Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna and Barbera and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it even more now through young adult eyes, thanks to broader knowledge and taste and more interest in animation styles and various studios and directors.
Have a lot of appreciation and admiration for Bob Clampett, with a visual and humour style so distinctive and easily recognisable. His early work was very variable but when on top form and in his prime the best of his work was great and even more. 'Meet John Doughboy' is not one of Clampett's best. It is a very good cartoon though, even if there are funnier, wittier and fresher cartoons from him, and saw Clampett's unique style all over it and being at ease with the material.
Admittedly, 'Meet John Doughboy' may be slight and while Porky's more substantial role is appreciated he is not always as interesting as the supporting characters and caricatures.
While most of the cartoon is very amusing and well done, not all the gags work, either because the timing is not as sharp or because some of the material goes over the head due to unfamiliarity.
'Meet John Doughboy's' caricatures are far from forgettable and provide a lot of fun, familiarity with those being caricatured is in order though. Mel Blanc as always does a fantastic job with the voice work, showing an unparalleled ability to bring individuality to multiple characters.
The animation is as always high in atmosphere, with lots of smooth movement, imaginative detail in the gags and rich and meticulous detail in the backgrounds. Carl Stalling's music score is as ever high in energy, liveliness, character, lushness and whimsy, and not only is dynamic and fits effortlessly with the action but enhances everything.
What's more, 'Meet John Doughboy' is entertaining, with some amusing wildness, wit and bite starting to show at this point in the dialogue. Plus there are some beautifully timed and animated and imaginative sight gags, that contain some surprises and a lively pace.
In conclusion, well done and entertaining if not perfect. 7/10 Bethany Cox