The 26 Little Lulu cartoons made during 1944-1948 (and the two made in the early 60s) were uneven (individually and the series as a general overview) but watchable.
While there are, previous to 'A Scout with the Gout', some good Little Lulu cartoons such as 'Hullaba-Lulu', 'Magica-Lulu', 'Musica-Lulu', 'Bargain Counter Attack' and 'Beau Ties' and some great ones like 'Bored of Education' and 'Chick and Double Chick', there are also mediocre or less ones such as 'Lulu Gets a Birdie', 'Lulu at the Zoo' and 'Lulu's Birthday Party' (two of those three having the character of Mandy as one of the main problems).
'A Scout with the Gout' sits comfortably in the top middle of her cartoons, very solid well made stuff if falling short of greatness. My only complaints really are a slight and contrived story that does occasionally struggle to fill the running time, that some of the material does get pretty predictable as a result of some of it having been done before and to more inspired effect and that it does try slightly too hard to be cute.
However, there are many good things. First and foremost, the animation is nice. The style of it may take some getting used to but when you compare this cartoon to Little Lulu's debut 'Eggs Don't Bounce' the difference is staggering, here the drawing is more refined and the colours more vibrant. Winston Sharples' music score is whimsical, beautifully orchestrated and characterful as always. The main song is infectious.
Doesn't fall short in the laughs department either, the gags are very well executed and while never hilarious they are highly amusing with misfires being none. Any scouters in their youths will be fondly reminded of those days watching the cartoon and feel nostalgic for it. Little Lulu is an engaging protagonist with the right amount of low-key and sweetness, without being irritating. Her father is a fun character, and while the supporting characters are somewhat stock they're fun and cute. The voice acting is solid.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
While there are, previous to 'A Scout with the Gout', some good Little Lulu cartoons such as 'Hullaba-Lulu', 'Magica-Lulu', 'Musica-Lulu', 'Bargain Counter Attack' and 'Beau Ties' and some great ones like 'Bored of Education' and 'Chick and Double Chick', there are also mediocre or less ones such as 'Lulu Gets a Birdie', 'Lulu at the Zoo' and 'Lulu's Birthday Party' (two of those three having the character of Mandy as one of the main problems).
'A Scout with the Gout' sits comfortably in the top middle of her cartoons, very solid well made stuff if falling short of greatness. My only complaints really are a slight and contrived story that does occasionally struggle to fill the running time, that some of the material does get pretty predictable as a result of some of it having been done before and to more inspired effect and that it does try slightly too hard to be cute.
However, there are many good things. First and foremost, the animation is nice. The style of it may take some getting used to but when you compare this cartoon to Little Lulu's debut 'Eggs Don't Bounce' the difference is staggering, here the drawing is more refined and the colours more vibrant. Winston Sharples' music score is whimsical, beautifully orchestrated and characterful as always. The main song is infectious.
Doesn't fall short in the laughs department either, the gags are very well executed and while never hilarious they are highly amusing with misfires being none. Any scouters in their youths will be fondly reminded of those days watching the cartoon and feel nostalgic for it. Little Lulu is an engaging protagonist with the right amount of low-key and sweetness, without being irritating. Her father is a fun character, and while the supporting characters are somewhat stock they're fun and cute. The voice acting is solid.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
