Fleischer were responsible for some brilliant cartoons, some of them still among my favourites. Their visual style was often stunning and some of the most imaginative and ahead of its time in animation.
The character of Betty Boop, one of their most famous and prolific characters, may not be for all tastes and sadly not as popular now, but her sex appeal was quite daring for the time and to me there is an adorable sensual charm about her. That charm, sensuality and adorable factor is not lost anywhere here, nor her comic timing, her personality not dulled down at all despite her appearance being far too brief.
For me, 'You Try Somebody Else' is among the better Fleischer/Betty Boop animation-mixed-with-live-action efforts. Not one of Betty or Fleischer's overall best by any stretch and not one of the most imaginative of their cartoons featuring live-action and real life performers but still very interesting. As far as those with Ethel Merman goes, it's not the best or worst.
Admittedly, the story is flimsy, barely existent even, and anybody looking for non-stop hilarity are best looking elsewhere. The title song is pleasant enough, but not an especially memorable one and doesn't gel as much as it should. Wouldn't have said no to more animation as well but that's probably just me, mainly because the highlights are with the animation.
However, the animation is outstanding, everything is beautifully and meticulously drawn and the whole cartoon is rich in visual detail and imagination. Every bit as good is the music score, which delivers on the energy, lusciousness and infectiousness, great for putting anybody in a good mood.
On top of these, 'You Try Somebody Else' is amusing and charming with a delightful Betty and some great gags. The highlights being the ballsy jail break and the very last gag that was wonderfully strange. A big interest point too is Ethel Merman sounding a dream and with an incredibly vibrant presence in nicely shot live action.
All in all, very nicely done and worth trying. 7/10 Bethany Cox
