The Rookie Bear

This is my fourth review of an Oscar-nominated cartoon for 1941 having previously done the same for George Pal's Rhythm in the Ranks, Friz Freleng's Rhapsody in Rivets, and Walter Lantz' Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B. In this one, Rudolf Ising's Barney Bear finds himself drafted in the Army. Plenty of funny gags involving induction and walking far distances. Barney Bear is one of the more obscure cartoon characters from the M-G-M lineup compared to Droopy and especially Tom & Jerry but I always liked his shorts when I originally watched him with those other characters during the late '70s when I was a kid watching "The Tom & Jerry Show" on TV in the late afternoon. So on that note, I recommend The Rookie Bear.

This is a funny cartoon. Short as it may be, it holds some secret truths. I love bears, so I like cartoon bears also. In this short cartoon, there is a lot of criticism. The army is portrayed badly in this short cartoon, but this picture shows every kid around the world that going to the army isn't as cool as it seems. That's true: it isn't fun and games in the army. In case of danger, you must go to war to protect the nation. There are no winners in a war, only losers (or so this cartoon shows). The inner message of it is worthwhile watching the 10 minutes time in your life. But it's really a shame I had to rewrite my opinion before they would put it on this site.

The Barney Bear cartoons were more silly than funny for the most part. The most interesting thing about them is the fact that the character was purportedly inspired by actor Wallace Beery, a big star in the 1930s and early 1940s. You can see similarities between the two. This is the best of the series and is wonderfully done. It was deservedly nominated for a Oscar for Animated Short. Poor Barney goes through a basic training concocted by de Sade! Probably not that far from real basic training at that! Highly recommended.

While not one of my favourite cartoon characters, Barney Bear was a very funny and likable character where his sluggishness was a huge part of his charm. He was also interesting for being modelled on both his creator Rudolf Ising (who also was his first voice actor until 1941) and the mannerisms of Wallace Beery.

'The Rookie Bear' is yet another Barney Bear winner and is my top contender for his best cartoon. Like many Barney Bear cartoons it is pretty predictable and silly, but also manages to be very funny and charming. Some may object to the less than flattering portrayal of the army, but this less than flattering portrayal in all fairness was not uncommon in animation at that time and has been done more heavy-handedly elsewhere.

Animation is colourful and beautifully drawn with fluid movements and meticulous attention to detail. The amount of detail given to Barney's character design was incredibly and it was a shame that it became simplified later on and lost its special uniqueness.

Music, courtesy of Scott Bradley, is lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms and fits very well indeed, even enhancing the impact of actions and gestures.

It's a beautifully timed and very funny cartoon too and it is easy to feel for Barney and understand his frustrations, the ending being particularly of note here.

Overall, terrific Barney Bear cartoon and my top contender for his best. 10/10 Bethany Cox