Van Beuren cartoons are extremely variable, especially in the number of gags and whether the absurdist humour shines through enough (sometimes it does, other times it doesn't), but are strangely interesting. Although they are often poorly animated with barely existent stories and less than compelling lead characters, they are also often outstandingly scored, there can be some fun support characters and some are well-timed and amusing.
On the most part, 'Toonerville Trolley' is among the best of the "Rainbow Parade" series, a hit and miss series of twenty seven cartoons made between 1934 and 1936. It's far from a good cartoon, let alone a great one, but it's watchable as long as one knows what to expect before watching if familiar with the other "Rainbow Parade" cartoons. Knew exactly what to expect myself, being familiar with the rest of the series, and there are pretty much the same strengths and flaws that one sees in the other cartoons.
There are strengths as aforementioned. Quite liked the animation, which has come on a lot since (human) Tom and Jerry and Cubby the Bear. Despite the character drawing lacking refinement and some garishness which does give off a primitive feel, the colours appeal generally to the eye while the backgrounds are elaborate and meticulous. Even better is the music score, it is so beautifully and cleverly orchestrated, is great fun to listen to and full of lively energy, doing so well with enhancing the action.
Some of the synchronisation is sharp enough. There is a little charm, a couple of the characters are nice enough and it also benefits from not being as saccharine as most other "Rainbow Parade" cartoons.
Conversely, there are things done wrong too. Expectedly (somewhat), the content is very thin, not much to it in a pretty much plot-less cartoon, and not only are there not enough gags as such but any absurdist humour or surrealism present in some of Van Beuren's earlier work is completely absent. While not as excessively sugary as other "Rainbow Parade" cartoons and it doesn't leave a bad taste in the mouth, it's still a bit too cutesy.
Conflict is nil and generally there is little memorable or interesting about the characters. Story is flimsy, non-existent actually (what there is of any is very predictable that surprises are none). Pacing lacks lustre and things take too long to get going.
Overall, watchable but forgettable. 5/10 Bethany Cox