While not one of my favourite cartoon characters, Barney Bear was a very funny and likable character where his sluggishness was a huge part of his charm. He was also interesting for being modelled on both his creator Rudolf Ising (who also was his first voice actor until 1941) and the mannerisms of Wallace Beery.
'The Rookie Bear' is yet another Barney Bear winner and is my top contender for his best cartoon. Like many Barney Bear cartoons it is pretty predictable and silly, but also manages to be very funny and charming. Some may object to the less than flattering portrayal of the army, but this less than flattering portrayal in all fairness was not uncommon in animation at that time and has been done more heavy-handedly elsewhere.
Animation is colourful and beautifully drawn with fluid movements and meticulous attention to detail. The amount of detail given to Barney's character design was incredibly and it was a shame that it became simplified later on and lost its special uniqueness.
Music, courtesy of Scott Bradley, is lushly and cleverly orchestrated, with lively and energetic rhythms and fits very well indeed, even enhancing the impact of actions and gestures.
It's a beautifully timed and very funny cartoon too and it is easy to feel for Barney and understand his frustrations, the ending being particularly of note here.
Overall, terrific Barney Bear cartoon and my top contender for his best. 10/10 Bethany Cox