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What Makes Lizzy Dizzy?
This Columbia short (production number 3431) has Harry Langdon and Elsie Ames billed above the title, but it is all Elsie Ames with Langdon and Monty Collins (if his name is Monte, how come---except for typos--- he is always billed as Monty?) only around to get a bowling ball bounced off the top of their collective heads, plus a couple of unfunny sight gags. Langdon, while top-billed, also played second-fiddle to the pratfalls of Elsie Ames in "Carry Harry" and even soon found himself billed second to Una Merkel---yes, that Una Merkel--- in Columbia's 1944-short "To Heir Is Human." Lizzy and her friend Aggie are toiling in Kelley's Laundry in order to get enough money to marry their boy friends Harry and Bill, and soon find themselves as a two-woman company bowling team attempting to keep Mr. Kelley from losing a $1000 bet. Things happen. Some of them funny.
Insights
Plot Summary
Betty Boop is on a date with her boyfriend, who is trying to impress her with his new airplane. However, Betty's father is very worried about her dating a pilot, and tries to sabotage the date. Betty's father and Betty's boyfriend get into a fight, and Betty's boyfriend gets angry and leaves. Betty's father is happy that he scared Betty's boyfriend away, but Betty is very upset. Betty then decides to leave home to find her boyfriend.
Critical Reception
As a product of Fleischer Studios' later output, 'What Makes Lizzy Dizzy?' is often seen as a step down from their earlier, more innovative work. While it retains some of the visual flair and surreal humor characteristic of Betty Boop cartoons, it also exhibits the studio's declining budget and creative energy. Audience reception was likely mixed, with fans of Betty Boop enjoying her presence, but critics noting a dip in quality compared to the character's golden age.
What Reviewers Say
The animation style reflects the limitations of Fleischer Studios at the time.
Betty Boop's trademark charm is present, though perhaps less vibrant than in earlier shorts.
The plot is a simple, somewhat predictable romantic entanglement.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short from 1942 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This cartoon is notable for being one of Dave Fleischer's final directorial efforts for Fleischer Studios before they lost the Betty Boop character.
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