The Noveltoons series was always an interesting watch. The quality varied, with some good cartoons, some mediocre ones and plenty that were somewhere in between. The series' best decade was the 40s, and the same with Famous Studios in general, and there was some nice stuff in the early 50s. Once the budgets got smaller and deadlines got tighter, the overall quality of the cartoons was noticeably different and inferior and much of their 60s output was not much better.
1948's 'The Bored Cuckoo' is one of the good ones in Famous Studios' Noveltoons series in my view. Surprisingly good, which was not expected when reading the synopsis. When reading the synopsis, the cartoon did not sound interesting and gave the impression that it would be very cute but very little else and be quite dull. 'The Bored Cuckoo' did manage to be cute and charming, but just about avoids being too sugary or sentimental.
Like most Noveltoons cartoons, the story is 'The Bored Cuckoo's' weak link. It is very thin and predictable and could have benefitted from a tighter pace in the early parts, actually thought that it took too long to set up.
Would have liked to have seen more gags and ones a little more inspired than the ones seen here.
So much to recommend in 'The Bored Cuckoo' though. Primarily the animation and music, unsurprisingly as they were the most consistently good aspects of the studio's output in its prime years regardless of the rest of the cartoon's quality. The animation sees a lot of beautiful, fluid drawing and atmospheric colours, but it was the very richly detailed backgrounds that particularly stood out. The music is distinctive Winston Sharples, which is a good thing being somebody who has always liked Sharples' work which has always enlivened the lesser output. Have always liked the lush and dynamic orchestration and nuanced character that was always present in his music very much and have never had a problem with the placement, it not only added to the action it enhanced it.
Although the gag count is not high, 'The Bored Cuckoo' is not devoid of them and what there are manage to be gently amusing. It is very easy to like and be charmed by, without being too cute. Which is such a big danger with cartoons of this type and a danger fallen into frequently. Once it gets going, the pace isn't dull, and the characters manage to engage. Depth is not a strong suit but likeability is. Credited Gwen Davies does a nice job as the songbird.
In a nutshell, likeable and pleasant cartoon if not mind-blowing. 6.5/10
