Hot Noon or 12 O'Clock for Sure

. . . famously disagreed about almost everything, but one of the few matters about which they were of one mind was their favorite Western flick: HIGH NOON, from 1952. Universal joins in on the homages to Gary Cooper's tour of force as a brave sheriff in chicken town with this brief tribute, HOT NOON OR 12 O'CLOCK FOR SURE. Cooper's role goes to Woody Woodpecker here, with Gladys Holland picking up Grace Kelly's character. Buzz Buzzard eats up the role of homecoming outlaw Frank Miller, shooting both of his own brothers on a crazy whim. Woody proves more adept at the piano keyboard than Mr. Cooper, tickling the ivories not only with his fingers, but also his toes! Furthermore, he demonstrates that magnets, horseshoes and booze might eliminate any need to rely on a dame for cover.

In the unlikely event that someone out there doesn't realize this already, this is a very strange parody of High Noon. One of the better Woody Woodpeckers. the nemesis here is Buzz Buzzard, who gave me nightmares as a child. That may be why I rarely like cartoons involving Buzz. This is, happily, an exception. Well worth the time and trouble to track down. Most recommended.

Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.

That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. He is a lot of fun here in 'Hot Noon or 12 O Clock for Sure' and never comes over too much of a jerk. While there is a preference for Wally Walrus, Buzz Buzzard is a worthy foil, formidable while taking the laughs well with great reactions to Woody's trickery.

'Hot Noon or 12 O Clock for Sure's' Western setting was beautifully, and while structurally for a Woody and Buzz cartoon it's on the formulaic side it is a wonderfully strange and hugely entertaining parody of the Western masterpiece 'High Noon' (a film that has been parodied quite a lot in animation).

As ever, the animation is great. The characters are well drawn, but even better are the rich colours, meticulously detailed backgrounds and smooth backgrounds.

Music is another strength here. It's characterful, lushly orchestrated and is not only dynamic with the action it even enhances it. The whole cartoon goes at a snappy pace, especially in the second half, and there are some very well-timed and extremely funny gags and a great atmosphere.

In conclusion, great and one of Woody and Buzz's better efforts. 9/10 Bethany Cox