Sittin' on a Backyard Fence

This was a Merrie Melodies cartoon short from Leon Schlesinger incorporating a song owned by the Warner Bros. publishing company with its title being the one here. It involves a couple of male cats fighting for the love of one female feline. Loved scenes of the cats' skeletons appearing when they cross a full moon, some sequences involving a rolling pin and telephone wires, the male cats' fight with a bulldog, and the final scene. This early short was directed by Earl Duvall who helmed some bland Buddy cartoons after Harmon-Ising left Schlesinger and took Bosko with them to M-G-M. Worth a look for animation buffs, this was on Daily Motion.

This is an amazingly strong Merrie Melody from this period. While most of Leon Schlesinger's staff hated this series because the cartoon would usually come to a halt during the obligatory song number, the usually boring Earl Duvall showed precisely how to do this sort of cartoon: a good version of the number, a good, basic story -- cats fighting each other over a tabby around the eponymous back yard fence -- and a series of strong and well-timed gags: in other words, do what you're doing in a way that amuses you, without the annoying imitation kiddy voices singing the songs. A couple of nicely done POV shots showing strong composition, good perspective and lots of movement -- I'm thinking of the section where the cats are fighting on the electric lines -- don't hurt either.

Although Termite Terrace would come to do this much better, particularly under the direction of Friz Freleng, this is a fine cartoon in its own right and a harbinger of what was to come.

Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera, Studio Ghibli and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. With significantly broader knowledge of different directors, animation styles and studios, actually appreciate and love it even more now.

1933's 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' is an example of leaning towards the cute kind of cartoon with a surprising amorous and sensual approach in alternative to the laugh a minute and hilarious kind, the latter being the one that a lot seem to prefer (understandably, though am hardly biased against the former). This approach has varied in cartoons. In some instances it has been very sweet and charming, in others it can be cloying and too cutesy. Generally 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' belongs in the former category, despite the danger of falling into the latter with the premise. Was not expecting much from the director responsible for some of the Buddy cartoons that generally didn't do an awful lot for me, this was better than expected.

'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' has a lot to like although not a great cartoon, not one to completely overlook if not a cartoon to watch repeatedly.

Yes it gets a bit too saccharine and strange in places and it is best perhaps to not talk about the story because there really isn't much of one.

What 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' does so well however eclipses these problems. The animation is rich in detail for design and backgrounds, vibrant and crisp. There is also a lush and atmospheric music score, performed with a lot of spirit.

It is hard not to fall in love with the characters, even if they are not especially distinctive, and it has enough likeability and personality to not be dull. 'Sittin on a Backyard Fence' is rich in natural sweet charm and some very imaginative ideas and visuals with a nice setting. There is nothing hilarious and the cartoon's hardly laugh a minute, but a good deal of it does charm and amuse. There are many fun moments and some inventive ones too, enjoyed how the music was incorporated. The pace avoids being too draggy, with it being full of energy throughout when things got going.

Summarising, nice and pleasant to watch if not a must watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox