Once again we peek into the daily lives of the artists, animators, inkers, painters and employees of Leon Schlesinger Productions – the makers of the original Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Much to analyze here – for example, in issue #9 (May 1939), they mark the third anniversary “of our exodus from “Termite Terrace” to the building” they now occupy on the lot.
This issue also contains biographies of animator Phil Monroe and story man Tubby Millar, Leon’s secretary Ada Ruinelklo, and painter Sylvia Rogers.
Also, Tex Avery thinks he would’ve been a “Doorman at a night club” if he hadn’t drifted into animation… (click each thumbnail below to enlarge):
“Hobo Gadget Band” was released roughly the same time as these newsletters – May/June 1939
In issue #10, practical jokes around the office include Rich Hogan giving Ace Gamer a hot foot; and Charles McKimson’s disappearing desk… And note, the Popular Science short featuring Fleischer Studio was playing at the Paramount Theater that week – and the crew recognized previous Schlesinger painter Raynelle Bell featured in it.
And of course a round of biographies including animator Paul Smith, painter Frances Garcia, inbetweener Sid Ferren and inker Frances Ewing.
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 Cal Arts in Valencia, UCLA in Westwood and Woodbury University in Burbank – teaching animation history. More about Jerry Beck [
Wow! I never would have guessed “Tubby” Millar was formerly a background and layout man…
Can we identify everyone on the baseball team? (Could the catcher be asst cameraman Manuel Corral? ). These are great, btw!
I don’t know how much longer Robert Cota was at the studio. He arrived in the U.S. with his parents from Mexico in 1918. He died in Los Angeles in 1988. He was 76.