Broadcasting baseball
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.
'Porky's Baseball Broadcast' is not one of Friz Freleng's best cartoons and he was yet to be in his full prime, but for a relatively early effort from him it's a very solid one, nicely made and hugely enjoyable. There are corny moments, some predictability and, although he is a great announcer which is a role that plays to his strengths, Porky feels more of a supporting character and plays second fiddle to the baseball action.
The good news is that the baseball action throughout ranges between very amusing and hilarious. There is some finely witty visual characterisation, the animators clearly were having a great time here.
Everything goes at a fast pace without being rushed, very clever puns (the writers were also clearly enjoying themselves) and well-engineered sight gags,
Animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. 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.
Mel Blanc's voice acting as always is impeccable.
In summary, solid stuff. 8/10 Bethany Cox
'Porky's Baseball Broadcast' is not one of Friz Freleng's best cartoons and he was yet to be in his full prime, but for a relatively early effort from him it's a very solid one, nicely made and hugely enjoyable. There are corny moments, some predictability and, although he is a great announcer which is a role that plays to his strengths, Porky feels more of a supporting character and plays second fiddle to the baseball action.
The good news is that the baseball action throughout ranges between very amusing and hilarious. There is some finely witty visual characterisation, the animators clearly were having a great time here.
Everything goes at a fast pace without being rushed, very clever puns (the writers were also clearly enjoying themselves) and well-engineered sight gags,
Animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. 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.
Mel Blanc's voice acting as always is impeccable.
In summary, solid stuff. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jan 11, 2018