Woodpecker in the Rough

. . . miniature golf, or "putt-putt" craze sweeping across America. An exhaustive search of the Broad Global Web turns up absolutely no trace of this phenomenon prior to 1953. Therefore, it's safe to say that this 1952 picture--WOODPECKER IN THE ROUGH--originated miniature golf. ROUGH embodies all of the basic precepts of mini golf: Rampant Cheating, Poor Sportsmanship, Outlandish Gimmicks, Foreign Influences and Bird-Brained Pursuits. The Animal Kingdom is known to encompass a wide range of gaming. Everyone has heard about the Reindeer Games. Truth in Advertising Law suggests that any future development concerning "miniature golf" should require a "dirty bird" warning label.

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. While not one of his best cartoons, 'Woodpecker in the Rough' is good fun still and fans of Woody should get a good deal of enjoyment out of it. Story-wise it is very predictable, and Woody is lacking an opponent of Wally Walrus or Buzz Buzzard calibre so while amusing the conflict never quite feels inspired.

While there are more interesting characters, Woody is an amusing character and never too obnoxious even when intentionally annoying.

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, with the ending being quite wild in a good way.

In conclusion, good fun. 8/10 Bethany Cox