I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You (1932)

I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You (1932) *** (out of 4)Betty, Bimbo and KoKo are on a jungle safari when they are chased by a giant head, which just happens to be an animated version of Louis Armstrong.This animated short from Paramount certainly isn't a classic or even a very good one but I think fans of Betty Boop should enjoy it and those fans of Armstrong will really enjoy it. There are some racial jokes in the animation, which might offend some people but the main reason to watch this is for the title track by Armstrong. It's a fairly catchy number and I thought the animation put to it was quite good as well. There really aren't any laughs or great action but this is still a fun short.

In a nutshell, Koko and Bimbo are carrying explorer Betty in the jungle just before natives grab the woman and one of them chases the clown and the humanized dog with his giant head hanging above them before turning into the live-action version of Louis Armstrong's face singing the title song. There's a few more live-action inserts of the band that dissolves into the animation like that of the drummer becoming the animated native stirring the big pot. This was such a dance-worthy musical cartoon short that kept my feet stomping. Kudos to the New Orleans native Armstrong for this memorable collaboration with the Fleischers. I found this on an old Republic Pictures Home Video tape from 1985 called "Betty Boop-Special Collector's Edition, Vol. 1".

This has to be one of the strangest movie titles ever, animated or not. What it is, really, is a tiny showcase for Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. Armstrong's band plays and Louis sings, and most of it is good stuff, upbeat and entertaining.The cartoon is a mixture of animation and Louis' face here and there looking above as Bimbo and Koko run for their lives, in tune to the music. There is not much Betty Boop in here. It's mainly the two cartoon characters and Louis. Overall, it's so-so, not really all that funny but the music is very good.

This is one of the best of the Betty Boop shorts. With both Koko and Bimbo along for the trip, Betty is on safari and quite a chase ensues, al to the strains of the great Satchmo himself, Louis Armstrong, singing the title tune. THe animation is spectacular, with a magnificent use of Armstrong himself at points. One of his better recordings and a great mix of music and animation. If you like either jazz or animation (I love both), then this is a treat. In print and available, a masterpiece that must be seen. Most highly, happily, recommended.