Tricky Business (1942) Online

The Terrytoons are interesting for anybody wanting to see old(er) low budget animation. That being said, the studio's cartoons are wildly variable, the common merits being outstanding music, some mild amusement and charm and with animation that improved actually over time from very inconsistent to being quite good. It was the characterisation (with fun villains and bland leads) and content where they varied, originality was not much to put it lightly and there was an increase in recycled ideas.

1942's output for the studio was inconsistent, which was not unexpected as that was the case with the previous years too. Most ranged between average to decent, none great, although with a few weak ones, 'Eat Me Kitty, Eight to the Bar' being the only weak one of the previous 1942 Terrytoons cartoons. Seen as part of my want to see as many of the available Terrytoons cartoons as possible, 'Tricky Business' is one of the better 1942 Terrytoons cartoons and in the better half of their output. Not mind-blowing but above average

As ever with Terrytoons, the best asset is the music, which is outstanding but one doesn't expect any less. It is beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is terrific fun to listen to and the lively energy is present throughout, doing so well with adding to the action. The other standout of the pros is the animation, which at this point of Terrytoons' output had come on a long way since the studio first started and that is obvious in 'Tricky Business'. The ambitious, elaborate detail in the backgrounds is on display, and fluidity of drawing and movement continues to improve, and it's neatly synchronised.

Many well timed and amusing moments, most hit more than they miss, and there is evidence frequently, especially in the middle, of energy and charm that doesn't feel forced. Gandy is far more compelling and likeable here and in his pairing with Sourpass than he was in his earlier solo outings. Sourpuss is the funnier and more interesting character who matches Gandy well, their dynamic is nicely done and makes more sense than it does sound on paper. The voices fits well.

'Tricky Business' story again though has very few surprises and is very slight, the premise is familiar , both for Terrytoons and animation in general and the execution is less than fresh. Although other cartoons fared far worse, at least the story didn't feel as recycled as other cartoons, the running out of ideas feel is evident here.

A few of the gags are not as fresh or as well timed as others and the cartoon runs out of gas at the end.

Overall, decently above average. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Gandy Goose has just gotten a collection of magic tricks. The impatient Sour Puss wants to know how to do magic, so off they go to the magic shop in this very amusing Terrytoon.

Paul Terry's crew had a fine two-act in this pair. Gandy Goose, with his Ed Wynn "Perfect Fool" voice and character was the idiot whose most improbable actions worked out. Sour Puss's Jimmy-Durante-voiced city slicker invariably got the worst of it. It all depended on their staying in character in these cartoons. That is why, despite the usual Terry habit of appealing to small children, I find this pairing so engaging.

In this one, there is no one else, so watching this is like watching an impeccably timed two-act. I grew up enjoying the marvelous timing of Abbott & Costello. There's not a wasted moment in any of the gags here.