Calling All Cuckoos

. . . World War Two in less than six and a half minutes. Herr Spring, of course, embodies the instigator of that conflict, Herr H. In Real Life. His main antagonist, Joe Stalin, is literally portrayed by the Russian Bear. Woody Woodpecker represents a composite of the U. S. hero president, Frank Roosevelt, and the British bulldog prime minister, Winston Churchill. Though Herr Spring launches infamous sneak attacks against both the bear and Woody, he's the one who gets clocked in the end, thanks to Woody constantly playing the bear off Spring, and vice versa, just as had happened in Real Life in epic headlines fresh in the mind of CALLING ALL CUCKOO's contemporary viewers.

Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.

That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. He is a lot of fun here and is never obnoxious or a jerk, and is closer to his manic pest personality than the toned down one that was often adopted around this point. The clock maker is a fun foil and their chemistry, essential for making 'Calling All Cuckoos' work, is sparkling. While not one of Woody Woodpecker's best, 'Calling All Cuckoos' fares favourably in correlation with Paul J. Smith's Woody Woodpecker cartoons, and one of the better ones of the late 50s.

It's not perfect, the weak point being the simplistic, carelessly drawn and rushed-looking animation, despite some nice colours. Story-wise, it's fairly typical too.

Otherwise, there is enough sharp timing and variety to stop 'Calling All Cuckoos' from being too predictable.

Music is bouncy, energetic and very lushly orchestrated, not only synchronising and fitting with the action very well but enhancing it. The whole cartoon goes at a snappy pace, especially in the second half.

There are some inventive moments here and the humorous elements are timed beautifully and never less than amusing.

Grace Stafford is great as always as Woody.

In summation, very nicely done though not perfect. 8/10 Bethany Cox