Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons.
'Porky's Moving Day' shows that, as to be expected, that Porky is a likable character and he is and also amusing, cute and interesting, though to me he works better in support against a stronger in personality character, where he plays it straight, than a lead. Luckily, the homeowner has a personality that plays off against Porky's very well.
There is the agreement somewhat that the jokes are more amusing than hilarious and in the first half there aren't enough. None misfire and they do amuse, they just don't completely sparkle, which is not surprising considering 'Porky's Moving Day' is from a period where the style of humour that is timeless today was yet to be found and refined.
As far as the story goes it is pretty slight and, although this is personal preference and something not everyone will share, Joe Dougherty's voice for Porky has never really done it for me. It's not just because Mel Blanc's more famous interpretation is more appealing to me and fits better but Dougherty doesn't sound anywhere near as natural or endearing, have always found that he overdid the stutter and that's true here too.
However, the best thing about 'Porky's Moving Day' is the animation. Simply put it is wonderful, very detailed, crisp and fluid. For the period it's quite imaginative and captures the thrills and frightening nature of moving day perfectly.
Carl Stalling's music is typically outstanding. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.
The jokes are decent, but the scary edge and thrills impress more. It's all well timed and continually absorbing, zipping along nicely after a slow start.
In summation, the moving day may have been a disaster but this cartoon certainly isn't. 7/10 Bethany Cox