One Froggy Evening

A workman uncovers a singing frog hidden inside the cornerstone of a long ruined building slated for demolition. He imagines a quick windfall from this odd talent and sets his plan in motion, gathering a theater owner and a manager to stage a big score. The frog's performance proves startling at first, but the lively tune collides with the realities of show business. As money, pride, and a push for fame collide, the man discovers that talent does not bend easily to commerce. He bets the whole thing on one bold pitch, hoping to transform a stale demolition site into a kind of neighborhood sensation. The episode blends brisk comedy with musical timing and inventive animation, turning a simple discovery into a playful showcase of invention and humor.

Released in 1955 as part of the Looney Tunes lineup, One Froggy Evening was directed by Chuck Jones from a story by Michael Maltese. William Roberts voices the singing frog while the short showcases quintessential Warner Bros animation.

It earned the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 28th Academy Awards, marking a rare high honor for a Warner Bros short. The win highlighted Jones's precise timing and Maltese's witty storytelling, elevating the collaboration to renowned status. Critics later cited the short as a benchmark.

Over the decades One Froggy Evening has become a touchstone of mid century animation. Critics praise its immaculate pacing and the frog's odd charisma. It remains a touchstone for Warner Bros cartoons and a reference point for timing and performance.

Critics applaud its tight setup and humor, reinforcing a tension between art and commerce. The short quietly probes fame and value, offering a look at how talent can outlast marketing schemes while remaining rooted in playful animation. Its compact form makes the satire feel universal.