French Animation. Part 6: 1981 – 1985
Continuing my survey of French animation productions – this week French masters René Laloux and Jean Image are joined by the likes of Bill Hanna and Joseph Barbera! Minoïe, directed…
A Really Big Shoe
Those shoe commercials always promised that you’d be a better athlete if you purchased a pair of their wares. Magic wedges, super-arch cushions, and torsion-air ride would see to that….
Animation Anecdotes #189
The Animated Hair. In the cartoon “Magical Maestro” (1952), an annoying hair pops up at the bottom of the frame which was common when films were projected. However, this was…
The Second Annual Thunderbean Thanksgiving
So, in thinking about Thanksgiving related to animation and art, I went back to look at my article from last year. I’m still thankful for ALL those folks, but I…
“The Adventures of Sam Space” (1953)
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, 20th Century-Fox released a film about a battle in outer space featuring a boy, some comical robots and ruthless alien…
Rankin-Bass’ “The Mouse on the Mayflower” & “The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)
Today, in time for your Thanksgiving: Two classic Rankin/Bass holiday soundtracks come sailing proud and free from a rare promotional LP produced for the gassy sponsor of both films. THE…
Max Fleischer Promo Art #26
The original artwork for these Paramount Sales News cartoons is probably next to nonexistent, but thanks to Bob Jaques (who else?), we know that at least the artwork for Sept….
French Animation Part 5: 1976 – 1980
Continuing my survey of French animated features, this week we look at those from the mid-to-late 1970s. Le Tour du Monde de Colargol, directed by Tadeusz Wilkosz. 1974 on TV;…
Even Cartoon Characters Have To Pay The Bills
If your favorite cartoon character told you to buy something, you’d buy it, wouldn’t you? Of course you would. That’s why cartoon characters make such wonderful pitchmen. I mean, if…
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]
