'Bats in the Belfry' (1942)
Opening thoughts: For me, Rudolf Ising was a bit up and down as a director. There are cartoons of his that are good, sweet, charming and amusing (if seldom hilarious). Then there are others that are not so good, too cutesy and tired with bland characters and barely existent storytelling. 'Bats in the Belfry' sees a bit of both extremes, though thankfully with more the former than the latter. Which was surprising, seeing as it has a premise that could easily be entirely the latter and also one that is not that great.
Bad things: It isn't perfect. Like with all Ising cartoons, the story is best forgotten as there isn't really one, what little there is has too much of a recycled feel and the pacing is not always secure. Occasionally it goes a little too far on the silliness.
The ending also had a sense that the writers didn't know how to end the cartoon and instead took the easy, safe option out.
Good things: However, the animation is wonderful, very beautifully detailed and lush and never over-saturated in colours. The backgrounds particularly, which are exquisite. The music is every bit as great, very vibrant, sumptuously orchestrated and atmospheric, not just adding to what happens but enhancing it too.
'Bats in the Belfry' is cute, but never too much so. Did enjoy the almost surreal wackiness, as well as the clever and not over-used use of fourth wall breaking and an unexpected moment of poignancy. Ising's cartoons don't often succeed in giving characters distinct and well-defined personalities, but succeeds here with the bats. All with personalities of their own and ones that appeal.
Closing thoughts: All in all, pleasant enough if not exceptional.
7/10.
