Terrytoons “What a Night” (1935)
This cartoon is literally a nightmare, culminating with Farmer Al being chased underwater by a cow-looking fish serpent!
Back to School (Part 5)
In the spirit of exploration, higher learning gets turned on its ear with a round of experimental concepts, with unusual and sometimes daring visual modes, bordering on the surreal.
Filmation’s “Groovie Goolies” on Records
What’s a Halloween party without Saturday morning’s primo cartoon pop band? Here are the gory details behind their monster hits.
The Long Afterlife of The Nightmare Before Christmas
Like a plane lifting off the runway, Nightmare eventually soared to the heavens, going from cult status to a mainstream holiday classic and merchandising juggernaut.
The Animated “Little Prince” That Never Was
Orson Welles and Hugh Harman tried to bring The Little Prince to the screen. Here’s what happened – or didn’t happen.
“The Pooch Parade” (1940)
This week’s cartoon could never be considered one of the best of the Scrappy series, but the animation is still quite fun.
David H. DePatie (1929-2021)
It was announced today that animation producer David DePatie passed away peacefully in September. He was 91.
Back to School (Part 4)
The later Thirties bring a few new twists into our cartoon curriculum to the point where, at least for the animated world, “Swing” was added to the class list for any self-respecting toon.
Max and Dave: Screen Songs 1932 – More Live Footage
During the remainder of the 1931-32 season, the Screen Songs began to feature more live footage from well known radio artists.
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]
