Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.
'Get Rich Quick Porky' is an interesting curiosity for an early Porky Pig cartoon and for its subject matter, but it really isn't one of Porky's best cartoons in this early stage or since. For Warmer Bros/Looney Tunes fans, it is more a curio than a great cartoon, there's been far better before, during and especially since 'Get Rich Quick Porky' and there is a sense that they were still finding their feet.
For Bob Clampett 'Get Rich Quick Porky' is somewhat tame, this is not really a prime testament to his imaginative use of violence, wit, anarchy and razor sharpness. His work here is competent and has flashes of brilliance, but flashes doesn't feel enough in a cartoon that could have done with more gags and what there was could have been more than amusing and more inventive.
The Oil Land Hustler also didn't seem formidable or entertaining enough, basically a just there character with not much spark.
However, there is a lot to like about 'Get Rich Quick Porky'. Mel Blanc is outstanding as always. He always was the infinitely more preferable voice for Porky, Joe Dougherty never clicked with me, and he proves it in 'Get Rich Quick Porky'. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.
Furthermore, the animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. Chuck Jones' witty visual characterisation comes through. The story may be predictable but is crisp enough in pace.
Carl Stalling's music is typically outstanding. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.
Porky is a likeable lead character, though fares better as a playing it straight support character to an even stronger lead. He has a great partner in Gabby the Goat. There are amusing moments here and some witty visuals, but somehow it was hard not to want more.
In summary, decent but not Porky or Clampett at their best. 6/10 Bethany Cox
