MADE AT WHAT was possibly the zenith of the Disney "Team-Up" cartoon shorts. The sub-genre is exemplified with such titles as THE CLOCK CLEANERS, ALPINE CLIMBERS, LONESOME GHOSTS and HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY. Although these short subjects featured ample on-screen time by all of the trio (and sometimes Minnie, herself), they were officially MICKEY MOUSE Cartoons and belonged to that series.AS WAS THE case with others like it, THE WHALERS zeroed in on a particular occupation, activity or other area of human endeavor and went from there. Usually the early sequences of the cartoon would feature Mickey, Donald or Goofy isolated in solo activity against any one of a topically specific adversary. After each character does his time in she spotlight, the action switches to their joint efforts and how they ultimately wrap it all up.KNOWING THAT THE sensitivities of our people were far different in the pre-war year of 1938 than today in the 21st Century. Therefore, the subject of Whaling as a livelihood or even an Industry would generate little or no opposition as to its being a fit topic for "family viewing." The notions of Animal Rights, potentially Endangered Species and ecological co-dependence were a long way off.IN THE PARTICULAR case of this short the trio is challenged by their equipment, some frisky sea-birds, the weather and ultimately a semi-anthropomorphic Sperm Whale. And this is indeed the only whale to make an on-screen appearance.OTHER THAN THESE truly minor criticisms, we must say that THE WHALERS is enjoyable and quite lively. The color work is rich and a fine example of how the animation art had advanced in the past decade. Likewise, the musical scored had made similar strides in keeping up with the visual aspects.ALTHOUGH WE MUST put this to the rear of the class of the team-ups, it isn't so far back as to render it unfit. After all, Schultz, whenever there is any sort of classification or grouping, there will be some who are fetter than the others and some who aren't quite as funny, action-filed or "classy" even! ONE INTERESTING FACT that we must make note of concerns the cast of Voice Actors. While Clarence Nash did his best Donald Duck and Pinto Colvig did likewise for Goofy, Mickey's lot in this film was to remain silent throughout. It must have been that the Mouse had a special guy to create his dialog, a highly exclusive man indeed. And his name was........drum roll.............WALT Disney!WE CAN ONLY surmised that Uncle Walt was unavailable, due to some important business to take care of (Schultz says maybe Mr. Disney was playing hookie that day!)

Like all the Mickey Mouse films of the late 1930s, this one featured absolutely stunning animation—the sort that set Disney apart from all its competition. Mickey, Donald and Goofy are wonderfully animated but the backgrounds are what really stood out for me—with its exquisite details and colors.This particular short features the trio involved in an especially politically incorrect job—whale hunting! I guess things were a lot different back then, as such behavior today would be seriously frowned on in a kids movie! Regardless, it's a lot of fun to see the three in action—in particular, Goofy. The Goof is up to his usual stupid hijinks and I found myself laughing out loud several times when he was trying to fire the harpoon gun. Overall, a lot of fun and well worth seeing.

I am somewhat confused that this one is classified as one of the "Mickey Cartoons". Sure, Mickey Mouse is in it, but he doesn't really do anything here and he barely speaks something here. Plus, the story focus more on Goofy, Donald Duck and a whale than Mickey Mouse.It's a generally enjoyable cartoon. The only thing I have to criticize is that they want to hunt the whale. But that doesn't happen. Fortunately, it turns out to be a comical story, especially the bits inside the gigantic whale and the bit when the whale destroys the boat.I love that whale. The whale is the main interest in this story. Without the whale, this would have been probably nothing special.Although quite old-fashioned, for something that is from the year 1938, it doesn't look as dated as it could be (except for some minor clues, such as the older appearance of Goofy and Mickey Mouse).

Mickey, Donald and Goofy are whale hunters? How disgusting! But this was made back when Disney was non-PC. Which is really how it should have stayed if you don't mind me contradicting myself.Obviously, because of their clumsiness, they aren't actually going to kill any whale and you can bet your bottom dollar that their whaling ship ain't gonna be afloat by the end.In the usual hijinks Donald is tormented as seagulls eat his sandwiches and Goofy can't fire a harpoon to save himself (am I the only one who saw pretty strong phallic imagery with that cannon?) and Mickey does...nothing. Why is this even categorised as a Mickey cartoon? The bit inside the whale is cute, the rest never rises above adequacy.