The Real Inspiration And Evolution Of The Betty Boop Cartoon

Betty Boop, M.D.

Many fans cite “Betty Boop, M.D.” as one of the most surreal shorts in the franchise’s history. Betty, along with friends Bimbo and Koko, own a traveling medicine wagon. They go from town to town selling a product called “Jippo.” The tonic is supposed to be a cure-all, but causes all kinds of bizarre side effects such as rapid aging and tooth removal. It ends with a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, reference, pictured here. According to ClassicCartoons, “[s]ome people find [the episode] rather unsettling and disturbing, especially because of the ending. It’s a cult favorite, and definitely not the kiddie stuff.”