Bosko's Fox Hunt

Bosko was Looney Tunes' first star. And, while this makes him important, it doesn't make him very good. Most Bosko cartoons do not play well today as the style of cartoon isn't much fun compared to later Looney Tunes offerings. While folks today expect laughs and a certain edginess to the shorts, you won't find this very often with Bosko....as the Harmon-Ising production team emphasized cuteness, singing and dancing over laughs. Fortunately, after many substandard films, there were a few decent ones like "Bosko's Fox Hunt". Now I am not saying it's brilliant...but it fortunately isn't cute and there's no singing...both major pluses.

This short films a group out chasing a fox. Oddly, the fox doesn't seem the least bit afraid and the dogs chasing it aren't especially good at their jobs. Can Bosko and his mutt manage to capture the fox?

In many ways, this plays a bit like the later Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd cartoons....a major departure for Bosko. Again and again, the fox outsmarts Bosko and the dog....and by the end of the film, the fox has escaped...but at least Bosko is okay! Not brilliant but pleasant and enjoyable...well made for 1931.

In nearly all the Bosko cartoons, there are characters clearly modeled after Mickey Mouse. In this one, oddly, the fox looks almost exactly like the mouse...but with slightly different ears.

The Bosko cartoons may not be animation masterpieces, but they are fascinating as examples of Looney Tunes in their early days before the creation of more compelling characters and funnier and more creative cartoons. There are some good cartoons, as well as some average or less ones.

'Bosko's Fox Hunt' is not one of Bosko's best, nor is it one of his worst. Instead it's an average and middle of the road cartoon, that does a lot right but has elements that could have been executed better and with more spark. It is always interesting to see fox-hunting, which is something that I personally don't agree with and would never participate in it, portrayed in cartoons, though to me it has been done far more interestingly elsewhere with more consistency and imagination.

While the Bosko cartoons shouldn't ever be seen for their stories, and that component has always been one of the weaker ones, the story in 'Bosko's Fox Hunt' is very thin and over-familiar. Some of the pacing could have been sharper. While a good deal of the gags work and hit more than they miss the standard of them could have been more consistent and a few are forgettable.

Regarding Bosko himself, he has never been the most interesting of characters and he isn't particularly here, nor is he that likable like he can be, pretty bland in a way. 'Bosko's Fox Hunt' is an example of a cartoon that has its moments but at the end of the day is not exactly memorable after a few days.

On the other hand, Bosko's dog Bruno is a far more interesting, endearing and funnier character and it comes through loud and clear. As said, there are some fun gags and they generally hit more than they miss. The very amusing ending is the standout.

As always, the animation is good. Not exactly refined but fluid and crisp enough with some nice detail, it is especially good in the meticulous backgrounds and some remarkably flexible yet natural movements for Bosko. The music doesn't disappoint either, its infectious energy, rousing merriment, lush orchestration and how well it fits with the animation is just a joy.

Sound quality has clarity and the synchronisation isn't sloppy and has imagination. The way Bosko is animated is well done and remarkably natural.

On the whole, some very good things but average and a little forgettable. Worth a one-time watch, if not exactly for repeat viewings. 6/10 Bethany Cox