Hideko Hirai

A black cat sings and dances, animated using cut-outs.

A black cat sings and dances, animated using cut-outs.

A Japanese equivalent of a Hollywood Screen Song.

Based on a hit song by child star Hideko Hirai from 1929, this gem -- a real historical curiosity -- provides glimpses of 1930s popular culture through introducing the typical life of a bright, energetic young girl. It contains an early product placement (for Lion Toothpaste), educational content and newsreel footage of Japan’s first woman Olympic medalist, Kinue Hitomi.