Cracked Ice Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Cracked Ice
| Movie | Cracked Ice |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | Frank Tashlin |
| Genre | Animation |
| Runtime | 8 minutes (8m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cracked Ice (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Cracked Ice are led by Mel Blanc .
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Cracked Ice does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Animation films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Cracked Ice has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Cracked Ice
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, Cracked Ice is a Animation film directed by Frank Tashlin. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mel Blanc as Russian Dogs / Drowning Bird / Drunk Fish / Skating Judge.
Ending Explained: Cracked Ice
Cracked Ice Ending Explained: It's ice skating time. Directed by Frank Tashlin, this 1938 animation film stars Mel Blanc (Russian Dogs / Drowning Bird / Drunk Fish / Skating Judge), alongside Tedd Pierce as W.C. Fields pig. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Cracked Ice?
It's ice skating time. After a few generic ice-skating gags, we get to the main story. An animal falls through the ice, and a pig doing W.C. Fields (W.C. Squeals, apparently) calls for help from a Saint Bernard dog. The dog dispenses a drink, and Squeals begins scheming to get some himself. First he tries faking his own fall through the ice, but the dog sees through it and downs the drink himself. Then Squeals tries using a dish of bones and a magnet, but the magnet falls through the ice and gets stuck around a fish. The fish then swims through a liquor spill from the dog's casket; the drunken fish grabs an ax and, swimming in a circle, dunks another skater. He then latches onto Squeals' skates, and hauls him into an ice-skating contest, where the fish-induced antics win him first prize. Squeals fills the loving cup from the dog's cask, and the fish swims off with it.
Frank Tashlin's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Mel Blanc (Russian Dogs / Drowning Bird / Drunk Fish / Skating Judge)'s journey. After a few generic ice-skating gags, we get to the main story.
How Does Mel Blanc (Russian Dogs / Drowning Bird / Drunk Fish / Skating Judge)'s Story End?
- Mel Blanc: Mel Blanc's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Tedd Pierce (W.C. Fields pig): Tedd Pierce's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
What Does the Ending of Cracked Ice Mean?
Cracked Ice's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Mel Blanc may feel rushed. Frank Tashlin's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Cracked Ice Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Cracked Ice Based on a True Story?
No, Cracked Ice is a work of fiction. While the animation film directed by Frank Tashlin and starring Mel Blanc may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Cracked Ice?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mel Blanc or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 8 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Cracked Ice Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Cracked Ice age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cracked Ice (1938) is 8 minutes (8m). Directed by Frank Tashlin, the film runs for 8 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Cracked Ice is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cracked Ice worth watching?
Cracked Ice is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cracked Ice parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cracked Ice identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Cracked Ice (1938)?
The runtime of Cracked Ice (1938) is 8 minutes (approximately 0h 8m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


