Service with a Smile (1937)

Service with a Smile Review

Service with a Smile is a 1937 animated short film from the Betty Boop series. It is a pretty funny cartoon.

Betty Boop is desk clerk at a hotel where the guests have many legitimate complaints. Fortunately, Grampy’s inventions fix everything. This is the return to form for Grampy as he is absolutely hilarious here. This was in line with the formula of his movies while still elevating the film to greater heights thanks to its very well utilized hotel setting.

What also worked here was its rather nasty humor. The guests did get everything that they wanted, but most got their wishes fulfilled in the most brutal and crude manner possible. The highlight was the bed being split in two gag and the guy getting his cigar stuffed in his mouth. Betty being annoyed and frustrated was also quite memorable. It’s a familiar short for sure, but it was mostly very strongly executed.

Service with a Smile has a familiar concept, but excellent execution. Grampy’s inventions were hilarious and so much fun.

My Rating – 3.9