Paying the Piper (1949)

Paying the Piper Review

Paying the Piper is a 1949 animated short film from the Looney Tunes series. It is a very disappointing film.

I rate this one well and I found it very solid overall, but it’s disappointing because it could have been so much better had they stuck the landing with that second half. I found the majority of it devoid of any truly funny or memorable moments, and simply the cat pretending to be a rat felt repetitive here.

But the overall premise was excellent as following the Pied Piper story post-rat problem was a very clever idea that paid off stupendously. I loved the cats’ upbringing, and I also found Porky Pig great and fitting for the main role. The animation’s also really nice and pleasing.

Paying the Piper is a different adaptation than usual with an inspired sequel premise, but a disappointing conclusion.