Sunday, January 3, 2021

'The Impractical Joker' isn't very funny

The Impractical Joker (1937)
Starring: Mae Questel, Jack Mercer, and Pinto Colvig
Director: Dave Fleischer
Rating: Five of Ten Stars

Betty's peaceful day turns chaotic when prank-loving Irving stops for a visit. Grampy puts his mechanical genius to work in order to turn the tables and prank the prankster. But can even the might Grampy best the King of Pranks?

Scene from "The impractical Joker" (1937)

"The Impractical Joker" is a low point in the series of cartoons co-starring Betty Boop and gadget-maker Professor Grampy. The gags are barely funny, the prankster character of Irving is completely unlikeable and one wonders why Betty even lets him into her home (or why she doesn't beat him to death with a rolling pin once she does), and Grampy's inventions aren't as inspired or funny as they've been in previous outings. 

The only remarkable thing about "The Impractical Joker" was the animation and design of Irving who is among one of the weirdest creatures to exist in the World of Boop. He's so bendable that even Gumby must be jealous. 

Maybe this one just isn't in step with my sense of humor, or maybe it shoots for a juvenile audience that's even lower than my admittedly juvenile tastes. You can check it out below, and if you feel inclined, you share your take by leaving a comment.

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