Chess-Nuts (1932)

Chess-Nuts Review

Chess-Nuts is a 1932 animated short film from the Talkartoons series.

An initially realistic chess game becomes a chaotic, animated quest for the favors of Betty Boop (the black queen) by Bimbo (white king) and others, with elements of bowling and football. This is one of the better Talkartoons that benefits from a very unique plot that centers on chess. Not only is the storyline concerned with this game, but the animation as well – the backgrounds are chequered and the art design highly minimalist. The sound and score are phenomenal here.

There is one issue that I have with this movie and that is its chaotic approach to storytelling and an uneven structure. The third act sees Betty once again being a damsel in distress, which was familiar, but at least the fight that ensued was fun and creative, utilizing a couple of different sports. Bimbo is solid here and the villain is fine, but the humor is underutilized. The movie is strange for sure, but its originality is to be admired.

Chess-Nuts has terrific animation and score while having a unique chess-centered plot and setting. It’s one of the better Talkartoons.

My Rating – 4.2