A Look Back at UPA’s “1001 Arabian Nights”
The first ‘made-in-the-USA’ non-Disney animated feature since Fleischer’s Mr. Bug was a rare UPA misstep.
Category Archives: From The Files of Dr. Toon
The Roots of Anime In America: “Alakazam The Great” (1961)
The original star of what would become “anime” in America was a monkey. The year was 1961, the film came to America as Alakazam the Great.
Cracking the Case: Pearl Pureheart
Her soprano singing is completely uncredited. The female voice artist remains a mystery to this day.
Unsung Voice Artists: Norma Macmillan
Considering the range and renown of the characters she portrayed, this actress deserves a shining star in animation history.
Ralph Bakshi’s “Sad Cat”
The five Sad Cat cartoons are all plagued by the same rough animation – and singular lack of humor.
Blackie, Wolfie, Herman and Katnip
For this final Cartoon Research column of 2024, we ponder the connections between Blackie and Wolfie to Herman and Katnip
New York Animator: Orestes Calpini
A true animation industry veteran, Calpini is perhaps less known than many of his contemporaries.
Filmation’s “Wacky and Packy”
Wacky and Packy, undercut by shoddy and reused animation, are far more endearing than many other Filmation cartoons.
“No! Not That! Not McKimson’s Malevolent Mutt!”
One thing, however, is clear: this dog knows some nasty tricks.
Max Fleischer’s Hunky and Spunky
Many animals became animated stars, but donkeys rarely attained that status. This pair were the first.
