Ub Iwerks's Willie Whopper series of cartoons was short-lived, only lasting a year from 1933 to 1934. On the most part the Willie Whopper cartoons are not great or cartoon/animated masterpieces and it is sort of understandable as to why Willie didn't make it bigger. However they are far from terrible ones either and do amuse and charm.
1934's 'Hell's Fire', as far as Willie Whopper cartoons go, is one of the best. This is coming from somebody who has only just gotten acquainted with the series as a huge animation fan. It is amusing and cute, as well as wonderfully weird and inventive, providing that one doesn't expect a masterpiece or too much.
Sure, 'Hell's Fire' may be on the formulaic side and is somewhat predictable. It is also a shame that structurally it feels slightly fragmented.
Willie himself is slightly bland and a slightly limited character. There is not much wrong actually.
On the other hand, 'Hell's Fire' is one of the best-looking Willie Whopper cartoons, there is some nice background detail, more drawing finesse and inventive little things, plus beautiful use of colour. The music is energetic and characterful with appealing orchestration. The cartoon goes at a lively pace, has an appealing charm and the tale is wonderfully outlandish.
'Hell's Fire' has a lot of very amusing, sometimes hilarious, and sweet little laughs which makes it entertaining. A lot of it is also very imaginative and almost surreal and wonderfully weird for Willie Whopper. Although slightly bland and limited, Willie avoids being annoying and he avoids being sickly sweet as well, fairly likeable. The supporting characters, consisting of famous dead people, are a lively and at times kooky bunch.
In summary, very good and one of Willie's best. 8/10 Bethany Cox