The Tree Medic


The Tree Medic is the 65th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on December 19, 1955, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.

Plot

A tree surgeon halts his car in front of a hollow tree in the forest and hangs up a sign saying, "Doctor Is In." The tree, however, belongs to Woody, who is awakened by the surgeon's drill. Determined to protect his home, Woody jams a cake pan over the drill, which the surgeon tugs at furiously. The doctor then treats the tree with repeated intervention from Woody.

Production notes

The Tree Medic marked another modification for Woody's look, as his bright green eyes were replaced by black ovals. The diminutive woodpecker also shrunk in size even more, making him more stylized. It was this simple version of Woody that became his official look for the remainder of the series.
The Tree Medic marked Alex Lovy's return at directing a Woody Woodpecker cartoon since 1943's The Dizzy Acrobat. He would continue directing shorts in the series until 1960's Ballyhooey.