Yukon Have It

Chilly Willy's best cartoons were perfect examples of how a potentially one-joke character and concept could end up actually being a perfect mix of the cute and the funny with a lot of colour and good comic timing to go with it.

'Yukon Have It' is among Chilly Willy's best. Sure, it's somewhat formulaic structurally, but has enough variation, well-executed gags and great chemistry between the characters to make that not matter that much. Have always loved Chilly and Smedley (Chilly's most frequent opponent for a reason) together, and Carribou Lou adds a lot to 'Yukon Have It' too. The interplay between them is delightful.

While the drawings are not always refined, the animation does have a lot of luscious colours and handsome backgrounds, Chilly and Smedley also well drawn and the setting has a nice atmosphere that suits the formula well. The music is full of lively bounce and character, with luscious orchestration. It not only adds to the action and visuals but enhances them too.

Every single one of the gags do amuse and beautifully timed (enough to make Tex Avery, who directed the two best Chilly Willy cartoons in my opinion, proud), lifted by the sparkling chemistry between Chilly and Smedley, and it is always remarkable at what Chilly has up his sleeve and how he does it. Underneath all that irresistible cuteness he is one clever, funny and at times fairly brutal penguin.

Chilly is adorable and is also a lot of fun, with his actions speaking far louder than words. He may be a nuisance to his opponents but he wins the viewer over with his cuteness and timing. Daws Butler (in his distinctive Huckleberry Hound voice) delivers some solid voice acting as Smedley, the slightly funnier and more interesting character.

The ending was easily foreseeable but very sweet, you feel sorry for Smedley but it's hard not to feel happiness for Chilly.

Overall, wonderful stuff. 10/10 Bethany Cox