"Ski for Two" is a Christmas-themed theatrical short starring Woody Woodpecker, produced by Walter Lanz Productions, and originally released by Universal Pictures on November 13, 1944.
Synopsis[]
Woody is sifting through some travel magazines when he spots a tempting ad for the Swiss Chard Lodge. The lodge is situated in Idaho, and offers dining for its guests. Woody is ecstatic, and promptly books a train ticket. After disembarking at the train station at Sunstroke Valley, it becomes apparent that the lodge is still an additional 40 miles, with no adjacent roads or any form of transportation. Woody decides to take matters into his own hands by taking a short cut, skiing and singing his way through the mountains. A refrain of the song "The Sleigh (à la Russe)" (also "Dark Eyes" tune for few seconds) can be heard while he is ice-skating.
Upon Woody's arrival, lodge owner Wally Walrus advises that there are no accommodations without a reservation. Woody, of course, did not bother to inquire about such a rule. Drawn by the aroma of the warm food inside the lodge, Woody gains entry by disguising himself as Santa Claus. Wally is so excited at the prospect of Kris Kringle arriving that he quickly adorns the lodge with Christmas decorations. It does not take long, though, for the skeptical walrus to discover that it is, in fact, only October, making Santa's arrival somewhat premature.
Woody manages to stuff his Santa toy sack with food from the lodge, and starts singing and skiing his way down the mountain. However, upon opening the sack, Woody discovers a vengeful Wally Walrus who wrings the little woodpecker's neck in disgust and mocks Woody's trademark laugh.
Carols[]
- Uncredited
- "The Sleigh À La Russe" - Woody Woodpecker
- "Jingle Bells" (Incidental)
Notes[]
- The title is a pun on the song "Tea for Two", featured in the 1925 musical No, No, Nanette.
- This short was re-issued as Woody Plays Santa Claus by Castle Films.
- This is one of a handful of Woody cartoons in which Woody loses at the end and one of the rare Christmas specials in which the protagonist loses at the end.
- Goof: The calendar page says "October 3, Only 70 Shopping Days Until Christmas!" There are actually 83 days from October 3 to December 25, minus approximately 12 Sundays and Thanksgiving Day.