The Animated Silent Charlie Chaplin Cartoons
Over a century ago Charles Chaplin was the biggest box office draw in America. Cashing in on that fame were three film studios that turned out nearly 30 Charlie Chaplin cartoons from 1915 to 1923.
Category Archives: Cartoon Research Books
The Real “Clutch Cargo” Adventure Took Place in Production
In researching Clutch Cargo for my new book, I discovered the real action and adventure transpired with the crew behind the making of the cartoon.
Russia’s “Winnie-the-Pooh” Animated Series
Thanks to Boris Zakhoder and Fyodor Khitruk, a Russian twist on A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh made its way into animation film history.
The Animated Worlds of “The Wizard of Oz”
In my new Cartoon Research mini-book I focus on the land of Oz in cartoons. The starting point is the 1933 Technicolor cartoon short by Ted Eshbaugh.
The Hare Raising Tales of Crusader Rabbit
My latest “Cartoon Research” book details the Shull Bonsall fiasco, but it is mainly a tribute to Crusader Rabbit creator, Alex Anderson.
Animated ‘Happy Hooligan’ Endured the Perfect Storms
The biggest surprise in my investigation of the animated adventures of Happy Hooligan, was that the character wasn’t just famous – he was incredibly popular.
Telling the ‘TeleTale’ of Network TV’s first “Cartoon” series
Cartoon TeleTales, network television’s first “cartoon” series, wasn’t actually ‘animated’ – but it achieved hundreds of thousands of viewers during its broadcasts in 1948-1950.
The Controversy Over “Calvin and The Colonel”
The tale of Calvin and the Colonel goes back to Gosden and Correll’s first experience with animation – the 1934 “Amos ‘n’ Andy” cartoon shorts, created by Van Beuren studios.
“Milton the Monster” Mixed Horror with Humor
I was a big fan of The Milton the Monster Show. It mixed horror with humor, and is now the subject of my latest Cartoon Research book.
A Nonpartisan Leader For Our Times: “Super President”
DePatie-Freleng’s Super President has had over 50 years to resonate with animation fans. While the quality of the series is debatable, the show has nonetheless developed a small, but growing cult following.
