Before Nelvana obtained the rights to the character and made a television series out of him, Paul McCartney funded the production of a short film starring Rupert the Bear. Stemming from reading the comic serials and yearly annuals of one of Britain’s most popular bears. Utilising his talents for music and a love of animation, McCartney created this charming little short.

One criticism and the main one I’ll act upon, is that the film barely has Rupert do anything but act as a passive observer; indeed his noted interaction also marks the ending of the film. The film as a result seems like a overly long music video at times, albeit a lavish one. The main villains of the film, the two cats and the owl, add little to proceedings and the whole film is lacking a strong narrative drive.

Otherwise it is still a lovely thing to watch, with some quite beautiful animation throughout, some of it quite imaginative and some of it quite random (though still in time with the music). At times, the short might remind you of Disney’s Fantasia, and maybe get you wondering why you chose this to watch over it. The music, as one would expect from the composer is of high quality, although it’s not the best thing that McCartney has ever penned.

As far as the short goes, it does what it sets out to do well. Its just the lack of drama and pacing will ultimately alienate and divide those who’ll get the most, or indeed any real enjoyment from it. It would have been interesting to see where Paul McCartney would have taken the character if he’d had had the chance, though if he had got that chance then Nelvana might not have been able to create its series; one which would give its star something more than just standing around to do.

Paul McCartney made this short film apparently as a homage to the children's newspaper serials he read when he was young. The film beautifully captures the feeling of an old-fashioned children's book, filled with innocence and the sense of adventure. The frog floor show is entertaining, and the song is catchy.

In a more modern film, Rupert might be expected to take a more active role in the plot: his involvement pretty much consists of sneaking in, listening, yelling 'Look Out!' and telling his mum about it afterward. A modern retelling might also contain some hint of the motivations of the 'villains' a couple of cats and an owl who turn up at the show in an apparent attempt to capture or kill the frogs' (star performers? King and queen? Unknown...)

Still, if you relax and don't worry about the unanswered questions, this little short can take you back to childhood.