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.
Have a good deal of respect and appreciation for Bob Clampett, more often that than not, and while not quite one of my favourite Looney Tunes characters (prefer those with consistently stronger, funnier and interesting personalities) Porky has always been very easy to like. 'Africa Squeaks' is a decent cartoon with a number of good elements, but there are a lot of Clampett directed Porky cartoons that are far better.
Porky fares better here in 'Africa Squeaks'. He's not what one would call funny, but he is a very amiable character with a nice playing it straight personality. He could have been used more though, the animal characters make more of an impression.
Clampett is on reasonably tame form here. There are signs of his distinctive style, parts are suitably wild, but there is not much imaginative or zany.
In comparison to my recent viewing of 'Pilgrim Porky', 'Africa Squeaks', while not having the most inspired of material still, is the funnier cartoon. Timing is livelier, there is more of them and the animal gags are fun to watch and not as corny or too of the date. Robert C. Bruce's narration serves more of a purpose too and entertains and educates.
Like that cartoon however, 'Africa Squeaks' has a story that's basic and not much of one, mainly a series of spot gags. As pointed out already, there are racial stereotypes here and they are not to be taken kindly, they are poorly drawn and difficult to endear to because it is hard to not find how they are made to behave and portrayed distasteful. Am aware that stereotypes were common in cartoons today and that are far more offensive examples, that doesn't stop them not flying well today.
However, Mel Blanc is outstanding as always. He always was the infinitely more preferable voice for Porky, Joe Dougherty never clicked with me, and he proves it here. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.
'Africa Squeaks' animation is very good. it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. There are a lot off neat amusing moments, improved narration, some nice energy, fun supporting characters and there are signs of Clampett's style. 'Africa Squeaks' at least does nothing to diminish Porky's likeability as a character.
Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.
Overall, decent cartoon though not a classic. 6/10 Bethany Cox
