Wags to Riches

When the rich millionaire's will is read, everything is left to Droopy. However, if Droopy dies, it all goes to Spike. So Spike tries to arrange that. None of which work. This being a Tex Avery cartoon, they all fail in disastrous and funny ways.

This is an average Tex Avery cartoon. By that, I mean it is an excellent one, with its constant barrage of brilliantly executed gags. Had a less well known cartoon director at some other studio directed this, it would be ranked among te gems of that studio's cartoons. This being Avery at MGM, it requires its own grading system. And so, while urging you to see this, I must note that among Avery's output, it is average.

A late millionaire leaves his fortune to one of his two dogs, Spike and Droopy. It's Droopy but in case of Droopy's death, the estate would be next turned over to Spike. It's obvious what Spike plans to do to Droopy. This is standard Spike vs Droopy. I like it. It's pretty good. I would have liked for something more violent in its climax. It's fine.

Droopy was always a favorite character for me. He is the slow moving, milquetoast dog who always comes out on top. His adversary is Spike, a big bulldog. In this one, Droopy inherits a house and a fortune, but if he dies, it goes to Spike. Well we know what's next. But like so many of these cartoons, Droopy's inaction leads Spike to destroy himself. This is one that's great fun. Poor old Spike!

This is another classic cartoon in true Tex Avary style! The premise is simple, Droopy was left a fortune but if he should die all the money goes to Spike. Obviously Spike will do anything within his power to kill Droopy and make it look accidental. And what follows is another blend of classic Avary gags.

3(***)out of 4(****)stars

This is a fun little Droopy carton where the melancholy dog and his nemesis Spike battle over who keeps the fortune that a millionaire has left Droopy. It's lots of laughs seeing Spike try to eliminate Droopy so he could have the fortune. Plenty of slapstick stuff.

Grade A