The Ghostly Trio, staple characters in Harvey Comics from the 1950s through the 1970s (and The New Casper Cartoon Show of 1963 television) have their animated debut here. They don't like Casper's friendly attitude, especially after the local birds no longer fear them, and try to drug him to the dark side. Casper becomes a red imp (this design must have influenced the creators of Hot Stuff, who appeared in the comics in 1957). Casper immolates one brother (didn't know ghosts were flammable), irons another, and decapitates the boss. Next, he wants them feathered -- no tar is handy, but glue is a fine substitute and with the help of a washtub, a fan, and pillows full of feathers he gets the results he wants. The trio is last seen fleeing from a lawnmower.
The story develops a sadistic, spur-of-the-moment feel but avoids the common formula of Casper scaring characters he wants to be friendly with. It was also a surprise to see all of the Ghostly Trio's attempts to scare Casper's friends fail. Winston Sharples' music works well, and the animation is good for a mid-1950s Paramount cartoon. The boss is especially well animated, and Jackson Beck's voice is a perfect fit for him.
Overall, this is a moderately satisfying cartoon, above average for a late-stage Famous Studios short.
The story develops a sadistic, spur-of-the-moment feel but avoids the common formula of Casper scaring characters he wants to be friendly with. It was also a surprise to see all of the Ghostly Trio's attempts to scare Casper's friends fail. Winston Sharples' music works well, and the animation is good for a mid-1950s Paramount cartoon. The boss is especially well animated, and Jackson Beck's voice is a perfect fit for him.
Overall, this is a moderately satisfying cartoon, above average for a late-stage Famous Studios short.