3-4 Nutcrackers before Christmas???? That is dedication!

Here is some more information for anyone who enjoys a wild goos chase.

It is the Ashkenazy performance you recommended, John. (very nice, Thank You!)
3rd Movement - Adiagio.
The timing is easy because it opens the movement. First 14 notes or so sets the particular theme I am thinking of. 'Romantic in a very sad way' is how I would describe it. Its repeated throughout, including the end. I'm at work so I am relying on memory.

I'll have to do some googling. I was intrigued by the Merry Melodies one because I just only vaguely remembered what they were. The 30s and 40s were before my time but I do now recall seeing many of them along side Loony Tunes. What I didn't realize was that there were hundreds made so your guess may be safe.

With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.