Goldilocks and the Three Bears has often been adapted in animation, and there are several films of note from the 1930s, including productions by Ub Iwerks and Disney-MGM that follow the original tale fairly closely: a bear family suffers a home invasion by a girl who eats their food, breaks their furniture, and sleeps in their beds before running off when discovered. The Terrytoons film The Three Bears, on the other hand, offers some jazzy revisions. Known for characters such as Farmer Al Falfa and Mighty Mouse, Terrytoons was founded in 1929 by John Terry, and had a reputation for being cheap. The films are often surprisingly inventive, however, and The Three Bears is no exception. Although not as surreal as their 1934 version, it has its moments, including a disembodied head and frolicking piano. It features Italian bears who eat spaghetti, play violin, engage in excessive face-palming, and warmly insist that Goldilocks join them to play music despite her rudeness. Abandoning the ritualistic plot, it focuses instead on a more dangerous character – a villainous hunter that this found family must outwit.

Jennifer Lynde Barker