In 1950 the Fleischer's decided to update the film with modern (1950) airplanes and diesel trains to replace the old 1923 versions. Budget was so low that no soundtrack was added to keep the film modern looking.
Back in 1928 when sound was being added to 35mm film, part pf the picture area had to be given up for the soundtrack. So when the Fleischer's modernized the planes and trains they used sound stock footage and you can see the optical soundtrack to the side of the picture in these inserts.
Most surviving prints are the 1950 update.
Back in 1928 when sound was being added to 35mm film, part pf the picture area had to be given up for the soundtrack. So when the Fleischer's modernized the planes and trains they used sound stock footage and you can see the optical soundtrack to the side of the picture in these inserts.
Most surviving prints are the 1950 update.