The Gentle Power of “Kid Power” on Records
Rankin/Bass adapted Morrie Turner’s multi-racial comic strip into a landmark animated series and an album with a lot to sing about.
TOP CEL – FACE OF A UNION LOCAL (Part 1)
Today a special look at the animation industry in New York, and the animators on strike, from the POV of the Union newsletter – Top Cel.
Triton’s Trident
Upon a recent rewatch of Disney’s Little Mermaid, I concentrated more closely on King Triton – and his trident that gives him control over the oceans.
Scrappy in “The Concert Kid” (1934)
As a teenager, I remember watching this print over and over, and showing it to friends as well. Now I show it to you.
Flights of Fancy (Part 6): A Heavy Payload
We’ll wrap up the 1930’s this week, with another barrage of cartoons about flight, both for fun and for profit.
Max and Dave: Screen Songs 1933
The depression continued on, but seemed more bearable with the reappearance of beer. Betty Boop’s campaign promise from her run for president had finally come to pass.
Where Are These Toons?
Recognize these guys? They are among the missing. A Suspended Animation Special.
Cliff Edwards
Once cast as Jiminy Cricket, Walt said that Edwards’ smooth, upbeat performance was “so much fun we altered the character to conform with the voice.”
Nitrate Technicolor Cartoons are Beautiful: Little Lulu in “Loose in the Caboose”
The timing, gags with a jazzy score keep this cartoon moving right along in this 35mm print.
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]
