Many of the Private Snafu cartoons are very enjoyable, being very well-made, entertaining and educational with good morals and interesting historical and instructional material. Even when inept, Snafu is still very much endearing and fun for a vast majority of his cartoons.
'Rumors' is up there with the best Private Snafu cartoons, certainly one of the most entertaining and most creative. In hindsight the message may be a little on the laboured side, but still makes its point without being preachy or patronising. It warning against rumour spreading and its consequences if done is educational and come to think of it is still very much relevant now.
As usual, 'Rumors' is very well-animated though with fluid character designs, detailed and not sparse backgrounds and lively colours/shadings. Carl Stalling always did write outstanding music for the many cartoons he scored for and that is true for 'In the Aleutians', the orchestration is very lush and the pacing is characteristically lively.
The narration entertains, resonates and teaches and doesn't fall into the trap of over-explaining or being over-used. Snafu endears and amuses even when so inept at what he does, while the writing is classic Dr Seuss and gets increasingly wilder, more creative and at times more nightmarish the bigger the rumours get. The voice acting is suitably zesty.
Overall, great and one of the best Private Snafu cartoons. 9/10 Bethany Cox