The illustration process depicting a scene from Rival Romeos,” a 1928 film featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, mirrors the goat scene found in “Steamboat Willie,” also from 1928. I came up with the name “Dueling Goats” as a playful homage to the well-known tune of “Dueling Banjos.”

Steamboat Willie and Rival Romeos share several similarities as animated short films from the early days of animation, despite their distinct storylines and characters. Both films showcase comedic elements and slapstick humor typical of the silent film era. An intriguing aspect is the later addition of synchronized sound to “Rival Romeos.” “Steamboat Willie,” released on November 18, 1928, featured synchronized sound from the start, revolutionizing animation with its innovative use of sound effects and music. In contrast, “Rival Romeos,” initially released on May 15, 1928, relied solely on visual gags and intertitles for comedic effect. However, with the later addition of synchronized sound, “Rival Romeos” also benefited from enhanced storytelling and an immersive viewing experience, demonstrating the evolving landscape of animation during this transformative era.