Tramping Tramps: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (Lantz, 1930)

This rare black-and-white archival footage presents "Tramping Tramps," a classic silent Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon from March 31, 1930, produced and directed by Walter Lantz for Universal Studios—nearly a century ago—offering a nostalgic glimpse into early animation during the Great Depression. The silent film follows Oswald, the mischievous black rabbit with expressive ears, and Peg-Leg Pete as two hobos traveling across the country, stopping at a farmhouse after spotting pie cooling on a windowsill. Seeking food, Oswald uses his ear to slice a piece of pie, while Pete distracts the farmer’s wife with antics. Another highlight features Oswald crafting a saxophone from a log, playing tunes that make a scarecrow dance like a Hasidic Jew, adding a surreal touch. The cartoon includes a typical early sound-era outhouse gag, with someone stepping out comically, and ends with the duo evading the farmer, continuing their tramp journey. Marking Lantz’s 24th Oswald short, this preserved gem—animated by Lantz in his final credit as an animator—grips cartoon enthusiasts, animation historians, and nostalgic viewers, offering a timeless peek at a Depression-era misadventure frozen in time, though noted for its uneven pacing and lack of full commitment to the Depression theme.