Cartoon a Day: Back Alley Oproar

Back Alley Oproar
1948
Directed by Friz Freleng (as I. Freleng)
Available on: Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 2

The title card for this short gives a great hint at one of the great aspects of this cartoon. While it's a funny short and has some great animation, it's the backgrounds that are really great. I love the colors and the areas of shadow on those houses, that style continues throughout the short.

This shot of Sylvester against the moon is another great example of the cool backgrounds. This is an unusual short in that it casts Sylvester in the role the a character like Daffy Duck would usually fill.

Sylvester is usually the one on the receiving end of the gags, but here he's the one keeping Elmer Fudd awake with his late night vocal talents. Even in the end, when Elmer has blown both of them up, Sylvester gets the last laugh. One of his rare victories.