Calling All Cuckoos (1956)

Calling All Cuckoos Review

Calling All Cuckoos is a 1956 animated short film from the Woody Woodpecker series. It is a pretty forgettable short.

A clockmaker goes into the woods in search of a cuckoo and finds Woodpecker. The clockmaker sets out to capture Woody, take him home and put him to work on the clock. Chaos ensues where Woody introduces a bear to the proceedings. I found that bear inclusion particularly unnecessary in this story that didn’t need him. It would have been perfectly fine without it.

The movie has an interesting plot that is unique. I liked the clockmaker character quite a bit. The interactions between the two were pretty solid and dynamic. But the gags were far from funny and the second half was especially uninvolving and lacking in excitement. It was in serious need of more energy.

Calling All Cuckoos had an interesting premise and solid characterization, but a rough second half and a lack of energy really diminished its impact.

My Rating – 3.5