Love Thy Neighbor: Fleischer Nostalgia or Just a Bouncing Ball?

Should you watch Love Thy Neighbor? If you are a sucker for those old-school bouncing ball singalongs, sure. It’s a seven-minute time capsule that will either charm you or drive you up the wall with its relentless cheer. If you prefer your animation with actual stakes—or characters who aren't constantly grinning at the camera—you will probably find this thing insufferable.

The whole thing hinges on Mary Small, who they billed as 'the little girl with the big voice.' They weren't kidding. She belts out the title song with a kind of intensity that feels a bit much for a cozy animation, even by 1930s standards. You’re just sitting there, watching that little white ball hop over the lyrics, wondering if the neighbors in the cartoon are actually enjoying this or if they’re just trapped in their houses.

Then we get to the 'Nosey News' bit. It’s a parody reel that feels like the animators were just throwing every weird idea they had at the wall. It’s disjointed. It’s bizarre. It honestly reminded me a little of the frantic, slightly unhinged energy I caught in A Wet Knight, where the pacing shifts so fast you barely have time to register if the joke landed.

There is no real story here, just a collection of gags stitched together. The transitions are non-existent, just snapping from the singing girl to a bunch of animals doing human stuff. It’s not deep. It’s not trying to be. It’s just an artifact.

Watching this, I couldn't help but think about how different the animation landscape was back then compared to something like Radio Parade. Everything felt like it was auditioning for a spot on a live-action stage. Even the cartoon animals seem like they’re waiting for an applause break.

Small Observations:

• The bouncing ball is surprisingly distracting. You find yourself staring at it instead of the actual art.
• The character designs in the newsreel look like they were drawn in a hurry. Some of the faces are just two dots and a line.
• There is a distinct lack of rhythm in the news segment. It’s just noise, really.
• The title song will be stuck in your head for three days. You have been warned.

It’s fine for what it is. A quick, loud, and slightly manic piece of history. Don't go in expecting a cohesive narrative. Just enjoy the weirdness and move on. 🎶