First, some clarification, this was not the first How To style Goofy, that was "How to Ride a Horse" which first appeared in the feature "The Reluctant Dragon." Second, I hardly think the shorts are "mocking education," the dry pedantry is merely there to serve as an anchor for Goofy's antics. I don't think you should anything more than that to it.

Although this was made before the Goofy "How Tos" really took it's stride, this short does have it moments. The little song that is sung at the closing is particularly fun.

A Creative Concept

This short starts the Goofy most people think of when they think of "Disney solo shorts." A serious narrator informs the viewer of bland, boring ski methods and ideas, while Goofy delivers these methods and ideas in a satirical manner. Let's make fun of education! It makes EVERYONE laugh! Although this concept is much funnier in later shorts, this is the original, and it's still a nice attempt.

This short is laden with drug references...no, I'm not imagining things, and no, I'm not a stoner. Keep your eyes peeled for shrooms on the landscape, beyond-trippy visuals, and the dead giveaway: a flashing sign that reads "YOU NEED MORE SPEED!" It's all in good fun.