The Terrytoons are oddly interesting, mainly for anybody wanting to see (generally) older cartoons made by lesser known and lower-budget studios. They are a mixed bag in quality, with some better than others, often with outstanding music and with some mild amusement and charm and variable in animation, characterisation and content. It was interesting seeing Gandy Goose in a solo cartoon but there was the worry as to whether he would go back to the bland and unappealing character that he started as.
1951's 'Spring Fever' is one of the worst Terrytoons cartoons from that year. Not unwatchable, but very, very bad in all but about three areas and even they have been done better in other Terrytoons cartoons. Also one of Gandy's worst cartoons that sees a big regression in character and not any of the growth he showed when partnered with Sourpuss. Would go as far to actually say that watching his late 30s solo cartoons would be preferable to seeing 'Spring Fever' again.
'Spring Fever' has a few good things. The animation is great and one sees how far this aspect has come on since the studio started, Terrytoons would never have been able to do animation as elaborate and ambitious in movement as this in the 30s. It is nicely detailed, lively and colourful with beautiful vibrant colour and smooth, cleverly synchronised movements. The best aspect though is the music, which is full of characterful energy, emotion and lush orchestration. It also synchronises brilliantly with the action, not only adding to it but enhancing it.
Almost all of 'Spring Fever' is incredibly unfunny and rather intelligence insulting, but the ending was exciting and amusing. The best character by far is the fox who at least has some personality, even if he feels recycled and stereotypically voiced.
Gandy however is incredibly bland and unappealing (with him being at his most irritating) and it was like seeing a return to his older personality but worse. He came on a long way partnered with Sourpuss, but when he was on his own the cartoons exposed his limitations as a solo lead. He is also made to look and behave stupid, in a very dispiriting way. Even worse is the spring character, who is easily up there amongst the most intolerably obnoxious Terrytoons characters ever. The story is non-existent and has no energy.
Furthermore, the showing the importance of springs aspect was very heavy handedly done too while also having nothing insightful to say. The gags are too few and none of them are remotely amusing or inventive. The stupidity factor goes into overkill, and to an intelligence insulting degree, probably lost a few brain cells watching.
In conclusion, very bad. 3/10.
1951's 'Spring Fever' is one of the worst Terrytoons cartoons from that year. Not unwatchable, but very, very bad in all but about three areas and even they have been done better in other Terrytoons cartoons. Also one of Gandy's worst cartoons that sees a big regression in character and not any of the growth he showed when partnered with Sourpuss. Would go as far to actually say that watching his late 30s solo cartoons would be preferable to seeing 'Spring Fever' again.
'Spring Fever' has a few good things. The animation is great and one sees how far this aspect has come on since the studio started, Terrytoons would never have been able to do animation as elaborate and ambitious in movement as this in the 30s. It is nicely detailed, lively and colourful with beautiful vibrant colour and smooth, cleverly synchronised movements. The best aspect though is the music, which is full of characterful energy, emotion and lush orchestration. It also synchronises brilliantly with the action, not only adding to it but enhancing it.
Almost all of 'Spring Fever' is incredibly unfunny and rather intelligence insulting, but the ending was exciting and amusing. The best character by far is the fox who at least has some personality, even if he feels recycled and stereotypically voiced.
Gandy however is incredibly bland and unappealing (with him being at his most irritating) and it was like seeing a return to his older personality but worse. He came on a long way partnered with Sourpuss, but when he was on his own the cartoons exposed his limitations as a solo lead. He is also made to look and behave stupid, in a very dispiriting way. Even worse is the spring character, who is easily up there amongst the most intolerably obnoxious Terrytoons characters ever. The story is non-existent and has no energy.
Furthermore, the showing the importance of springs aspect was very heavy handedly done too while also having nothing insightful to say. The gags are too few and none of them are remotely amusing or inventive. The stupidity factor goes into overkill, and to an intelligence insulting degree, probably lost a few brain cells watching.
In conclusion, very bad. 3/10.
