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.
'The Lone Stranger and Porky' may not be as hilarious or as consistently inventive as other Bob Clampett cartoons. It's entertaining and well-made but it does feel like something is missing. For a Porky Pig cartoon, Porky isn't really in it enough and his personality has come through much stronger in other cartoons of his. The Indian Scout character is over-caricatured somewhat while the story is as basic and predictable as they come.
Momentum at times could have been a touch tighter and Clampett's unmistakable style has come through with more wit and imagination in other cartoons of his.
With that being said, Clampett doesn't take things overly seriously, and on the most part actually there is a lively pace and some smooth interesting visuals with a style that one can recognise immediately.
It falls to the Lone Stranger and villain mainly to carry 'The Lone Stranger and Porky' and carry it they do splendidly. The conflict has tension and fun, and while archetypes the two characters have interesting personalities and charisma.
Regarding the voice acting, Mel Blanc is great as ever but the lion's share goes to Billy Bletcher in multiple roles and he does a truly bravura job.
Animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. Some of the visuals are wonderfully outrageous in pure Clampett style. While not completely hilarious and at times familiar, material is delivered with smooth timing, great atmosphere and a sense of fun.
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.
In conclusion, worth a look. 7/10 Bethany Cox
