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B.O. Skunk (also known as Sammy Skunk) is a character who appears in "Little 'Tinker".

History[]

B.O. Skunk made his debut in the 1948 cartoon Little 'Tinker, directed by the legendary Tex Avery. In this one-shot animated feature, B.O. is portrayed as a sweet but odoriferous skunk who yearns for love and acceptance in a world that constantly turns away from him due to his overwhelming smell. The short follows his comedic misadventures as he attempts to woo various female animals in the forest.

Despite his charming demeanor and his impressive singing talent—often likened to that of Frank Sinatra—B.O. faces repeated rejection, as the female creatures are driven away by his natural body odor. His journey leads him to a moment of despair, where he considers giving up on love altogether. However, Cupid intervenes and provides him with advice to camouflage himself in hopes of finding romance. When he disguises himself as a male fox, B.O. manages to capture the attention of a lovely fox. In a twist of fate, they both discover their true identities, leading to a touching and heartwarming conclusion. B.O.'s story ultimately emphasizes themes of self-acceptance and the idea that love can flourish between those who embrace their true selves.

Description[]

Apperance[]

B.O. Skunk is depicted as a typical cartoon skunk with exaggerated features. He has a distinctive black and white striped pattern on his fur, large expressive eyes, and a comically elongated tail. His appearance reflects a charming yet unfortunate character who longs for companionship but is constantly thwarted by his natural odor.

Personality[]

B.O. is characterized by his optimistic yet desperate pursuit of love. His personality oscillates between hopeful romanticism and deep despair, especially when faced with rejection. Despite his offensive odor, which sends potential partners fleeing, B.O. maintains a naïve belief in his charm and continuously seeks out love, showcasing his determination and vulnerability.

Bio[]

B.O. Skunk is a male skunk who yearns for companionship and embarks on a quest to win the affection of the female animals in the forest. Though his singing talent—particularly when he channels Frank Sinatra—initially attracts the attention of the female animals, they quickly flee upon catching a whiff of his naturally bad odor. Notably, even a female rabbit who initially seems enamored eventually succumbs to her aversion and runs away, exemplifying B.O.'s continual misfortune.

Overwhelmed by repeated rejections, including from the female bunnies of the forest, who are momentarily captivated by his melodic voice, B.O. spirals into despair. In a moment of hopelessness, he considers suicide by drinking poison, convinced that no one could ever love him. However, at this critical juncture, Cupid intervenes and offers him one last piece of advice: camouflage.

Seizing this opportunity, B.O. disguises himself as a male fox and attempts to woo a pretty fox he spots nearby. Initially successful, B.O. receives affection from her, culminating in a kiss. However, as they walk along a tree trunk suspended over a river, they lose their balance and fall into the water.

As the water washes away B.O.'s paint disguise, he fears that he will be rejected once again. To his surprise, the “fox” reveals that she is actually a painted skunk as well when the paint fades from her fur. This revelation leads to a shared moment of realization, allowing them to embrace their true identities. The short concludes with the two skunks sharing a long, affectionate kiss, symbolizing acceptance and love between kindred spirits.

Trivia[]

  • His name "B.O." means "body odor".
    • B.O.'s name, “B.O.,” is a playful acronym for “body odor,” highlighting the character’s main insecurity and comedic predicament.
  • In the original model sheet for the short, B.O. was depicted as imitating Bing Crosby, though this element was ultimately removed from the final version of the cartoon.

Gallery[]

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