User Reviews

The general standard of the Terrytoons cartoons was between mediocre at worst and decent at best, though there are plenty of examples of better and worse than those extremes. Never irredeemable, though there were some very weak cartoons both in their earlier and later output, but also never classic despite some actually very good work in the mid-late-40s for example. The music was always the best asset, while the animation improved vastly over time. The story however was very nearly always the sore spot even in the best Terrytoons cartoons, and the characterisation and the gags were hit and miss.

1946's Terrytoons epitomised all of the above. A very hit and miss year, with the cartoons ranging from very weak (i.e. 'My Old Kentucky Home', starring, well actually it felt more like featuring, Mighty Mouse) to very good (i.e. 'The Talking Magpies', with Heckle and Jeckle prototypes and Farmer Al Falfa in colour). 'The Housing Problem', an Aesop's Fable type of cartoons, is one of the good ones. Although it is amusing in parts, it also has a more mature subject than most of the 1946 cartoons of trying to find homes post-war and handles it quite tastefully. Though it may be a little more appealing and relatable to adults, especially those that have been there themselves.

Its weakest asset is predictably the story, which is very slight, very basic and holds very few surprises.

Also, for my liking 'The Housing Problem' gets off to a bit of a slow start, the first portion is basically set up that is neither particularly interesting or amusing.

But, despite any temptations to find something else to watch (not the case with me but it might for some), my advice would be strongly to stick with it. It really does get better. The building the house portion of the cartoon sees some very clever and funny touches. Loved the role of the termites towards the end too, not novel territory but still amusing and the termites are a good match for the pig family. The pig family luckily are strong enough characters, far from devoid of personality, and easy to root for.

Furthermore, the animation has improved so much since the studio first started and is very good. When Terrytoons first started, the animation was not really good at all, now it is the component that has shown the most improvement. It is nicely detailed, lively and colourful, with a vividly rendered setting and vibrant colours that don't look garish. Even better is the music, the one component that never faltered. It is beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is terrific fun to listen to and the lively energy is present throughout, doing so well with adding to the action.

Summing up, slow start but worth sticking with. 7/10