Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna and Barbera and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it even more now through young adult eyes, thanks to broader knowledge and more interest in animation styles and various studios and directors.
Chuck Jones deserved, and still does deserve, his status as one of animation's most legendary, greatest and most important directors/animators. He may have lacked the outrageousness and wild wackiness of Bob Clampett and Tex Avery, but the visual imagination, wit and what he did with some of the best-known and most iconic characters ever were just as special. All of his Charlie Dog cartoons are well worth watching and more. 'Dog Gone South' and especially 'A Hound for Trouble' are especially wonderful.
'A Hound for Trouble' is once again a perfect demonstration of Charlie being a charismatic and funny character (who in his outings with Porky always stole the show from under him) and begs the question of why his stint as a character was so short-lived.
He is brilliantly supported by the supporting characters. Mel Blanc as always does a fantastic job with the voice work, showing an unparalleled ability to bring individuality to multiple characters.
The animation is as always bright and colourful, with lots of smooth movement, imaginative detail in the gags and rich and meticulous detail in the backgrounds. Carl Stalling's music score is as ever high in energy, liveliness, character, lushness and whimsy, and not only is dynamic and fits effortlessly with the action but enhances everything.
What's more, 'A Hound for Trouble' is enormously entertaining, with the typical wild looniness, razor-sharp wit and sardonic bite constantly shining in the dialogue. Plus there are some beautifully timed and animated and imaginative sight gags, that contain enough surprises and a non-stop lively pace. The highlight is the hilarious ending.
In conclusion, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
