Romantic Melodies

Fleischer were responsible for some brilliant cartoons, some of them still among my favourites. Their visual style was often stunning and some of the most imaginative and ahead of its time in animation.

The character of Betty Boop, one of their most famous and prolific characters, may not be for all tastes and sadly not as popular now, but her sex appeal was quite daring for the time and to me there is an adorable sensual charm about her. That charm, sensuality and adorable factor is not lost anywhere here, nor her comic timing. Bimbo is a nice, if not as interesting presence, and the live action likewise.

'Romantic Melodies' is not quite among the best Betty Boop/Fleischer animated/live action with live-performers cartoons, while also not the worst. It's not great or a masterpiece, but it's pretty good.

Admittedly, the story is flimsy, barely existent even and wouldn't have said no to more animation perhaps.

Do agree that the main song is somewhat too dragged out.

The animation is outstanding, everything is beautifully and meticulously drawn and the whole cartoon is rich in visual detail and imagination. Every bit as good is the music score, which delivers on the energy, lusciousness and infectiousness, great for putting anybody in a good mood.

On top of these, 'Romantic Melodies' is very amusing and charming, the setting is vibrantly rendered and some of the material is surprisingly ahead of its time. The gags are rarely less than amusing and timed with a lot of energy. The live action looks good, blends with the animation well and doesn't feel dull.

Concluding, well worth watching if not a must. 7/10 Bethany Cox