Friday, March 8, 2024

Drive-In Vintage Intermissions Cartoons..."Made Me Hungry"

 


Vintage drive-in intermission cartoons were a quintessential part of the cinematic experience during the mid-20th century. As audiences gathered in their cars to enjoy a night out at the drive-in theater, these intermission cartoons provided entertainment and often served as a clever marketing tool for snacks and refreshments.


One of the most famous producers of these intermission cartoons was the Snack Bar Corporation of America. Founded in the 1940s, this company specialized in creating short animated films that promoted concession stand snacks in a fun and engaging manner. These cartoons were typically humorous and featured colorful characters who eagerly extolled the virtues of various treats available at the drive-in snack bar.

Below is the Sunset Drive-In I went to in the late 50's early 60's Evansville, Indiana (now Closed) of course.


The snack bar cartoons often followed a similar formula, with characters facing humorous mishaps or dilemmas that could be solved by indulging in the snacks offered at the concession stand. For example, a character might be portrayed as tired or lethargic until they consumed a refreshing soda or a delicious bag of popcorn, instantly revitalizing them and allowing them to continue enjoying the movie experience.



Some of the most iconic characters featured in these intermission cartoons included animated popcorn boxes, soda cups, and candy bars, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.


These characters became beloved symbols of the drive-in experience, with audiences eagerly anticipating their appearances during intermissions.

The animations themselves varied in style, ranging from traditional hand-drawn animation to more modern techniques such as limited animation or even stop-motion. Despite the varying animation styles, the underlying message remained consistent: snacks and refreshments were an essential part of the moviegoing experience, enhancing enjoyment and satisfaction for audiences of all ages.


In addition to promoting snacks, these intermission cartoons also served as a form of entertainment in their own right, with catchy jingles, humorous dialogue, and vibrant visuals keeping audiences engaged during breaks between films. Many of these cartoons have since become cherished relics of a bygone era, fondly remembered by those who grew up attending drive-in theaters during their heyday.


Overall, vintage drive-in intermission cartoons produced by companies like the Snack Bar Corporation of America played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of mid-20th century cinema, blending advertising with entertainment in a way that captivated audiences and contributed to the overall moviegoing experience. Ok...see ya at the drive-in !

BJ





Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Remember " Fractured Fairy Tales "....Oooyell !!

 


"Fractured Fairy Tales"(1959-1964) is a classic segment from the animated television show "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." Created by Jay Ward and produced by Ward's animation studio, Jay Ward Productions, the show originally aired from 1959 to 1964. "Fractured Fairy Tales" was one of the most popular segments of the show.

The premise of "Fractured Fairy Tales" was to take well-known fairy tales and folktales and give them humorous and satirical twists. Each episode would present a different story, often subverting the original plot or adding unexpected elements. The stories were narrated by Edward Everett Horton, whose distinctive voice added to the charm of the segments.


The animation style of "Fractured Fairy Tales" was simple yet effective, with colorful and whimsical designs that complemented the comedic tone of the stories. The animation was done by various artists working under Jay Ward Productions.

Several notable animators and writers contributed to the creation of "Fractured Fairy Tales" and other segments of "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." Among them were:

  1. Jay Ward: The creator and producer of "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show," Jay Ward was instrumental in shaping the overall tone and style of the series, including "Fractured Fairy Tales."

  2. Alex Anderson: Co-creator of "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show" along with Jay Ward and Bill Scott, Anderson played a key role in the development of the show's characters and concepts.


  3. Bill Scott: A writer and voice actor, Bill Scott was heavily involved in the writing and production of "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show."


    He contributed to many of the show's segments, including "Fractured Fairy Tales."


  4. Edward Everett Horton: While not an animator, Horton's narration was an essential part of "Fractured Fairy Tales." His distinctive voice and comedic timing helped bring the stories to life.


"Fractured Fairy Tales" remains a beloved and influential part of animation history, remembered for its clever humor, creative storytelling, and unique spin on classic fairy tales. It has inspired countless other animated and comedic works over the years and continues to entertain audiences of all ages.

BJ

Monday, March 4, 2024

Don't Forget How... "Vintage Cartoon Commercials".... Played A Special Roll In Our Lives !

 


Vintage cartoon commercials have a rich history intertwined with the development of animation and advertising. Here's a brief overview:

Early Years:

  1. 1920s-1930s: In the early days of animation, companies like Disney and Warner Bros. started producing animated shorts that were often used as advertisements for products such as cigarettes, soap, and automobiles.

Rise of Television:

  1. 1950s-1960s: With the rise of television, animated commercials became more prevalent. Companies like Hanna-Barbera, Jay Ward Productions, and Terrytoons created characters and


    cartoons specifically for advertising purposes.

