Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.
'Rhapsody in Rivets' to me is among Friz Freleng's best work. And this is coming from somebody who is in his prime period and was responsible for some of my favourites. With the involvement of composer Carl Stalling, with heavy use of Liszt's oft-used in animation "Hungarian Rhapsody No.2", and writer Michael Maltese, 'Rhapsody in Rivets' potential was enormous, with it also being directed by Freleng. Potential that is as superb as one can get in execution.
Freleng's style is all over 'Rhapsody in Rivets' and he's in his elements, relishing every colour and every gag.
Animation is wonderful. Throughout it is vividly bright in colour, fluid and rich in detail and smooth in movement and design. Stalling demonstrates why he is my personal favourite of the regular Looney Tunes composers with his lush, characterful and action-enhancing scoring that is mainly a brilliant arrangement of the 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody.
Liszt's music is seamlessly arranged and synchronised with the visuals and gags. The setting is made very imaginative use of and the characters are great fun.
The cartoon is fast-paced liveliness in timing and the gags, in a gag-driven cartoon with no dialogue, are a great many and come thick and fast. There is not a misfire among them, actually haven't seen a cartoon as hilarious as this in a while.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox
