Watch Roland and Rattfink

Roland and Rattfink is an animated television show produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises that aired from 1968 to 1971. The show featured two characters named Roland and Rattfink who were constantly at odds with each other in a comedic fashion. The titular character, Roland, is a tall and lanky individual with a cane who is always dressed in formal attire. Roland is a smooth talker who possesses a suave demeanor and a penchant for getting himself into trouble. Despite his impeccable appearance and charming personality, Roland’s schemes and plans always seem to backfire, resulting in comedic misadventures.

Rattfink, on the other hand, is a short and stout individual who is always dressed in casual clothes. He is the bumbling and dimwitted foil to Roland, often unintentionally causing chaos and destruction. Despite his unfortunate mishaps, Rattfink always manages to come out on top in the end, much to Roland's chagrin.

The show's episodes typically follow a similar structure, with Roland coming up with a plan to achieve his latest scheme, often involving some form of deception or trickery. Rattfink, who is usually unaware of Roland's true intentions, unwittingly becomes involved in these schemes and is often blamed for the resulting mishaps.

While the show's humor largely derives from Roland and Rattfink's amusing interactions and misadventures, there are often underlying social commentary present in its themes. The show frequently tackled issues related to society and politics, often skewering them with a sharp wit and satirical style.

In terms of animation style, Roland and Rattfink features a simplistic and colorful aesthetic, with a focus on character design and movement. The show's animation was renowned for its use of squash and stretch techniques, which allowed for exaggerated movements and expressions. Additionally, the show made use of innovative camera angles and perspectives, which further enhanced its comedic timing and visual appeal.

The show's excellent voice acting was another major asset, with Lennie Weinrib and John Byner providing the voices of Roland and Rattfink, respectively. Weinrib brought a silky smoothness to Roland's voice, imbuing the character with a sense of charm and sophistication, while Byner provided Rattfink with a humorous bumbling quality.

All in all, Roland and Rattfink was a highly entertaining and beloved animated series that managed to blend humor and social commentary in a unique and memorable way. With its memorable characters, sharp wit, and innovative animation techniques, the show remains a classic example of the golden age of animation.