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. 'Little Cesario' is a fairly typical Rudolf Ising cartoon, whether you think that a good or bad thing is dependent on what your overall opinion of Ising is.
For me, he was a bit up and down as a director. There are cartoons of his that are good, sweet, charming and amusing (if seldom hilarious). Then there are others that are not so good, too cutesy and tired with bland characters and barely existent storytelling. 'Little Cesario' did start off closer to the latter, but did get a good deal better when it got going and Little Cesario himself grows as a character later on. 'Little Cesario' is not one of his very best but compared to many cartoons of his from this period it could have been a good deal worse.
It isn't perfect. It doesn't start off too great, with it taking time to get going plot and momentum wise.
Did find it a little too saccharine to begin with and Little Cesario on the bland side to begin.
Once it got going, 'Little Cesario' became a much better cartoon. Little Cesario is much more likeable and interesting later on and his heroism in the climax was inspiring. Big Alexander is the most compelling character in the cartoon in terms of personality and was very easy to root for when in jeopardy. The highlight of the cartoon is the exciting and visually inventive climax, that also did have some nice tension.
The animation is rich in detail for design and backgrounds, vibrant in colour and crisp. Composer for the prime-era 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons and regular Tex Avery composer Scott Bradley provides a lush and atmospheric music score. Enough of the cartoon charms and there are some amusing moments here and there. Pinto Colvig voices with enthusiasm.
Not a great cartoon, but a pretty decent one. 7/10.
