Despite Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and his cartoons being popular and well received at the time, they have been vastly overshadowed over time by succeeding animation characters. It is a shame as, while not cartoon masterpieces, they are fascinating for anybody wanting to see what very old animation looked like.From 'China' up to this, 'Country School' is the second best of the 1931 batch so far of the Walter Lantz Oswald cartoons, the best one being 'The Farmer'. This is saying a lot as the other five have ranged from average at best ('Sunny South') to mediocre (the other four) It is more decent and above average than above that, but both Lantz and Oswald have done far worse.A contender for 'Country School's' best asset is the animation, a couple of the previous 1931 cartoons may have had more elaborate visuals (a notable example being 'China') but but smooth and detailed enough and very natural movements, gestures and expressions for Oswald, making up for the occasional lack of refinement and the odd crude drawing. Not far behind is the energetic music score that is dynamic too with what's going on.Oswald is endearing, Kitty is charming and adorable and the teacher is suitably stern and amusing. Some of the gags are fun and well-timed and the pacing is mostly lively.These strengths do just about enough to compensate for a cartoon that is less than perfect. As is with most Oswald cartoons, the cartoon has an old hat idea that doesn't always do much new with it and the story itself is thin. The sound can be muffled, and the occasional gag could have done with more crispness.In summary, above average if not great. 6/10 Bethany Cox