Chow Hound

| 1951

Directed by: Chuck Jones

Main Plot

"Chow Hound," directed by Chuck Jones, is a classic animated short that centers around a cunning and relentless pursuit of food. The story follows a determined character who devises an elaborate scheme to exploit others for a continuous supply of meals. This character manipulates various animals, including a cat and a mouse, to gather food from different households. The plot unfolds with a series of clever and humorous tactics, showcasing the character's resourcefulness and single-minded focus on satisfying an insatiable appetite. As the narrative progresses, the character's greed and manipulation become increasingly apparent, leading to a series of comedic situations. The theme of gluttony is central to the story, highlighting the consequences of excessive greed and the lengths to which one might go to fulfill their desires. The short film employs slapstick humor and visual gags to engage the audience, culminating in an unexpected twist that serves as a fitting conclusion to the character's relentless quest for food. Overall, "Chow Hound" is a humorous exploration of greed and its repercussions, delivered through the lens of classic animation and clever storytelling.

Characters

  • Mel Blanc: Voicing a cunning canine, he orchestrates a comical heist, blending wit and greed in a culinary quest for the ultimate bone.
  • Bea Benaderet: Bringing to life a sassy feline, she adds charm and mischief, complicating the dog's schemes with her sharp tongue and sly maneuvers.
  • Stan Freberg: As the unsuspecting human, he unwittingly becomes the target of the animals' antics, his obliviousness a perfect foil to their elaborate plans.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of the animated short, the relentless and gluttonous dog, who has been exploiting a cat and mouse duo to procure food from various owners, finally meets his comeuppance. Throughout the story, the dog has been using the cat and mouse to gather food from different households, demanding that they bring him the spoils. He threatens them with violence if they fail to deliver, showcasing his domineering and greedy nature. The climax occurs when the dog, having amassed a significant amount of food, is confronted by the cat and mouse. They have grown tired of his bullying and have devised a plan to turn the tables. The dog is tricked into consuming an enormous amount of food, far beyond what he can handle. As a result, he becomes grotesquely bloated, unable to move or continue his reign of terror. In a twist of poetic justice, the final scene reveals the dog in a hospital bed, hooked up to a transfusion labeled 'I OWE YOU,' indicating that he must now pay back all the food he has taken. This ending underscores the theme of greed and retribution, as the dog is forced to face the consequences of his actions, highlighting the moral that exploitation and selfishness ultimately lead to one's downfall.

Chuck Jones Family Animation Short Mel Blanc Bea Benaderet Stan Freberg