The plot involves a wicked anteater that is a constant threat to an ant colony. The ants have been warned by their queen ant to prepare for an attack by this long-time enemy. She says to them, "He's a menace. He's a brute. He will scoop you with his snoot". Therefore, they are expecting the assault, and they have focused on a military defense, such as preparing fortifications, compiling munitions in their fortress, and generally becoming ready for war. Their plan for the anteater's impending invasion is to make him yell, "Uncle!" The military units of the ants are led by the queen ant who rides a snail, but the anteater takes many ant casualties, forcing the ant colony to rethink its strategy. Ultimately, the ants decide to abandon their modern military tactics, and after resorting to the Sewer Side Squad, they wrathfully swarm the anteater.
Analysis
The cartoon's emphasis on preparedness for war and tactics of armament has led to its being characterized as a "war allegory", the only one of the 10 cartoons released in 1940 that is considered war-related and called thus, because of its militaristic tone.[3] Since it was released during the Phoney War, some have speculated that it refers to France's Maginot Line.[3]
Reception
One reviewer of Ants in the Plants said: "Life in the village of the ants. Impressive cartoon with great battle scenes".[5] Animation historian Charles Solomon, however, considers it "painfully unfunny".[6]
Availability
All 36 cartoons, including Ants in the Plants, were released in 2003 on the DVD Somewhere in Dreamland: The Max Fleischer Color Classics.[7]
