The 26 Little Lulu cartoons made during 1944-1948 (and the two made in the early 60s) were uneven (individually and the series as a general overview) but watchable.
'Hullaba-Lulu' is the second Little Lulu cartoon, and already the differences and improvements between it and the debuting cartoons 'Eggs Don't Bounce' in a short space of time is immediately noticeable. There is more of a comedic edge here and the ringmaster (the earliest example of a male authority figure in a Little Lulu cartoon) is juicier than any of the characters in 'Eggs Don't Bounce'.
From personal opinion also, 'Hullaba-Lulu' is one of the better Little Lulu cartoons. The animation is still a little rough in places (though nothing here is as ugly as the character design of Mandy in 'Eggs Don't Bounce'), with more smoothness and colour needed. The story is also very slight, the first two or so minutes slightly on the thin side content-wise.
Sammy Timberg's music once again is terrific with a real lushness and energy, complete with an infectious theme song that isn't easy to forget.
Little Lulu is more engaging this time round, and her conflict with the ringmaster and her attempts in foiling him make for very funny and sometimes hilarious entertainment. The cartoon goes at a quick pace and mostly does not struggle with having enough content to last the whole 9 minutes. The circus acts are great fun to watch, and the conscience angle is interesting. The voice work is good.
In summary, very good and improved second Little Lulu cartoon. 8/10 Bethany Cox
