In my opinion, the Heckle and Jeckle theatrical series is generally the best of Terrytoons Studios' regular character theatrical series (do like some cartoons from that of Gandy/Sourpuss too, personally find Mighty Mouse hit and miss). Which generally were interesting watches, if more the earlier ones than the later ones. It does help too that Heckle and Jeckle themselves are compelling lead characters in the way that some of the studio's other recurring characters weren't and their personalities were already very well established at this point.
1951's 'Rival Romeos' by all means is not one of Heckle and Jeckle's best, though credit is due for trying to do something different for the series by making them love rivals. Even if it did have the potential to be too toned down and have the two too subdued. But actually 'Rival Romeos' still manages to be distinctively Heckle and Jeckle in spirit, so the anarchy and maliciousness have not gone and neither have their crafty personalities.
'Rival Romeos' is not perfect. The story execution is very flimsy and despite the scenario being different for Heckle and Jeckle anybody who has seen the many times love rivalry has featured in animation will find it very predictable.
Did think too that the rather too crude character animation on the female bird (who is also a somewhat bland character) stuck out like a sore thumb.
However, 'Rival Romeos' has a lot to enjoy. Despite their low ratings, personally have found not an awful lot to fault most of Heckle and Jeckle's cartoons and think that they have a lot to like about them. The music, a consistent good thing, is so lovely to listen to and there is such an uplifting vibe hearing it because of the snappy character it has. The animation is every bit as great. It is vibrantly coloured, quite smooth in drawing and transitions, doesn't look static or simplistic and the attention to detail is good.
When it comes to the gags, 'Rival Romeos' scores very highly. The cartoon is filled with them and they all range from amusing to hilarious. Even with the anarchic action, there is also a good charm here and there is a nice lively energy throughout. The ending is a clever one, not a surprise but very well executed nonetheless. Heckle and Jeckle are as highly entertaining as ever and really appreciated that the cartoon made them more individual from each other this time, making it easy for the first time which magpie is which.
Overall, solid effort. 7/10.