Van Beuren cartoons are extremely variable, especially in the number of gags and whether the absurdist humour shines through enough (sometimes it does, other times it doesn't), but are strangely interesting. Although they are often poorly animated with barely existent stories and less than compelling lead characters, they are also often outstandingly scored, there can be some fun support characters and some are well-timed and amusing.
The third of the three Parrotville cartoons, 'Parrotville Post-Office' is the best of the three. Didn't care for the previous two, while not hating them, but moderately liked 'Parrotville Post-Office' while still not calling it a great cartoon. It is though one of the best "Rainbow Parade" cartoons. Saw it really as somebody who is trying to see as many Van Beuren cartoons as possible, so that is pretty much the main reason to see it.
'Parrotville Post-Office' has a good deal of strengths. Personally quite liked the animation, compared to the animation in the Cubby the Bear, most of the Tom and Jerry and other cartoons of Van Beuren, their production values came on a long way when switching to colour. There may be a lack of refinement in some of the drawing and the colour scheme is simple, but the cartoon is lusciously coloured and the backgrounds meticulous in detail. Even better is the music score, it is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with enhancing the action.
Some of the synchronisation is sharp enough. Was not left bored by the cartoon, thanks to a lively pace, and there are more gags than there usually are in the "Rainbow Parade" series, some amusing. The captain and robber characters are fun, as is their chemistry together. Thankfully, it is also one of the least saccharine "Rainbow Parade" cartoons, where it doesn't get too cutesy or go overboard with the sugar. Not to mention, some of it was educational with how post offices ran in the 30s.
Having said that, the story is very flimsy and very predictable. The ending can be seen from a mile away and is not a particularly memorable one.
While there are amusing moments and there are more gags than usual, others are bland and over-familiar with easily foreseeable outcomes and once again any absurdist surrealist humour is missing.
Overall, moderately enjoyable if not great. 6/10 Bethany Cox