Porky and Gabby

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.

'Porky and Gabby' generally is one of the best early Porky cartoons, a strong example agreed of the studio's style starting to emerge rather than still finding its style. Porky is a likeable lead and an amusing one, and he has a strong character to work with in Gabby. Chuck Jones' humorous and witty visual characterisation and the gags (most of which come off very well indeed in a cartoon full of them, with the occasional one lacking in freshness) help quite a lot.

As does Mel Blanc's voice acting. He always was the infinitely more preferable voice for Porky, Joe Dougherty never clicked with me, and he proves it in 'Porky and Gabby'. 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.

The animation is excellent, it's fluid in movement. crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. The story may be predictable, but it's beautifully paced with never a dull moment and strongly structured.

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.

In summary, great and one of the best early Porky cartoons. 9/10 Bethany Cox