The glory days of theatrical animation were passing on, and several studios, to quote an oft-used Irish phrase, were “not long for this world.” But two studios in particular would return to mining the realm of the leprechauns
Here’s an RKO Newsreel from 1938, the second half of which features behind the scenes footage of the Disney Studio producing several shorts and Snow White.
With a tip o’ me hat, I present the first in a series of articles paying tribute to those diminutive Irish mischief makers: The Leprechauns!
A new movement among America’s youth briefly gave some theatrical animators a chance to express modern commentary, by spotlighting the signature personality of the 60’s – the flower child.
The animation industry, previously content with cavorting flowers of innocent intent, introduces a new denizen to terrorize its bevy of animated stars – the man-eating plant!
Rocket Robin Hood was TV series animated in Toronto, Canada, in an animation studio owned by Al Guest. Ralph Bakshi and Shamus Culhane worked on it. It is considered one of the worst cartoons ever.
Carl W. Stalling comes aboard to do the musical scores, replacing the Brown – Spencer team, finding new ways to use the Warner songs creatively in the cartoons.
When we think of Tex Avery’s cartoons, his soundtracks don’t instantly spring to mind. But a careful listen to his soundtracks reveals his painstaking approach to comedy, built frame-by-crazy-frame.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems appropriate to celebrate the season with the start of a retrospective on the involvement of flowers as a central figure in the animated cartoon.
In a wrap-up to the subject of skiing – we’ve reached the foot of the mountain, and an early thaw is setting in. Our final run on the subject.
