The End of Theatricals on Network Television
As 2020 begins, remember it’s been 20 years since theatricals were a staple on weekly network television. Here’s my little tribute to the way it once was.
Further Adventures of Robin Williams ‘Genie’
If you think Robin Williams only performed the voice of the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin – you might be surprised to hear he did it many more times. Here’s the full story.
Terrytoons “Paint Pot Symphony” (1949) – and The New Decade
Although it’s not Academy Award material, this is an enjoyable little outing, and I’m sure you’ll recognize Connie Rasinski’s and Jim Tyer’s fun animation.
Countdown to 2020: Better Late Than Never
Let’s mosey along with Father Time through the end of the present trail, and follow the later entries in animation’s love-affair with clockwork up through the present day.
Celebrating Sterling Holloway for a Happy Pooh Year
In which we note that Sterling Holloway would be 115 this Saturday and look at a Grammy-nominated grab-bag of eclectic music, strange casting and a few Mouseketeers.
Jules Feiffer’s Storyboards for Gene Deitch’s “Munro”
To ring in the new year: Gene Deitch’s Oscar winner short subject, Munro – written and boarded by Jules Feiffer. Here are those original boards.
Brad Bird’s “The Spirit” That Never Was
Things might have been different if Brad Bird had gotten to direct his first intended animated feature film, one based on Will Eisner’s newspaper comic strip.
Thunderbean New Year’s Resolutions
I have a few big Thunderbean New Years’ resolutions for the coming year 2020 – and I’m going to announce them here!
Countdown to 2020: More Tick-Tock Talk
We continue our survey of clocks as central figures in animation history, and of Father Time’s periodic visits to keep things in sync.
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]
