Dave Fleischer was responsible for many gems. Ones that were amusing and charming, though over-cuteness did come through in some efforts and the stories were always pretty thin, with appealing characters, outstanding music and visuals that were inventive and with innovative animation techniques.
Ko-Ko similarly was an always amiable character to watch and among the better recurring characters in Fleischer's early work. Likewise, his series of Out of the Inkwell cartoons were among the best early efforts of Fleischer and silent cartoons in general. Fleischer may not be at his very finest and there are far better Ko-Ko cartoons than 'In the Good Old Summer Time'. It is still pretty good though as long as not too much is demanded.
The story is as thin as ice, not really one at all and basically a stringing along of sing-along sequences. Do agree too that it is pretty formulaic and obvious and that some of it is on the pat and convenient side.
However, there is a good deal to like. The opening sequence is very nicely animated and a lot of fun. The character interplay delights too.
One expects the animation to be primitive and very low quality, judging by that it's the 20s when animation techniques were not as many, as refined, as ambitious and in their infancy. While Fleischer became more refined and inventive later certainly, the animation is surprisingly good with some nice visual wackiness and wit. The music gives 'In the Good Old Summer Time' charm and energy.
Everything is bright and breezy and there are amusing moments, though never particularly imaginative. The characters are likeable.
In summation, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Ko-Ko similarly was an always amiable character to watch and among the better recurring characters in Fleischer's early work. Likewise, his series of Out of the Inkwell cartoons were among the best early efforts of Fleischer and silent cartoons in general. Fleischer may not be at his very finest and there are far better Ko-Ko cartoons than 'In the Good Old Summer Time'. It is still pretty good though as long as not too much is demanded.
The story is as thin as ice, not really one at all and basically a stringing along of sing-along sequences. Do agree too that it is pretty formulaic and obvious and that some of it is on the pat and convenient side.
However, there is a good deal to like. The opening sequence is very nicely animated and a lot of fun. The character interplay delights too.
One expects the animation to be primitive and very low quality, judging by that it's the 20s when animation techniques were not as many, as refined, as ambitious and in their infancy. While Fleischer became more refined and inventive later certainly, the animation is surprisingly good with some nice visual wackiness and wit. The music gives 'In the Good Old Summer Time' charm and energy.
Everything is bright and breezy and there are amusing moments, though never particularly imaginative. The characters are likeable.
In summation, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox