Saturday Book Reviews
Another round-up new books of interest for dedicated cartoon historians, die-hard cartoon watchers – and just about anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis.
Animation Anecdotes #249
This week’s anecdotes are from Frank Tashlin, Chuck Jones, John Lasseter, Garfield and The Man Called Flintstone.
Hugh Harman and Gordon Sheehan’s “Tom Thumb in King Arthur’s Court” (1963)
Tom Thumb in King Arthur’s Court is an interesting entry in the history of educational films. Hugh Harman started it and Gordon Sheehan completed it. Bizarre to say the least.
Robert McKimson’s “Lovelorn Leghorn” (1951)
We’re jumping a little ahead in Foghorn’s career to anticipate Valentine’s Day in this week’s installment of Foghorn February!
Alvin the Chipmunk’s Presidential Campaign Record
Fictional characters have been running for President for ages, but when Alvin threw his hat in the ring—and cut this record–even John F. Kennedy took notice.
Chatting with Larry Silverman and Jack Ozark
Lawrence Walter Silverman and Jacob “Jake” Ozarkawitz were both journeymen animators with long careers, though little seems to have been written about them. Here’s my chat with both of them.
“Forgotten” OVAs #5: “The Supergal”
The Supergal, directed by Motosuke Takahashi, was an anime adaptation of a very early s-f comedy manga by Rumiko Takahashi, issued in her “Rumic World” series of titles.
How To Upstage Kirk Douglas, 1963
Edgar O. Kiechle moved on from Lantz but remained at the studio as a set painter for Universal Pictures, leading to his scene-stealing work in “For Love or Money”.
Animation Anecdotes #248
Excerpts from a letter to Bruno Edera by animator Osamu Tezuka, quotes from Jeff Smith, Don Bluth, Walter Lantz, Jessica Rabbit and… Chevy Chase? Another great week of anecdotes.
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]
