Animation Anecdotes #354
Glen Keane used one of Disney’s fabled Nine Old Men animators, Eric Larson, as a model for Dr. Dawson in Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective.
Van Bueren’s “Parrotville Fire Department” (1934)
This cartoon was the second released in the Rainbow Parade series, and, to my eyes, it looks a lot closer to Van Beuren’s earlier efforts than the slicker cartoons to come.
Disney’s “The Pied Piper” (1933)
The tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin originates from a German folk tale that dates to the 13th century, with written sources originating towards the 16th century. English poet…
The Very First Album by Alvin and the Chipmunks
In celebration of the 60th year of Alvin, Simon, Theodore with David Seville, we take a look at the debut LP combining three hit singles with new tunes and old favorites.
Warner Club News (1949)
Selzer thinks Freleng’s His Bitter Half is the best Daffy Duck cartoon ever made, Bill Melendez leaves Warner Bros. for UPA – and a recipe for cheesecake! What more do you want?
Flying Elephants, yet!
From the score of Dumbo, Disney decided to concentrate on popularizing two of the songs: the lullaby “Baby Mine” and the rhythmic novelty “When I See An Elephant Fly”.
“Alice’s Little Parade” struts with Restoration and New Music Score
The reconstruction and digital cleanup of this film were only part of the process in its restoration and preservation. Music also needed to be added.
Animation Anecdotes #353
Leonard Maltin wrote Jay Ward a letter when he was twelve years old and Ward wrote back “on wonderful embossed Bullwinkle stationery!” Thus began a lively and very friendly correspondence.
Thunderbean News – and UPA’s ‘Big Tim’ (1949)
As is the case with many sponsored shorts by UPA, Big Tim, produced for Timkins Ball Bearings, is more cartoon than advertisement in some ways.
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]
