| So Much for So Little | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Chuck Jones Uncredited: Friz Freleng[1] |
| Written by | Friz Freleng (Uncredited) Chuck Jones |
| Produced by | Edward Selzer (Uncredited) |
| Starring | Mel Blanc |
| Narrated by | Frank Graham |
| Edited by | Treg Brown (Uncredited) |
| Music by | Carl W. Stalling |
| Animation by | Ben Washam Ken Harris Phil Monroe Lloyd Vaughan |
| Layouts by | Robert Gribbroek Paul Julian Peter Alvarado |
| Backgrounds by | Robert Gribbroek Paul Julian Peter Alvarado |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures Inc. |
Release date |
|
Running time | 10 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
So Much for So Little is a 1949 American animatedshortdocumentary film directed byChuck Jones andFriz Freleng.[2] In 1950, it won anOscar at the22nd Academy Awards forDocumentary Short Subject, tying withA Chance to Live.[3][4] It was created byWarner Bros. Cartoons for theUnited States Public Health Service. As a work of the United States Government, the film is in thepublic domain. TheAcademy Film Archive preservedSo Much for So Little in 2005.[5] Produced during theHarry S. Truman administration, it attained renewed relevance during the modern Medicare for All movement in the United States, nearly seven decades later.[6]
The cartoon begins by stating that, annually, 118,481 babies — out of well over two million born — will die before reaching their first birthday. From there, we are shown John E. Jones, a baby who, unless good oversight of the environment is maintained and John himself is provided consistently goodhealthcare, may potentially add to this statistic.
Most of John's life is depicted: his school years, marriage, later life (as a father), and his golden years. Along the way, health service information is detailed. Before the film ends, it rewinds and returns to John as a baby, reminding the audience about the importance of proper, ongoing care availability to ensure he enjoys a robust, full life. The viewers are informed that it costs each American just three cents a week to safeguard John's, and all babies', well being.
This documentary short appeared as bonus features inLooney Tunes Golden Collection: Volume 2 andLooney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume 1. It was remastered inWarner Bros. Home Entertainment Academy Awards Animation Collection: 15 Winners andWarner Bros. Home Entertainment Academy Awards Animation Collection.