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. 

Friday, February 16, 2024

Remember The Cartoon "Bobby Bumps"?.... Not Unless Your 108 Yrs Old ! (1916)

 


Bobby Bumps was a silent cartoon character created by animator Earl Hurd in 1916. Hurd was a pioneering figure in animation, known for his invention of the cel animation process, which revolutionized the industry by allowing animators to create more detailed and fluid animations.

The character of Bobby Bumps debuted in 1917 in a short film titled "Bobby Bumps Puts a Beanery on the Bum" produced by Bray Studios. Bobby Bumps was portrayed as a mischievous young boy who often found himself in humorous and adventurous situations.

The success of Bobby Bumps led to a series of animated shorts featuring the character, which were popular during the silent film era. These cartoons were typically short in length, ranging from a few minutes to around ten minutes, and were shown in movie theaters as part of newsreels or before feature films.

The animation process for Bobby Bumps cartoons was labor-intensive and time-consuming by today's standards. Animators would draw each frame of the animation by hand on individual sheets of transparent celluloid, known as cels, which were then photographed one frame at a time to create the illusion of movement. Hurd's invention of cel animation made this process more efficient by allowing animators to reuse background elements and animate characters separately, reducing the need to redraw entire scenes for each frame.

Despite the limitations of early animation technology, Bobby Bumps cartoons were beloved by audiences for their humor and charm. The character became one of the most popular animated figures of the 1910s and paved the way for the development of animated cartoons as a form of entertainment.

Over time, as animation techniques evolved and sound technology was introduced to film, silent cartoons like Bobby Bumps fell out of favor, replaced by animated films with synchronized sound and dialogue. However, Bobby Bumps remains an important figure in the history of animation, remembered for his contributions to the medium and the pioneering work of his creator, Earl Hurd.


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Vintage History About Nancy The Comic Strip And Her Sidekick Sluggo (was he black ?) 1930's

 


Nancy is a beloved comic strip character created by Ernie Bushmiller in the 1930s. The strip primarily revolves around the adventures and misadventures of Nancy, a precocious and spunky young girl known for her simple dress, iconic bow, and distinctive bob haircut. She is often depicted as clever, resourceful, and sometimes mischievous, navigating through the everyday challenges of childhood with wit and charm.

Sluggo Smith, Nancy's close friend and occasional sidekick, is another prominent character in the comic strip. Sluggo is portrayed as a mischievous but good-hearted boy who often finds himself caught up in humorous escapades alongside Nancy. He is known for his bristly hair, often wearing a cap and striped shirt and baggy pants.

In terms of race, Sluggo's ethnicity has never been explicitly defined in the comic strip. Historically, he has been depicted as a character with a darker skin tone and bristly hair, leading some readers to interpret him as Black.


However, the comic strip's art style typically features characters with minimal detail, and race is not a focal point of the storyline. Instead, the strip focuses on universal themes of friendship, humor, and everyday life experiences that resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

Throughout the decades, Nancy and Sluggo's dynamic friendship has


remained a central aspect of the comic strip, delighting readers with their playful banter and lighthearted antics. Their adventures continue to entertain audiences of all ages, making them enduring icons in the world of comics.

Animation

In 1942, "Nancy" made the leap from the comic strip page to the small screen with the debut of 2 animated shorts titled "School Daze" and "Doing Their Bit." Produce Terry Toons Productions, the show brought Nancy's adventures to life in animated form. If you notice Sluggo's hair changed in the animated shorts (No Hair). "Cartoon Short below"

Today, "Nancy" continues to entertain readers of all ages with its timeless humor and endearing characters, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in the world of comic strips.


Ernie Bushmiller
, the creator of the comic strip "Nancy," was known for being quite private about his personal life and the characters he created. There isn't a wealth of information available about his specific views on race and ethnicity in relation to his characters. "Nancy" primarily focused on humor and slice-of-life situations rather than exploring issues of race or ethnicity in depth.

