Ration Bored is the ninth animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on July 26, 1943, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is set mostly in a salvage yard. It features Ben Hardaway as the voice of Woody Woodpecker, even though he is uncredited in the film's title card.

Plot Summary

While driving his car, Woody sees a sign that reads: "Conserve gas & tires. Is this trip really necessary?" Woody refers to himself as a "necessary evil" and speeds down the road. While cresting a hill, he runs out of gas and rolls to the gas station below.

The gas attendant asks to see Woody's "ABC" book (see below), and Woody hands him an alphabet book. Insulted, the attendant grabs a hammer and knocks Woody's car into a salvage yard. Woody decides to steal gasoline from the wrecked vehicles in the lot. He unknowingly siphons gas from a parked police car.

A cop chases Woody around the salvage yard. They get caught up in stacks of tires, and Woody ends up riding the cop like an automobile out of the yard and into a large storage unit of gasoline.

In heaven, the cop leaves the "Wing Rationing Board" with a small pair of wings. He starts chasing Woody again when he realizes that the wings Woody has received are much larger.

Cultural References

• This film is a spoof on army rationing. During World War II United States citizens were asked to conserve gasoline and rubber, as well as other items and food stuffs.
• During the 1940s war ration, American automobiles were classified as either A, B, C, T, or X. This is why the attendant refers to the ration book as an ABC book.
• The card at the end of the film asks viewers to buy war bonds.

See also

• List of Woody Woodpecker theatrical cartoons

References