Love Merrie Melodie cartoons, and the early ones are always an intriguing watch regardless of whether it works or not. Despite liking music-themed cartoons a lot and having a lot of admiration for particularly Bing Crosby, there was the uncertainty reading the summary as to whether it would be tasteful in execution.
'Crosby, Columbo and Vallee' is much more tasteful than one would think reading the summary. It is actually very innocent and good-natured and there is nothing offensive about it. It may not have the best or most eventful of stories, pretty lightweight, it does begin on a stale note, and it's not laugh-a-minute. There is a huge amount to like with 'Crosby, Columbo and Vallee', one will find themselves appreciating Crosby and Rudy Vallee and it will be a good introduction to the now unjustly underrated Ross Columbo.
The animation is very nicely done, nice atmospheric shadings, meticulously detailed backgrounds and remarkably smooth drawing for a cartoon so early. The music is full of energy and character, as well as being lushly and cleverly orchestrated. The main song is particularly catchy.
Furthermore, 'Crosby, Columbo and Vallee' has a lot of good moments, especially the fire scene and the Vallee impersonation (all the impersonation are on point, but this one in particular). Some of the cartoon is humorous and even more of it is sweet, with some drama and suspense when the fire breaks out.
All the characters are fun and endearing. They are well characterised in the voices too.
In conclusion, interesting and well done if not one of my favourites. 7/10 Bethany Cox
