Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera, Studio Ghibli and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. With significantly broader knowledge of different directors, animation styles and studios, actually appreciate and love it even more now. 'The Early Bird and the Worm' is a fairly typical Rudolf Ising cartoon, whether you think that a good or bad thing is dependent on what your overall opinion of Ising is.
For me, he was a bit up and down as a director. There are cartoons of his that are good, sweet, charming and amusing (if seldom hilarious). Then there are others that are not so good, too cutesy and tired with bland characters and barely existent storytelling. 'The Early Bird and the Worm' sees a bit of both extremes, though thankfully with more the former than the latter. Which was surprising, seeing as it has a premise that could easily be entirely the latter.
'The Early Bird and the Worm' is not flawless. It is too saccharine, especially going into the middle. Like with all Ising cartoons, the story is best forgotten as there isn't really one and the pacing is not always secure.
Also did find the titular characters too bland and twee.
However, the crows (personally didn't find them at problematic, far worse stereotyping occurred in animation during this period) and the snake are anything but and the cartoon really comes to life when the snake in particular joins in the chase. The action later on is lively and a lot of fun to watch visually. The animation is rich in detail for design and backgrounds, vibrant in colour and crisp. Composer for the prime-era 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons and regular Tex Avery composer Scott Bradley provides a lush and atmospheric music score. The Rhythmettes' vocals are typically fabulous.
On the whole, 'The Early Bird and the Worm' is very charming and there are some very amusing moments later on and with the crows and the snake. Loved the merits of early rising discussion. The climax is visually exciting and a lot of fun.
Concluding, pretty decent if not exceptional. 7/10.
For me, he was a bit up and down as a director. There are cartoons of his that are good, sweet, charming and amusing (if seldom hilarious). Then there are others that are not so good, too cutesy and tired with bland characters and barely existent storytelling. 'The Early Bird and the Worm' sees a bit of both extremes, though thankfully with more the former than the latter. Which was surprising, seeing as it has a premise that could easily be entirely the latter.
'The Early Bird and the Worm' is not flawless. It is too saccharine, especially going into the middle. Like with all Ising cartoons, the story is best forgotten as there isn't really one and the pacing is not always secure.
Also did find the titular characters too bland and twee.
However, the crows (personally didn't find them at problematic, far worse stereotyping occurred in animation during this period) and the snake are anything but and the cartoon really comes to life when the snake in particular joins in the chase. The action later on is lively and a lot of fun to watch visually. The animation is rich in detail for design and backgrounds, vibrant in colour and crisp. Composer for the prime-era 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons and regular Tex Avery composer Scott Bradley provides a lush and atmospheric music score. The Rhythmettes' vocals are typically fabulous.
On the whole, 'The Early Bird and the Worm' is very charming and there are some very amusing moments later on and with the crows and the snake. Loved the merits of early rising discussion. The climax is visually exciting and a lot of fun.
Concluding, pretty decent if not exceptional. 7/10.
