Following the first cartoon adaptation of Johnny Gruelle's Raggedy Ann series, another one was created by the replacement of the Fleischer Studio known as Famous Studios (later Paramount Cartoon Studios). Entitled Suddenly it's Spring and released in 1944 as part of Famous Studios' Noveltoon series, this second attempt at bringing Raggedy Ann is a lot more concrete than Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy albeit not quite as imaginative. Considering that the Famous Studios were often more successful in their dramatic narratives than their comedic ones, this short is a decent effort overall.
The main focus of the short is Raggedy Ann trying to get old man winter to let the sun out to cure her sick owner child Nancy's sickness. The scenario is as basic as it gets, so much so that the short doesn't really explain much about what Nancy is suffering from specifically and the belief that sunlight is the ultimate cure is questionable to say the least. However, the main focal point is meant to be the restoration of light in general, which many can relate to when going from one season to another. Raggedy Ann's goal to bring the sunlight back is executed from meeting one character after the next, such as the sun itself, to an unfortunately outdated stereotype for a lazy cloud, to even the cold breeze just before getting to meet old man winter (named Mr. Zero in the short), which does substitute a genuine personality in favor of simply moving the plot along. While the sentimental tone does border on schmaltzy territory, there is something comforting about multiple forces coming together in bringing the sunshine back, especially in regards to aiding a young child's illness.
Going into other notable qualities, this cartoon is arguably more technically ambitious than a lot of Famous' other output, even at their creative pique. On top of boasting strong emotional performances through each character, the special effects and camera motion are quite ambitious within the short's time length and budgetary constrictions. As this short's animation is credited to lead animator Orestes Calpini, who's repertoire seemed to steer into strong layouts and dynamic cinematic techniques borrowed from the Fleischer days, the setting of the world above the one below breathes lush lighting and scenery just by primarily being made of cloud particles and abstract ornaments. In addition, the vastly under appreciated Winston Sharples lends his harmonious score through strong orchestrations and a heart wrenching song sequence that beautifully wraps the short up. If the Famous Studios ever got the chance to make a feature film like the Fleischers were able to do so, perhaps this subject matter might've fit them to a proper degree.
Although Suddenly it's Spring doesn't offer quite enough substance outside of its basic plot line, it does showcase the possibilities in a tale of restoring peace to the world just through the power of sunlight. In a day and age where happenings like global warming and seasonal depression are coming more and more into play, it's works like this that remind us why we have summer and winter every single year. Whether or not you find the subject matter interesting enough is up to you as far as recommendations go, but one cannot deny how the world can often use more light than darkness.
The main focus of the short is Raggedy Ann trying to get old man winter to let the sun out to cure her sick owner child Nancy's sickness. The scenario is as basic as it gets, so much so that the short doesn't really explain much about what Nancy is suffering from specifically and the belief that sunlight is the ultimate cure is questionable to say the least. However, the main focal point is meant to be the restoration of light in general, which many can relate to when going from one season to another. Raggedy Ann's goal to bring the sunlight back is executed from meeting one character after the next, such as the sun itself, to an unfortunately outdated stereotype for a lazy cloud, to even the cold breeze just before getting to meet old man winter (named Mr. Zero in the short), which does substitute a genuine personality in favor of simply moving the plot along. While the sentimental tone does border on schmaltzy territory, there is something comforting about multiple forces coming together in bringing the sunshine back, especially in regards to aiding a young child's illness.
Going into other notable qualities, this cartoon is arguably more technically ambitious than a lot of Famous' other output, even at their creative pique. On top of boasting strong emotional performances through each character, the special effects and camera motion are quite ambitious within the short's time length and budgetary constrictions. As this short's animation is credited to lead animator Orestes Calpini, who's repertoire seemed to steer into strong layouts and dynamic cinematic techniques borrowed from the Fleischer days, the setting of the world above the one below breathes lush lighting and scenery just by primarily being made of cloud particles and abstract ornaments. In addition, the vastly under appreciated Winston Sharples lends his harmonious score through strong orchestrations and a heart wrenching song sequence that beautifully wraps the short up. If the Famous Studios ever got the chance to make a feature film like the Fleischers were able to do so, perhaps this subject matter might've fit them to a proper degree.
Although Suddenly it's Spring doesn't offer quite enough substance outside of its basic plot line, it does showcase the possibilities in a tale of restoring peace to the world just through the power of sunlight. In a day and age where happenings like global warming and seasonal depression are coming more and more into play, it's works like this that remind us why we have summer and winter every single year. Whether or not you find the subject matter interesting enough is up to you as far as recommendations go, but one cannot deny how the world can often use more light than darkness.