Mother Goose stories and seeing them parodied is not new territory in animation, having been done by numerous studios and animation directors. Sometimes done well and at other times done not too badly if fairly undistinguished at the same time. In a year dominated by Mighty Mouse and particularly the early stages of Heckle and Jeckle, 'The Wolf's Pardon' is one of only two non-recurring character cartoons from 1947. The other being 'One Note Tony'.
'The Wolf's Pardon' is the infinitely better cartoon of the two. Being somebody who didn't like 'One Note Tony', while liking if not loving 'The Wolf's Pardon'. Is it a great or perfect cartoon? No. Are there better Mother Goose/nursery rhymes cartoons? Yes. Is 'The Wolf's Pardon' worth watching? Absolutely yes and the Tex Avery influence (like in the 'Little Red Riding Hood' part), that has been noted already, was interesting, immediately noted and appreciated.
Did feel that 'The Wolf's Pardon' got off to a somewhat rough start. A bit too cutesy, the characters featured are fairly dull too, and basically a series of gags that are too throwaway that are not very inspired or very funny.
Will agree too that it is a little too derivative, namely because the premise is not a new one and it has been done with more originality elsewhere.
All that being said, 'The Wolf's Pardon' has so much to recommend. Music is fantastic and as ever with Terrytoons the best thing about 'The Wolf's Pardon'. It is beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is terrific fun to listen to and the lively energy is present throughout, doing so well with adding to the action. Close behind was the animation, as said more than once this component has come on considerably since the Terrytoons Studio first started. Overall, it is nicely detailed, lively and colourful, with nice attention to detail and vibrant colours that don't look garish.
Furthermore, once the wolf is introduced 'The Wolf's Pardon' picks up massively. The 'Little Red Riding Hood' part is where the cartoon is at its most Avery-like in humour and also in the mature characterisation of Red herself. Actually liked the very clever and witty 'The Three Little Pigs' portion even better. The pace on the most part is lively and of all the characters faring best is the wolf, who is a lot of fun. Gags are many once the cartoon picks up and they are amusing, especially in 'The Three Little Pigs' portion.
Overall, well done. 7/10.