Hector's Hectic Life

Last week, I reviewed Chips Off the Old Block which concerned a cat who found out about his offspring and kept them away from his female master because he was afraid of being thrown out. That's the same premise here except it's now a dog named Hector with his pups who all wave one of their ears just like dear old dad. Director Bill Tytla-a former Disney animator-provides just the right amount of sentiment with slapstick that makes this one of the more enjoyable one-shots from the Famous Studios factory. There's also Hector's angel and devil fighting it out for his soul after he initially throws his children out that I liked as well. If there's one quibble it's with the obvious stereotypical Swedish (or is it Norwegian) accent that is heard from the female head. It least she's only seen from the waist down like Tom and Jerry's Mammy Two-Shoes. Other than that, Hector's Hectic Life is a fine Christmas cartoon that should by seen by the whole family. P.S. I first saw this public domain short in the late '80s on a bargain basement VHS tape.

. . . "Famous Studios" after a Tinsel Town conglomerate swindled them out of their birthright would upchuck at such pablum as HECTOR'S HECTIC LIFE, during which the voice behind Olive Oil is forced to demean herself as a "Swedish housekeeper." What could be next on her downward slope? A role as a Swedish Meatball? Certainly "Famous Studios" did not comply with America's Truth-in-Advertising laws. Among the many more accurate names for this nefarious outfit are Filched Studios, Fabricated Pictures and Flimsy Entertainment. By no stretch of anyone's imagination does Hector qualify as a fetching cartoon character. As depicted here, he is more of a Man's Best Fiend.

Although the story on paper for 'Hector's Hectic Life' is very familiar ground and there was a big trap of it being executed in an over-cute and over-sentimental way, it also did sound charming and there are a lot of great dog/puppy characters in animation. Have always loved animation and that love will never go, and have liked enough of Famous Studios' work to see what had not been seen yet (like this) and re-watch cartoons not seen in a long time.

'Hector's Hectic Life' is not a great or exceptional cartoon, one of Famous Studios' best or a standout of their Noveltoons series (uneven but worth seeing still). It is a very charming and pleasant watch on the whole though and hard to dislike. It is standard fare on the story front, not uncommon for either the studio or the Noveltoons series and in a way to be expected, but there is a huge amount to it that makes it appealing and it is hard to be too hard on it.

Will get the not so good things out of the way. The story is standard and much of what happens can be seen from quite some way off from having seen it before more than once elsewhere, the whole angel vs devil conscience thing is familiar ground.

Did think that at times it does get a little too hectic pace-wise.

There is not an awful lot wrong otherwise with 'Hector's Hectic Life'. The occasional lack of fluidity aside, the animation has a lot of vibrancy and atmosphere and the drawing is suitably fluid mostly but it is the attention to detail in the backgrounds that is particularly impressive in this regard. Even better is the music. Just love its energy, the beautiful and not sugary orchestration and how it adds so much and even enhances the action.

It is never a hilarious cartoon but it has enough amusement to satisfy and in a way that's well timed. The dialogue for the angel puppy and devil puppy is a lot of fun. The irresistible charm shines more and the cartoon is truly adorable without being too sugary sweet. The characters are engaging, with lots of awwing guaranteed over the puppies. Mae Questel may not be at her very best here but she gives her all to the material.

Overall, a pleasant watch even if it didn't wow me. Much better than the rating here suggests though. 7/10

This is a familiar theme but with a different twist to it. I've seen "Tom" and "Sylvester" and other characters in the same predicament as we find Hector the dog here, meaning he has to be nice and keep things under control if he's going to stay in the house. An added incentive: stay in the house AND get a nice present from Santa Claus, according to his Scandanavian- accented owner. Otherwise, he'll be thrown out in the snow with no holiday fun.

The problem is three little puppies are delivered to the front door....and those little guys are not going to be quiet and orderly. They are going to cause havoc and you know who will be blamed. Can Hector keep them in line?.

There's a nice ending to this, as most short stories and cartoons revolving around Christmas are, and that's a good thing. The feel-good ending makes up for a so-so story.

It's truly a shame that this cartoon, among so many others, has been forgotten over the years. In this heart-warming Christmas joy, a dog named Hector is faced with the task of keeping three mischievous puppies out of trouble so his owner doesn't kick him out into the snow. The light-hearted trouble these playful pups get Hector into will make you laugh and sigh. They don't make Christmas cartoons like this anymore. This is one that will, a rightfully should, be treasured by the whole family for generations to come.