El Terrible Toreador

ElTerribleToreador

El Terrible Toreador is a 1929 animated short film produced by Walt Disney and directed by Ub Iwerks. It is the second film in the Silly Symphonies series, following The Skeleton Dance. The film is notable for its early use of synchronized sound and its humorous take on the traditional Spanish bullfighting theme.

Plot

The story of El Terrible Toreador is set in a Spanish cantina where a barmaid is serving drinks to the patrons. A dashing toreador enters the scene and attempts to woo the barmaid, much to the chagrin of a jealous soldier. The two men engage in a comical duel, which is interrupted by the arrival of a bull. The toreador then showcases his bullfighting skills in a series of humorous and exaggerated sequences.

Production

El Terrible Toreador was produced by Walt Disney and directed by Ub Iwerks, who was also the principal animator. The film was released on September 7, 1929. It was one of the early experiments in synchronized sound for the Disney studio, following the success of Steamboat Willie.

Animation Style

The animation style of El Terrible Toreador is characteristic of the early Silly Symphonies series, with simple character designs and fluid, exaggerated movements. The film also features early examples of Disney's use of musical synchronization, where the actions of the characters are closely timed to the accompanying music.

Reception

Upon its release, El Terrible Toreador received mixed reviews. While some praised its humor and innovative use of sound, others felt that it lacked the charm and cohesiveness of The Skeleton Dance. Despite this, the film is an important part of Disney's early history and showcases the studio's experimentation with new techniques in animation and sound.

Legacy

El Terrible Toreador is often studied by animation historians for its role in the development of synchronized sound in animation. It is also notable for being one of the early works of Ub Iwerks, who would go on to become a key figure in the history of animation.

See Also

• Silly Symphonies
• Walt Disney
• Ub Iwerks
• The Skeleton Dance
• Steamboat Willie