Pink-A-Rella

This is really a wild, Cinderella story with the goodhearted Pink Panther zapping a magic wand numerous times to try to help some poor girl get a big date in Las Vegas with an Elvis Presley-type dude.

It all starts with a drunk witch losing her magic wand while on a "champagne flight" on her broom. The Panther finds the wand in a garbage pail, raps it accidentally on the can and - presto! - roses. He does this on a few other objects around the area, transforming them into other things until he's convinced he's got magical in his hand. A really funny bit happens when the PP slips and the wand falls on him, changing him!

After that, our compassionate panther, back to his normal self, sees a billboard announcing a beauty contest with first prize being a date with "Pelvis Parsley in fabulous Las Vegas." He sees a dirt-poor girl, yes, Cinderella, and using his magic wand he transforms the girl into a beauty. He then does everything else you remember the story, except it's modernized with a long, sleek limousine, etc.

What happens to "Cinderella" is very good with an ending that is "cute." This was the best Cinderella story, or parody, I've seen. It was fun to watch.

Re-visiting again the Pink Panther cartoons to see how well how well another childhood favourite has held up, they are still entertaining and a large amount are still very good to great. There are a few disappointments here and there, but so far none of the Pink Panther cartoons have been bad. Pink-a-Rella is one of Pinky's best. Pinky is still the charismatic and cool character who has great comic timing too. The animation keeps things nice and simple, this simple style works very well, shown with the fluid drawings and elegantly shaded colours. The scoring accompanies the atmosphere and humour with catchy effect and in a jazzy style that still appeals now. The theme tune is still a classic that has not aged or irritated a jot. The gags are lots of fun, especially when Pinky falls and the wand transforms him accidentally as a result, helped even further by good timing. The Elvis Parsley name is worth a couple of chuckles as well. The story is a clever spin on the Cinderella story, never does it feel predictable, in a way that feels like the timeless fairy-tale as well as a Pink Panther cartoon. There's even an infectious flavour of Viva Las Vegas too. And the ending is very cute. In conclusion, truly great stuff and one of the best Pink Panther cartoons. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A witch flying on her broomstick accidentally drops her magic wand, which is then recovered by the Pink Panther. He figured out how to use it, magically transforming objects into other stuff. When he sees a poor, scrawny girl who yearns to attend a dance event to meet heartthrob Pelvis Parsley, he, doing his good deed, uses the wand to transform the girl's hovel into a nice house and her dress into an elegant gown. He also transforms an old beat-up car from the junkyard into a limousine, and then drives her to the ball.

A very cleverly done story based on the Cinderella fairytale, with its unique touch of humor, magic and fun. The Pink Panther's little back and forth magic duel with the witch is a funny touch and the ending is a nice pleasant surprise.

Grade A

Imagine combining Cinderella, Viva Las Vegas! and elements of two classic Chuck Jones cartoons featuring Bugs Bunny (Bewitched Bunny and Transylvania 6-5000) together and you have Pink-A-Rella.

A booze-loving witch has dropped her magic wand and the Pink Panther finds it. He uses it to help a lonely blue lady have a chance to win a contest where she can win a date with the Elvis Presley-like Pelvis Parsley. But what happens when the clock strikes midnight and what becomes of the two?

Even with no dialog, you can feel for all the characters in this short and the story is superb. This is the best of Pink Panther shorts and proof you don't need dialog to tell a story. This is a true gem of animation.