"The Peanut Vendor" is an early animated short film made by experimental film maker Len Lye, in his second known film ever. The animation was made to set the popular song, "El Manisero" by Don Azpiazu. Here the vendor is a fun-loving monkey, with a presumed crush on the lady he's selling peanuts to. The most memorable thing about the short is the titular monkey, and his very unique design to say the least.
The short is in the Public Domain and can be viewed here
. Do not be confused with the Max Fleischer cartoon, which was also based on the song.
"The Peanut Vendor" provides examples of:
- Animated Music Video: Quite possibly the Ur-Example.
- Aside Glance: The peanut vendor monkey tends to stare at the viewer while singing.
- Everything Dances: A palm tree dances along at the beginning and end of the cartoon.
- Cover Version: Again, the song sung is an english translation of the Don Azpiazu song.
- Gentle Giant: The peanut vendor monkey himself is a tall slim guy, who just wants to give you peanuts.
- Head Turned Backwards: This happens during the monkey's dance.
- Minimalist Cast: Just contains the titular peanut vendor monkey and a dancing palm tree.
- No Name Given: The peanut vendor monkey isn't given an official name.
- Pulling Themselves Together: The monkey takes off his tail for his dance.
- Slice of Life: A harmless story of a peanut vendor.
- Silly Simian: The peanut vendor monkey can be considered this, given his love of dancing.
