Fleischer were responsible for some brilliant cartoons, some of them still among my favourites. Their visual style was often stunning and some of the most imaginative and ahead of its time in animation.
The character of Betty Boop, one of their most famous and prolific characters, may not be for all tastes and sadly not as popular now, but her sex appeal was quite daring for the time and to me there is an adorable sensual charm about her. That charm, sensuality and adorable factor is not lost anywhere here, nor her comic timing, and her role is handled beautifully and with surprising taste.
For me, 'Kitty from Kansas City' is, as said with 'Time on My Hands' among the better Fleischer/Betty Boop animation-mixed-with-live-action efforts. Not one of Betty or Fleischer's overall best by any stretch, but it is more imaginative and interesting than most of their cartoons featuring live-action and real life performers.
Admittedly, the story is flimsy, barely existent even and wouldn't have said no to more animation perhaps. The obesity jokes are generally far more tastefully handled than one would think, not all make the mark and are not as tasteful as others but on the most part it's not a problem and there is nothing really to be offended by.
'Kitty from Kansas City's' animation is outstanding, everything is beautifully and meticulously drawn and the whole cartoon is rich in visual detail and imagination. Every bit as good is the music score, which delivers on the energy, lusciousness and infectiousness, great for putting anybody in a good mood.
On top of these, 'Kitty from Kansas City' is very amusing and charming, the setting is vibrantly rendered and some of the material is surprisingly ahead of its time. The gags are rarely less than amusing and timed with a lot of energy. Rudy Vallee is an interest point here, he sings beautifully and brings a surprising earthiness. The title song is lovely if not quite a classic.
In summation. very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox