Niagara Fools (1956) Online

Running gags have been a frequent feature in Woody Woodpecher shorts from this age, and this is the one that does it best. On this one, Woody visits the famous Niagara Falls, where he has the wicked idea of riding down the falls on a barrel, while the loyal Mountie tries to stop him. Of course, Woddy doesn't give up easily, and his constant attempts all end up with the Mountie going down the falls instead.

The idea itself might sound a bit generic, but the wacky twists added to the story make it stand out from the rest. In particular, the yellow coat tourists cheering every time the unlucky Mountie goes down the falls is worth the price of admission already. Other hilarious moments involve the Woody disguising the barrel as a woman, and the Mountie eventually mistaking an actual woman for a barrel; the unfortunate man being sent, mistakingly, to the North Pole, and hitchhiking his way back to the falls ("March!"); and an actual valve that dries up the falls completely. Woody fans cannot go without this one. A classic and a prime example of the wicked humour of Woody Woodpecker.

Was very fond of Woody Woodpecker and his cartoons as a child. Still get much enjoyment out of them now as a young adult, even if there are more interesting in personality cartoon characters and better overall cartoons.

That is in no way knocking Woody, because many of his cartoons are a lot of fun to watch and more and also still like him a lot as a character. He is a lot of fun here and is never obnoxious or a jerk. He is suitably manic and while a pest (as he originally conceived to be) he is an annoyance to his opponent but comic joy for the viewer. The Mountie is a funny foil and chemistry between the two is electric. 'Niagara Fools' to me is one of the best Woody Woodpecker cartoons of the late 50s (or even of that decade full stop) and one of Paul J. Smith's best overall.

'Niagara Fools' only real problem is the animation, which is pretty ugly and looks like it was made in haste on a low budget.

Otherwise, the story is one of the least predictable for any Woody Woodpecker cartoon and has some clever twists, really setting it apart from how most Woody Woodpecker cartoons from this period executed their stories.

Music is bouncy, energetic and very lushly orchestrated, not only synchronising and fitting with the action very well but enhancing it. The whole cartoon goes at a snappy pace, especially in the second half.

There are some inventive moments here and the humorous elements are timed beautifully and often hilarious. The voice acting is very good.

In conclusion, great cartoon and one of the best of the late 50s. 9/10 Bethany Cox