Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons.
Today's cartoon selection begins with Heckle and Jeckle in Gooney Golfers (1948). This short film was directed by Connie Rasinski and written by John Foster.
Now for a delightful Talkratoons cartoon, Radio Riot (1930).
Next comes a delightful black and white Porky Pig cartoon, Get Rich Quick Porky (1937). This was an early cartoon for director Bob Clampett (1937 was his first year as a director) and while it may not be as wild as some of the director's later work, there is plenty to enjoy here. This cartoon also marked the last appearance of Porky's sidekick, Gabby Goat. There is not much to Gabby besides him being grumpy and easily irritated, but the contrast between him and the more optimistic Porky makes for delightful watching. This cartoon benefits from a wonderful cast of animators including two future Looney Tunes directors, Chuck Jones and Norm McCabe. Norm McCabe animates the initial establishing shot of the sign, the establishing shot of the bank, Porky drawing oil and Gabby drawing oil. John Carrey animates the introduction of Honest John through when he puts oil in the sprinkler system and John giving Porky and Gabby the deed. Jerry Hathcock animates John looking for a couple of suckers, John meeting Porky and Gabby for the first time, John showing wringing out the oil with his fingers and Porky telling Honest John that he is crook. Future UPA director Bobe Cannon animates the introduction of Porky and Gabby, Porky and Gabby digging for oil and Gabby with the jackhammer. Bill hammer animates the dog first observing Porky then taking the bone and trying to bury it and the trio on top of the oil gusher. Chuck Jones animates the sequence with the dog meeting the gopher and fighting over the bone as well as the film's closing gag.
The Pink Panther began his animated career appearing in the opening credits of Blake Edwards' great live action feature, The Pink Panther (1964). Blake Edwards contacted animation producers Friz Freleng and David DePatie to create an animated Pink Panther for this title sequence. They created many different panthers, but when Blake saw the various drawings, he immediately knew which one he wanted in his film. The title sequence was a smash hit, and the character was spun off into a series of theatrical cartoon shorts (at a time when those were on their way out). Today we will look at the first and possibly best of these cartoons, The Pink Phink (1964). This cartoon set a template for many more shorts to come. The basic storyline involves a formula that would be often used. The Pink Panther wants to turn everything pink much to the annoyance of a little man (who may look a little like Friz). The gags come fast and furious and the design work is lovely. All in all, this cartoon was a delight and the best way to start this series possible.
Now it is time for a commercial break.
Now it is silent movie time so enjoy The Great Cheese Robbery (1920) starring Krazy Kat.
Now for a classic UPA cartoon, The Family Circus (1950). The slice of life story is one that perfect illuistrates one of the major differences between the UPA studio and other cartoon studios at this time. It is hard to picture another cartoon studio making a film like this.
Next comes a classic Donald Duck film, Donald's Crime (1945). This cartoon marks a milestone in an important Disney character. In previous shorts Daisy Duck had been voiced by Clarence Nash (also the voice of Donald) and had a very similar voice to that of the ill-tempered but lovable duck. Here for the first time though, she has a more normal sounding voice that stands in contrast to Donald's. In this film that voice is provided by Gloria Blondell, who was the younger sister of actress Joan Blondell. The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "Donald's Crime: Walt Disney Cartoons - One of Disney's best. Our house was in an uproar of laughter from start to finish. By all means play it. - A.R. Dakin, Rice Lake Theatre, Bissett, Manitoba, Can."
Now to close with one of the greatest cartoons ever made.
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry.
Resources Used
Pink Panther: The Ultimate Guide to the Coolest Cat in Town by Jerry Beck.
https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animator-breakdown-get-rich-quick-porky-1937/
https://mediahistoryproject.org/
https://factsandfigment.com/2020/02/07/donalds-crime-1945/?msclkid=d126407ccdca11ec8e154b37acf23826
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