The Lorelei (1931) User Reviews

Strong Terrytoon

[boblipton · 6/10 · 26 January 2015]

Paul Terry's staff moves into its strongest period with one of its standard works: a synchronized cartoon with a musical theme. It's German-themed music and the concepts and gags are surprisingly strong and adult.

The basics are the theme of the Lorelei; it's hardly surprising. Based on the German legends, there are visual references to the Ring cycle and to anything even vaguely Germanic, including Rip Van Winkle.

The effect is a grab bag that suggests a PG rated Fleischer cartoon of the era. Even the Lorelei has a Fleischer air, as she sings in a Helen Kane voice reminiscent of Betty Boop. If that isn't particularly original, Terry's wasn't the only cartoon factory to do that.

One of the most interesting Terrytoons

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 15 February 2018]

The Terrytoons are oddly interesting, mainly for anybody wanting to see (generally) older cartoons made by lesser known and lower-budget studios. They are a mixed bag in quality, with some better than others, often with outstanding music and with some mild amusement and charm and variable in animation, characterisation and content.

As said a few times already, 1931's batch of Terrytoons has generally not been as hit and miss as the 1930 batch, but it is a case still of a few pretty good ones, a few average and less ones and most being decent but unexceptional. 'The Lorelei' is not perfect and not what one will call a classic, but it's never less than decent (actually pretty good) and as indicated in my review summary, it's one of the more interesting Terrytoons visually and conceptually, and a strong contender for the best 1931 Terrytoons. And yes, there is more to it than just completest sake.

Character designs are still somewhat crude, stiff and too simple. The story is flimsy, obvious and somewhat standard.

Felt also that there were a couple of bland moments in the early stages, but it very quickly became interesting.

On the other hand, 'The Lorelei' has a lot that works in its favour. Character designs apart, it is one of the more ambitious and visually striking Terrytoons, a lot of effort and detail went into the backgrounds especially. Loved the Germanic influence of the concept and the musical theme and there are recognisable visual references and nods to German-themed stories and music that were a large part of the fun.

Not much cutesy or saccharine in 'The Lorelei' thankfully. Actually it is one of the more mature Terrytoons and because of the references it is one that will appeal more to older children or adults. There are enough gags to satisfy and they amuse enough. The pace is lively and it's all very charming without being on the wrong side of overly-cute. The characters engage and synchronisation is sharp and neat.

Best asset is the music, which predictably is incredible. It is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with enhancing the action.

In conclusion, quite an impressive Terrytoon. 7/10 Bethany Cox