Casper's Spree Under the Sea (1950) User Reviews

Casper The Clueless Ghost

[boblipton · 6/10 · 18 July 2023]

Casper gets kicked out of his residence, frightens kangaroos and tries to kill himself by attaching a large rock to his neck and sinking into the sea. Unfortunately, it doesn't end his existence. Under the sea, he makes friend with a goldfish imaginatively named 'Goldie.'

Casper has been removed from the Noveltoons to his own series, and the same thing largely happens in every single story in the series. This one is ameliorated by the usual good Famous Studios gag structure, an original song to kick off the first of the series, and the fact that, for once, it isn't a matter of everyone hating him until he saves them willy-nilly, after which they like him. It's what I call the Useful Idiot Plan. No, except for Goldie, they ignore him. Which is pretty much what I wish to do.

Under the sea with Casper the Friendly Ghost

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 31 August 2015]

Those fond of Casper the Friendly Ghost cartoons will find a lot to like with Casper's Spree Under the Sea, only his fourth cartoon and one of the better ones (also in the better half of Famous Studio's inconsistent output). Those who have seen the previous three cartoons The Friendly Ghost ,There's Good Boos To-Night and A Haunting We Will Go will not be surprised by the basic premise or how the story is structured, the structure and some of the dialogue is somewhat more of the same.

Casper's Spree Under the Sea however still manages to be very sweet, sometimes touching with a touch of fun (though like the previous three cartoons this is not a non-stop hilarious cartoon, nor was it intended to be). The animation is great throughout, it is it is luscious, beautifully drawn with incredibly atmospheric backgrounds and vibrant colours, the opening is particularly good. The under the sea visuals are surprisingly imaginative.

Another very strong asset is the music score of Winston Sharples, melodically it's haunting but also whimsical and gorgeous to listen to., with some merriness and a surprising amount of emotional impact. One of the cartoon's highlights is the ghost's song, which is brilliantly catchy and is appropriately spooky and rousing, actually bringing the story forward and explaining the action rather than grinding the cartoon to a halt. The opening title credits song is very catchy.

Dialogue here has some real heart and charm, if not quite avoiding the trap of sentimentality, which was always going to be hard to do considering the subject. The story as well zips by, has a good deal of atmosphere and is very charming , good-natured and sweet, with a lovely upbeat finish. While not as heart-wrenching as There's Good Boos To-Night, it is also touching with the beautifully written friendship between Casper and Goldie, you really feel the friendship between them. The ending with the fishers is a little tense, and is very suspenseful, but never to the extent of being too much for youngsters, it is tame in comparison to the climax of There's Good Boos To-Night.

Casper is endearing and appropriately kind-hearted, and Goldie is just adorable. The voice acting is very good, Casper as ever is very emotively voiced.

Overall, Casper's Spree Under the Sea is a lovely cartoon in pretty much all aspects, if not quite enough to be a personal favourite. 8/10 Bethany Cox