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Help Scotland's Harvest

Johnny Barleycorn issues a rousing call for help with the Scottish harvest in this woodcut-style animation

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1944 1 mins

Overview

Hoots mon, where's my scythe? This recruitment cartoon appealing for help bringing in Scotland's harvest is stirring stuff, thanks to a rousing rendition of the folk song Johnny Barleycorn. Crafted in the style of woodcut relief printing in stark black and white, there are some lovely details, such as the walking bag of cash beckoning the prospective workers from the town to the country.

Produced by the Scottish production company Campbell Harper Films, who were mainly associated with live action, the actual animators are currently unknown. Initially released in summer 1944, the same film appears to have been released in 1950.

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