The 26 Little Lulu cartoons made during 1944-1948 (and the two made in the early 60s) were uneven (individually and the series as a general overview) but watchable.
'Man's Pest Friend' is not quite one of the best Little Lulu cartoons, but contrary to what the rating here suggests (which is more likely to be lack of votes) it's not one of the worst. It's not as good as previous Little Lulu cartoons like 'Hullaba-Lulu', 'Magica-Lulu' and 'Beau Ties', but it's superior to the likes of 'Lulu Gets a Birdie', 'Lulu at the Zoo' and 'Lulu's Birthday Party'. To me it's around top middle along with 'It's Nifty to Be Thrifty'.
Little Lulu herself is not as interesting as Pal and the dog catcher, both of whom here have funnier material and more engaging personalities, in comparison she's more sort of "just there". The story is slight and has its contrived spots and it's a little too cutesy on occasions.
However, there are many good things. First and foremost, the animation is nice. The style of it may take some getting used to but when you compare this cartoon to Little Lulu's debut 'Eggs Don't Bounce' the difference is staggering, here the drawing is more refined and the colours more vibrant. Winston Sharples' music score is whimsical, beautifully orchestrated and characterful as always. The main song is infectious.
'Man's Pest Friend' has amusing moments, especially with Pal, Pal and the dog catcher are a lot of fun and the voice acting is solid.
In conclusion, decent Little Lulu cartoon if not quite one of the best and nowhere near one of the worst. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Man's Pest Friend' is not quite one of the best Little Lulu cartoons, but contrary to what the rating here suggests (which is more likely to be lack of votes) it's not one of the worst. It's not as good as previous Little Lulu cartoons like 'Hullaba-Lulu', 'Magica-Lulu' and 'Beau Ties', but it's superior to the likes of 'Lulu Gets a Birdie', 'Lulu at the Zoo' and 'Lulu's Birthday Party'. To me it's around top middle along with 'It's Nifty to Be Thrifty'.
Little Lulu herself is not as interesting as Pal and the dog catcher, both of whom here have funnier material and more engaging personalities, in comparison she's more sort of "just there". The story is slight and has its contrived spots and it's a little too cutesy on occasions.
However, there are many good things. First and foremost, the animation is nice. The style of it may take some getting used to but when you compare this cartoon to Little Lulu's debut 'Eggs Don't Bounce' the difference is staggering, here the drawing is more refined and the colours more vibrant. Winston Sharples' music score is whimsical, beautifully orchestrated and characterful as always. The main song is infectious.
'Man's Pest Friend' has amusing moments, especially with Pal, Pal and the dog catcher are a lot of fun and the voice acting is solid.
In conclusion, decent Little Lulu cartoon if not quite one of the best and nowhere near one of the worst. 7/10 Bethany Cox
