A Lamb in a Jam

Over 25 years, Famous Studios were responsible for a large body of work, of which the Noveltoons series was the most prolific of their theatrical series (which also included the Popeye, Casper, Little Lulu and Herman and Katnip cartoons). Some were better than others, with the 40s output generally being better than the late-50s and 60s cartoons, with lower budgets, fatigue and tighter deadlines contributing towards a decline in quality, but on the most part it was a watchable series of cartoons.

There were four cartoons featuring the character of Blackie and his animosity between the wolf. 'A Lamb in a Jam' is the second. Also think that it is perhaps the weakest of the four, the best being the first one 'No Mutton for Nuttin' (also interestingly the first Noveltoon cartoon). Do not dislike any of them though, and think all four have the same strengths and not so good things to each other. Also that it is one of the high middle Noveltoons as far as the series goes.

'A Lamb in a Jam' despite the low rating here doesn't have a lot wrong. The story is very thin and very formulaic, if you saw 'No Mutton for Nuttin' plot-wise there is not an awful lot of variety between the two. This sometimes hurts the gags, there are plenty but it is a case of some being very funny and others being a little on the stale side from it being quite familiar material.

However, the lush and lively music score, that not only doesn't jar but enhances, more than compensates. As does the animation, some of the backgrounds are just gorgeous and the colours practically pop out at you. Despite the flimsiness, that doesn't stop 'A Lamb in a Jam' from never being dull.

It is good too that there are more rib-tickling moments than stale ones, with the ending being one of the better parts. The energy is there throughout and is suitably sharp. The chemistry between Blackie and the wolf really drives 'A Lamb in a Jam' and has a lot of energy and tension. Both are also interesting and amusing characters, Blackie here getting the slight edge with Arnold Stang giving a typically sharp vocalisation.

Overall, decent but not great. 7/10

Famous Studios spent a lot of the post-war period trying to create new breakout cartoon stars. Some produced long-lasting series, like Herman & Katnip, while others, like Blackie the Sheep lasted a shorter length of time. In Blackie's case four cartoons in which he outwitted the big bad wolf who wanted his wool or mutton.

There's a certain viciousness to this series, like the Herman & Katnip one, that is absent from, say Bugs Bunny, or even Heckle & Jeckle over at Terrytoons. Still, I have to admit that the Noveltoons theme that leads this cartoon off, with its sharp vibraphone theme, is always a pleasure to hear.