The Story of Disney’s “Lonesome Ghosts” (1937)
One of my favorite Disney theatrical shorts especially around this time of the year, a co-starring vehicle for Mickey, Donald Duck and Goofy at the peak of their popularity.
Van Beuren’s “Silvery Moon” (1933)
Silvery Moon is fun the hundredth time I’ve seen it. This Van Beuren short has always been one of my favorites, and one of the first 16mm prints I ever owned.
Reign of the Supertoons (Part 2)
We continue our survey of the super-heroic character in the classic Hollywood cartoon.
Merrie Melodies 1942-43 and more: The Last Year of Difference
With this week’s chapter we’re going to start tightening up our format, listing select titles in order of appearance, irrespective of series banner.
Disney’s “Duck Pimples”
I have been anxious to write about this title since the launch of this series and now, in the spirit of the spooky Halloween season, it’s finally here!
Aldous Huxley’s Version of the Disney “Alice”
Previously I talked about Walt Disney’s Alice In Wonderland and promised that I would share the story about the unused Aldous Huxley version.
A “Lady and the Tramp” Pencil Test
I really love pencil tests, as I’m sure a lot of you do. Here’s one of my favorites.
Reign of the Supertoons (Part 1)
Many a toon has donned mask and cape, either in the hopes of fooling others into belief that they’re a superhero, or in a psychological effort to fool themselves into believing it too.
70 Years of “Peanuts” – and All That Jazz
What better way to celebrate Peanuts than with fine jazz artists playing music from and inspired by the animated specials and the comic strip from which they sprang forth?
Jerry Beck is a writer, animation producer, college professor and author of more than 15 books on animation history. He is a former studio exec with Nickelodeon Movies and Disney, and has written for The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. He has curated cartoons for DVD and Blu-ray compilations and has lent his expertise to dozens of bonus documentaries and audio commentaries on such. Beck is currently on the faculty of CalArts in Valencia, UCLA in Westwood and Woodbury University in Burbank – teaching animation history. More about Jerry Beck [Click Here]
