'The Ostrich Egg and I' (1956)
Opening thoughts: For me, none of the three Maggie and Sam cartoons were particularly good, with all three having the same many flaws to each other (as well as the same good aspects) and it is very easy to see why the series never got off the ground. Still saw them out of curiosity and as part of my quest to see as many lesser-known cartoons as possible. 'The Ostrich Egg and I' is by far the best, or at least the least flawed, of the Maggie and Sam cartoons. The other two are extremely weak, but despite some of the same flaws being present this one was average with a few improvements.
Good things: Starting with the good things, the animation is lush and colourful, with no signs of being rushed or static. Quite amazing considering how much the animation and writing qualities had declined a lot for the studio. Even better is the music, which is beautifully orchestrated and characterful.
Sam has much more personality compared to the other cartoons and it is an appealing one. The supporting character is nice and amusing, there are moments that are amusing and well timed and it is not as overly cute this time. Daws Butler and Gtace Stafford voice with enthusiasm.
Bad things: However, some of the same flaws of the other two Maggie and Sam cartoons are present. The story is paper thin, barely existent really, feels over stretched and the pacing is dull and lacks energy. What there is of the story does nothing new with a concept that is less than novel and is predictable and bland.
Also felt that the gags are nowhere near enough and generally they are quite tired and could have had more variety. Maggie is quite annoying and didn't add very much to the cartoon.
Closing thoughts: In summary, average but the best of the series definitely.
5/10.
Opening thoughts: For me, none of the three Maggie and Sam cartoons were particularly good, with all three having the same many flaws to each other (as well as the same good aspects) and it is very easy to see why the series never got off the ground. Still saw them out of curiosity and as part of my quest to see as many lesser-known cartoons as possible. 'The Ostrich Egg and I' is by far the best, or at least the least flawed, of the Maggie and Sam cartoons. The other two are extremely weak, but despite some of the same flaws being present this one was average with a few improvements.
Good things: Starting with the good things, the animation is lush and colourful, with no signs of being rushed or static. Quite amazing considering how much the animation and writing qualities had declined a lot for the studio. Even better is the music, which is beautifully orchestrated and characterful.
Sam has much more personality compared to the other cartoons and it is an appealing one. The supporting character is nice and amusing, there are moments that are amusing and well timed and it is not as overly cute this time. Daws Butler and Gtace Stafford voice with enthusiasm.
Bad things: However, some of the same flaws of the other two Maggie and Sam cartoons are present. The story is paper thin, barely existent really, feels over stretched and the pacing is dull and lacks energy. What there is of the story does nothing new with a concept that is less than novel and is predictable and bland.
Also felt that the gags are nowhere near enough and generally they are quite tired and could have had more variety. Maggie is quite annoying and didn't add very much to the cartoon.
Closing thoughts: In summary, average but the best of the series definitely.
5/10.
