Going Home is part of thePrivate Snafu series of animated shorts produced byWarner Bros. duringWorld War II. Made in1944, the 4 minute cartoon features the vocal talents ofMel Blanc and was directed byChuck Jones. The screenwriters for the Snafu cartoons were typically uncredited, though some animation historians believe that the writer of this short wasDr. Seuss.[1]
Private Snafu returns from the "global grind" ofWorld War II to theUnited States home front, onleave from the military. His ship passes theStatue of Liberty to enter theNew York Harbor, then he makes his way to his hometown ofPodunk.[2] The narrator explains that Snafu, the town's "returning hero", feels "safe at home, away from battle". He also feels safe in discussing military matters with civilians, includingrestricted information.[2]
He starts by talking to his family andgirlfriend (a blonde) over dinner. Describing the recent activities of his unit, the 999thdivision, and their co-operation with theBritish Army.[2] He keeps offering information to others while wandering around town. He describes to a police officer the construction details of a secret base and itsrunway. A crowd gathers round to listen to him.[2] While at afilling station, Snafu tries to impress the female attendant by sharing information on the newJapanese tanks.[2]
At amovie theater, anewsreel reports that one of theJapanese islands was obliterated, that the event is attributed to an American secret weapon, and thatHideki Tojo doesn't know what hit him. Among the audience of the movie theater is Snafu, seated next to an attractive brunette. Trying to impress the lady, he shares information on said secret weapon: a flyingbazooka. His detailed information is featured as aschematic diagram.[2]
While drinking at a bar, Snafu reveals information concerning the next planned move against the enemy forces. Amimeograph is depicted printing said information.[2] In a park, Snafu ismaking out with a young woman behind a bush. He takes the time to describe operations of thePacific War. The "confidential" information makes it to an electricbillboard.[2] At abarber shop, Snafu receives a haircut and amanicure. He can not resist sharing military information with the barber and the manicurist. The narrator makes the point thatskywriting the information would be no more effective in making it public.[2]
The final scene starts at Snafu's home, where he and his girlfriend dance thejitterbug. A radio announcement informs them of the latest news from theWar Department. The entire 999th division has been annihilated by enemy forces, and the military disaster is blamed on "recent leaks in restricted military information". Snafu is enraged that some jerk "shot his mouth off" and now his division is gone. He wishes for the unknown jerk to be run over by atram. In response, a tram passes through theliving room and runs over Snafu, ending the short.[2]
Completed by May or June 1944,Going Home was never released. The rationale behind the decision is unknown, though there are several theories on the subject:[2]