However, it's worth noting that the characters of Nancy and Sluggo have been depicted as white in the majority of their appearances throughout the comic's history. The comic debuted in the 1930s, a time when mainstream American media largely portrayed characters as white by default. This may reflect the prevailing cultural norms of the time rather than any explicit decision on Bushmiller's part.

That said, interpretations of fictional characters can vary, and readers may see Nancy and Sluggo's identities differently based on their own perspectives and experiences. But as for direct statements from Ernie Bushmiller regarding the race of his characters, there isn't much documented evidence available.

"School Daze"


                

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

What About "TC".... The Cooliest Cat Around ! " Top Cat"


 "Top Cat," also known as "T.C." or "Boss Cat," is an animated television series created by Hanna-Barbera that originally aired on ABC from September 27, 1961, to April 18, 1962. The show was inspired by the popular sitcom "The Phil Silvers Show" (also known as "Sergeant Bilko"), and it revolves around a gang of street cats led by the charismatic and clever Top Cat.

Development and Production:

  • "Top Cat" was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the founders of Hanna-Barbera Productions.

  • The show was developed in response to the success of "The Flintstones," which was the first prime-time animated television series.
  • The character designs were done by Arnold Stang, who also provided the voice for Top Cat.

  • The animation was done by the Hanna-Barbera studio, with many talented animators contributing to the production, including Iwao Takamoto, Jerry Eisenberg, and Carlo Vinci.

Plot:

  • The show is set in a fictional Manhattan alleyway called Hoagy's Alley, where Top Cat and his gang reside.
  • Top Cat, along with his loyal friends Benny the Ball, Choo-Choo, Brain, Fancy-Fancy, and Spook, constantly scheme to outwit Officer Dibble, the long-suffering beat cop who patrols their territory.
  • Each episode typically revolves around the gang's various get-rich-quick schemes or attempts to avoid trouble with Officer Dibble.

Legacy:

  • Despite its relatively short original run, "Top Cat" has endured as a beloved classic, particularly in Latin America and Europe, where it gained a significant following.
  • The show has been syndicated and rerun numerous times since its original airing, introducing it to new generations of viewers.
  • "Top Cat" has also spawned various merchandise, including toys, comic books, and even a feature film in 2011.

Writers:

  • The primary writers for "Top Cat" included Arnold Stang, who provided the voice for the titular character, and legendary Hanna-Barbera scribes like Warren Foster, Kin Platt, and Barry E. Blitzer.
  • These writers were responsible for crafting the witty dialogue and clever plots that became synonymous with the show's charm and humor.

In summary, "Top Cat" remains a beloved classic in the realm of animated television, thanks to its memorable characters, sharp writing, and enduring appeal. Created by the legendary team of Hanna-Barbera, the show continues to entertain audiences around the world with its timeless humor and clever storytelling.


Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Do You Remember "Aesop And Son" Segments... Rocky and Bullwinkle Show


The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show," which originally aired from 1959 to 1964. "Aesop and Son" was a segment within this show that featured animated adaptations of Aesop's Fables, with a humorous twist. The series presented moral lessons in a lighthearted and comical manner, combining satire with timeless fables.

Jay Ward, the creator of the show, was


known for his distinctive animation style and witty writing. The writing team included Jay Ward himself, as well as other talented individuals such as Bill Scott and Chris Hayward. Ward's unique approach to animation, characterized by clever wordplay and satirical humor, contributed to the show's success.

The animation for "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show" and its segments, including "Aesop and Son," was handled by a studio called Gamma Productions. Alex Anderson, Bill Scott, and Jay Ward formed Gamma Productions to produce the show. The team employed a limited animation style, which was cost-effective while still delivering a distinctive and entertaining product.

The characters in "Aesop and Son" were not anthropomorphic animals, much like the other segments of "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." Aesop's son served as the central character, engaging in humorous situations that conveyed moral lessons inspired by Aesop's Fables.

In summary, "Aesop and Son" was part of the larger "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show," created by Jay Ward Productions in the 1960s. The show's distinctive animation style, clever writing, and satirical humor contributed to its lasting popularity and influence on animated television.

Now Here We Go....