

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Music

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Accolades

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Nelly's Folly was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1962.[3][4][5]

Home media

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DVD:

References

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  1. ^ Lenburg, Jeff (1999). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Checkmark Books. pp. 104–106. ISBN 0-8160-3831-7. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  2. ^ Beck, Jerry; Friedwald, Will (1989). Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoons. Henry Holt and Co. p. 335. ISBN 0-8050-0894-2.
  3. ^ Short Film Winners: 1962 Oscars
  4. ^ 1962|Oscars.org
  5. ^ "Cartoons Considered For An Academy Award – 1961 -". cartoonresearch.com.
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