Buddy's Circus

This example of the 'Buddy' series -- the dismal white kid invented to replace 'Bosko the Talk-Ink Kid', which was also pretty dismal -- looks pretty much like most of the early Merrie Melodies. They even use a lot of the same gags as the others, including the turning octopus gag that turned up in at least three of the Bosko cartoons. There is also a brief plot as a child turns up missing at the circus.

But this one, although no world beater by any means, seems to me to be better than any of the other 'Buddy' cartoons I have seen. There is an energy and push to the movement that most of the others lack. The gags also seem to be slightly better paced. The whole thing is watchable.

Now a fairly obscure character, Buddy was the second Warner Brothers Looney Tunes character, after Bosko and followed by Beans the Cat. Buddy didn't last long, being retired in 1935 after 23 cartoons starting in 1933.

Although Buddy's filmography is a mixed bag (the best cartoons tend to be decent but not great and the worst mediocre) and he tends to not be the most interesting or compelling of characters (while there are cartoons that see a heroic side to him, he tends to be quite bland), 'Buddy's Circus' is one of his decent efforts. It is not a great cartoon and there are better circus-themed cartoons around.

'Buddy's Circus' does have a good deal to like. The animation is nicely drawn and detailed. Music played a big part in the Buddy cartoons and it was essential for it to work. Luckily it has the liveliness and energy, as well as the lush and vibrant orchestration.

The supporting characters are quite fun, while there are amusing moments, there is more energy than seen previously and the gags are generally well timed. The voice acting is good.

However, Buddy is still a bit bland. 'Buddy's Circus' is amusing but never hilarious, with too many of the gags feeling derivative that outcomes are easy to predict.

As always, the story is mostly thin to the extent that one would be forgiven for thinking it to be plot-less. The second half does inject a bit of plot and it's done well. The first half could have had more excitement.

In summation, decent. 6/10 Bethany Cox