Top Ten Merry Melodies from the Early 1950s

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Top Ten Merry Melodies from the Early 1950s

The early fifties signified even further less differentiation between the Looney Tunes and the Merry Melodies when it comes to their style and characters. This was above all else the period when some iconic characters began to be utilized more frequently with Daffy and Tweety in particular dominating this list that is also going to be very diverse in terms of all characters.

10. Drip-Along Daffy

While I usually did not care for most western parodies coming from Warner Bros. cartoons (and they were quite abundant in this particular period in the studio’s output history), this one has to be an exception. Porky and Daffy must beat the bandit out who threatens their town in this far from timely, but timeless piece of animation that is superbly animated, so entertaining and absolutely hilarious in Daffy acknowledging Porky as his “comedy relief”.

9. Beep, Beep

Beep, Beep is a great Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoon that is for sure as uneven as are most of the entries in this series, but the second half is especially amazing with a lot of instantly iconic moments. The final train scene is very strong and so is the skates part, both are so much fun. But the highlight is easily that water sign moment that is bound to make anyone laugh how utterly ridiculous it is.

8. Cracked Quack

Daffy Duck gets inside Porky Pig’s house where he impersonates a stuffed duck just so he can live in a mansion. That is the terrific premise behind this incredible short that, yes, has a very disappointing party ending, but the rest of the film is brilliant. Porky is so memorable here and Daffy is very smart. The scenes with the cute, dumb dog are among the best here with Daffy tricking him constantly providing great comedy fodder for him.

7. Little Beau Pepe

Pepe Le Pew is a classic Looney Tunes character who didn’t get as many episodes for himself, but the ones that he got were usually superb. Case in point – Little Beau Pepe. The first act is less interesting, but the movie is otherwise consistently amusing and superbly executed in terms of pacing and animation. Penelope is great, especially in that interesting, different finale. But the monologuing of Pepe’s is easily the funniest part of this particular short.

6. Catty Cornered

Tweety is kidnapped by two criminals while Sylvester attempts to catch him to eat him. This is a different cartoon for the series as it introduces these two criminals who, though not great, are solidly realized and quite amusing. It is to be respected the most for its originality and freshness, but also for its great use of Sylvester who is terrific throughout this movie. The ending is so much fun and among the highlights here.

5. Canary Row

Canary Row is not only a classic animated short that is extremely entertaining and superbly executed for the most part, but it’s also highly important for giving is the introduction to the great Granny. She is a fantastic foe for Sylvester who from here on is going to get even more obstacles while trying to catch Tweety. The movie is also memorable for its phenomenal animation and particularly well utilized high buildings into its action and humor.

4. Leghorn Swoggled

Henery wants to trap Foghorn Leghorn for his dinner, and the barnyard dog says he will help Henery to catch Foghorn on one condition – that Henery find him a bone. Among these characters, Foghorn and Henery once again shine the most. Their dialogue exchange represents absolute cartoon perfection and how it all plays out is expected, but perfectly executed and hilarious. This little guy truly is one of the series’ most iconic creations.

3. Tweety’s SOS

Yes, another Sylvester and Tweety entry gets a spot on this list and a third one no less, thus further exemplifying how strong this duo was during this time. Tweety is per usual hilarious here with his cute pronunciations of words, Granny is memorable herself and Sylvester is quite smart with that glasses sequence being one of his cleverest plots for sure. The action is great throughout and the ending is so much fun.

2. Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century

Now is the part of the list where we come to true masterpieces. The first of the two is this cosmic adventure that easily ranks among the series’ most imaginative products ever created. It’s an epic film that is gorgeously animated and wonderfully designed. It’s also a great showcase for Daffy whose superhero persona and lisping here are hilarious. The goofiness here is truly memorable as are the clever beginning and ending. It’s such a timeless classic.

1. Duck Amuck

Daffy Duck is being controlled by an animator who eventually turns out to have been Bugs Bunny all along in that glorious twist ending that just might be the finest ending ever in a Merry Melodies cartoon. Yes, Duck Amuck has to take the number one spot on this list as an undisputed masterpiece of 50s animation. Rarely has art and entertainment coalesced so perfectly in this artistically animated, hilarious short that features Daffy at his angriest.

Honorable Mentions:

Ballot Box Bunny – Not as political as it should have been judging on the premise, this cartoon is still a reliably strong showcase for both Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny with strong visuals too.

Rabbit Seasoning – It is rabbit season and Elmer Fudd is on the hunt for both Daffy and Bugs. The action is minimized here, but the dialogue between these two is hugely entertaining.

Duck! Rabbit, Duck! – Bugs and Daffy try to con Elmer into shooting the other one in another Elmer-starring short that is familiar, but mostly superbly executed in action and humor.

The EGGcited Rooster – Foghorn Leghorn’s wife goes to play bridge and orders him to sit on their egg in this highly frenetic, but very enjoyable action flick with such fun scenarios.

Tom Tom Tomcat – This Southern movie is very enjoyable in both its beautiful animation and great soundtrack. It makes use of its setting in great fashion and the action is quite fun.