Dingbat left a big impression in his first cartoon, 1948's 'The Hard Boiled Egg' and it is a shame that he didn't last longer than he did and became obscure. He was a very different character for Terrytoons at this stage of their output, more Looney Tunes-ish, and he had a strong personality and humour style. A humour style that was very popular at the time in animation and the competition was high, so that's likely to be the reason why the series didn't last longer.
1950's 'Foiling the Fox' is another Dingbat cartoon that shows why he doesn't deserve relative obscurity. It struck me as a very entertaining cartoon, if slightly derivative, and as far as the 1950 Terrytoons cartoons go 'Foiling the Fox' for me is one of the better ones. In a year that was not very consistent or that special, with a few good exceptions (such as this and the best of Heckle and Jeckle). Dingbat still proves himself to be a strong character.
'Foiling the Fox' doesn't have that much wrong with it. There is not much that is special or original about the story, which is a slight variation of 'The Hard Boiled Egg' and cartoons with similar premises.
Also felt that some of the messaging lacked subtlety. Dingbat's laugh does grate, one of the very few less endearing things about him.
However, 'Foiling the Fox' works very well to brilliantly everywhere else. The music is fantastic and as ever with Terrytoons the best thing about 'Foiling the Fox'. 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. Close behind was the animation, as said more than once this component has come on considerably since the Terrytoons Studios cartoons first started. Overall, it is nicely detailed, lively and colourful, with nice attention to detail and vibrant colours that don't look garish.
Moreover, when it comes to the humour 'Foiling the Fox' to me is easily one of the funniest that year. There are plenty of gags and all of them hit, the best are hilarious and the fox's encounters have enough variety to avoid them from being repetitive. Absolutely love Dingbat's wonderfully crazy screwball humour and quick wit and his clever tricks and bombast are a riot to watch. The story is not earth shattering and is very simple but is full of energy, right from the promising beginning all the way up to the riotous ending.
While Dingbat makes a big impression here, the fox is every bit his equal with great comic timing and a crafty demeanour. Their conflict is enormous fun to watch, two characters trying to outsmart each other is an age old type of conflict but it feels relatively fresh here in 'Foiling the Fox', thanks to the fast and furious pacing. As does Dingbat's style of humour which was actually unlike any other Terrytoons character at the time.
Very enjoyable cartoon on the whole. 7/10.
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