  2. Hanna-Barbera:

  3. Known for iconic characters like Yogi Bear and the Flintstones, Hanna-Barbera produced numerous commercials for brands such as Kellogg's, Frito-Lay, and Mattel.



  4. Jay Ward Productions:


  5. Jay Ward created characters like Bullwinkle J. Moose and Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Their cartoons were often used in commercials, such as ads for General Mills cereals.


  6. Terrytoons:

  7. Founded by Paul Terry, produced animated commercials for various products, including Nestlé's Quik and Post Cereal.


Techniques and Animators:

  1. Limited Animation: Due to budget constraints and time limitations, many of these commercials utilized limited animation techniques, where characters were simplified and movements were often repeated to save on production costs.


  2. Animator Pioneers:

  3. Animators such as William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, Jay Ward, and Paul Terry were among the pioneers in creating animated commercials. They developed techniques and styles that influenced generations of animators to come.

  4. Commercial Animation Studios:

  5. Some animation studios specialized in producing commercials exclusively. These studios employed animators who were skilled in creating short, engaging advertisements that could capture the attention of viewers.


Evolution and Legacy:

  1. Impact on Advertising: Vintage cartoon commercials played a significant role in shaping modern advertising techniques. They demonstrated the effectiveness of using animation to promote products and brands, paving the way for future animated advertisements.

  2. Cultural Influence: Many of these vintage cartoon commercials are remembered fondly by those who grew up watching them. They hold a special place in popular culture and are often revisited for their nostalgic value.

  3. Continued Innovation: While the techniques and styles of animated commercials have evolved over the years, the legacy of vintage cartoon commercials continues to inspire animators and advertisers today. The creativity and charm of these early advertisements still resonate with audiences around the world.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Only One Lovable Pig....."Porky Pig"( That's All Folks )


Porky Pig, one of the most iconic characters in American animation, has a rich history dating back to the early 1930s. His creation is attributed to two animation legends: Friz Freleng and the

renowned Warner Bros. animator, Bob Clampett.


  1. Creation by Bob Clampett: Porky Pig made his debut on March 2, 1935, in the

  2. Warner Bros. cartoon "I Haven't Got a Hat," directed by Friz Freleng.


    However, it was Bob Clampett who designed Porky Pig. Clampett envisioned him as a plump, stuttering piglet with a gentle and innocent demeanor.

  3. Early Appearances:

  4. Initially, Porky's character wasn't as refined as later iterations. He was more of a side character, often playing bit roles in various cartoons. It wasn't until "I Haven't Got a Hat" that Porky was established as a lead character.


Development and Evolution:

  1. Stuttering Persona: Porky Pig's trademark stutter was introduced by voice actor Joe Dougherty in his debut cartoon. This stutter became an essential part of his character, adding to his charm and humor.

  2. Rise to Prominence: Porky quickly gained popularity among audiences, leading Warner Bros. to feature him in more cartoons. His popularity soared, and he became one of the studio's most beloved characters.

  3. Character Evolution:

  4. Over time, Porky's character underwent subtle changes. His design became more refined, and his personality evolved. While still retaining his stuttering speech, Porky became more assertive and occasionally displayed a mischievous side.

Notable Works and Collaborations:

  1. "Porky's Duck Hunt": This 1937 cartoon marked the debut of Porky's famous sidekick, Daffy Duck. The duo would go on to star in numerous cartoons together, forming one of animation's most beloved partnerships.

  2. Friz Freleng's Influence: Friz Freleng, one of Porky's creators, played a significant role in shaping the character. Freleng directed many Porky Pig cartoons and contributed to developing Porky's comedic timing and persona.

  3. Chuck Jones Era:

  4. In the 1940s and 1950s, animator Chuck Jones also made significant contributions to Porky's character. Under Jones's direction, Porky starred in cartoons such as "Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century" and "Robin Hood Daffy," which showcased Porky's versatility and comedic prowess.

Legacy and Impact:

  1. Pop Culture Icon: Porky Pig remains an enduring symbol of Warner Bros. animation and a beloved character in popular culture. His stuttering speech and affable personality have endeared him to generations of viewers.

  2. Merchandising and Spin-offs: Porky's popularity led to various merchandise and spin-offs, including comic books, toys, and video games. He has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and commercials, further solidifying his status as an entertainment icon.

  3. Cultural Influence:

  4. Porky Pig's catchphrase, "Th-th-th-that's all, folks!" has become ingrained in popular culture and is synonymous with the end of a performance or presentation.

In conclusion:

Porky Pig's journey from a stuttering piglet in a Warner Bros. cartoon to an enduring pop culture icon is a testament to the creativity and talent of his creators, Friz Freleng and Bob Clampett, as well as the lasting appeal of his character. Through decades of entertaining audiences, Porky Pig has left an indelible mark on animation history.