Of the Herman and Katnip series, of which overall I neither hate or love, Mice Paradise for an early Famous Studio cartoon is one of the best. The story is very predictable and formulaic especially at the start, not just for a Herman cartoon(the same formula was seen before with Naughty and Mice and Saved By the Bell, of which the former did it the freshest) but for a cartoon in general, and the character designs are a little rough at times, especially that of Katnip.
Most of the animation is very good though, the backgrounds are detailed and very smoothly rendered and the colours are lusciously rich. As with all Herman cartoons, most of the energy comes from the music, which typically is outstanding, just love the character and energy and it's beautifully orchestrated. The title credits instrumental theme is very catchy and the use of the most famous bit of Suppe's Light and Cavalry Overture is inspired, despite it being used umpteen times in cartoon history, and placed appropriately. The dialogue is amusing if a little unexceptional but the sight gags are far more humorous, they are well-timed and some of the funniest of any Herman and Katnip cartoon. The part where the coil spring comes out of the core of Katnip's tail is pretty hilarious. Herman is cunning, funny and willing to help those in need while Katnip is suitably antagonistic and the two are entertaining together. The mice bring a little poignancy to the cartoon as well. Arnold Stang and Jack Mercer do dependably great jobs as Herman and the mice and Sid Raymond's menacing tones fit Katnip perfectly.
In conclusion, a lot of fun and one of the better and funniest Herman and Katnip cartoons. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Most of the animation is very good though, the backgrounds are detailed and very smoothly rendered and the colours are lusciously rich. As with all Herman cartoons, most of the energy comes from the music, which typically is outstanding, just love the character and energy and it's beautifully orchestrated. The title credits instrumental theme is very catchy and the use of the most famous bit of Suppe's Light and Cavalry Overture is inspired, despite it being used umpteen times in cartoon history, and placed appropriately. The dialogue is amusing if a little unexceptional but the sight gags are far more humorous, they are well-timed and some of the funniest of any Herman and Katnip cartoon. The part where the coil spring comes out of the core of Katnip's tail is pretty hilarious. Herman is cunning, funny and willing to help those in need while Katnip is suitably antagonistic and the two are entertaining together. The mice bring a little poignancy to the cartoon as well. Arnold Stang and Jack Mercer do dependably great jobs as Herman and the mice and Sid Raymond's menacing tones fit Katnip perfectly.
In conclusion, a lot of fun and one of the better and funniest Herman and Katnip cartoons. 8/10 Bethany Cox
