PEACE ON EARTH

This 1939 MGM cartoon directed by Academy Award-winner Hugh Harman was released at the dawn of the second world war. In this animated reel, the war is over and mankind has been wiped out.


According to Harmon's obituary in the New York Times, the film was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, though it is not listed in the official Nobel database. Either way, it is a classic cartoon from the golden age of animation and worth your time.

All that, and singing squirrels.

BLUE HAWAII

I read the news today, oh boy. Shaft singer Isaac Hayes died, funny man Bernie Mac died, too, a tourist at the Olympics was stabbed, and John Edwards had to put his political aspirations back in his pants.

Damn! Times like these, we all think of getting away. It's summertime, vacation time--even tireless workaholic Barack Obama went to Hawaii. What's that smell? Luau pork? No, that's a billion fat tourists baking in the sun. I've never had the desire to go to Hawaii, but I can see the attraction of finding a remote island and leaving this mad world behind. I'd prefer an island all to myself, but that's me. If you want to join the unimaginative hordes, this vintage cartoon travelogue might help you plan your trip to Blue Hawaii.

Where's my sunblock? Where's my damn pina colada?

HITLER'S CHILDREN

This Walt Disney cartoon was made during World War II as part of the war effort, and shows the indoctrination of German youth into Nazi racism and antisemitism. Interesting propaganda film, it also deals in stereotypes. At one time Disney said this would never be re-released. Here's a chance to watch a rare cartoon.

HOW DISNEY CARTOONS ARE MADE

Ever heard of Walt Disney? Sure you have. He singlehandedly owns your childhood dreams. Joseph Campbell spoke about the "mono-myth," the underlying archetypes in myths and folk tales worldwide, and in the USA and much of the Western World our mono-myth has a copywrite mark from Disney Productions. In the land of the imagination, Disney redesigned our childhood fantasies and fears. He fit our subconscious mind like a three-fingered glove.

Here's an old documentary from the 1930s about making cartoons, Disney style. Of course, they no longer make them this way. Still, it will give you a glimpse into the Golden Age of Cartoons, when the Empire was young.

CLASSIC CARTOON CORNER

Betty Boop and Koko the Clown get stoned on nitrous oxide (laughing gas) in this 1934 cartoon from Max Fleischer. The depiction of drug use, even justified by excruciating dental pain, got this classic cartoon banned by puritanical censors. This amazing cartoon is a highlight of early animation.

For more on the great Max Fleischer, click here.

FROM THE ANIMATION ARCHIVE

Here is the St. James Infirmary section of Betty Boop's "Snow White" from 1933. Yes, that's Cab Calloway singing! What wonderful animation! Produced by Max Fleischer, directed by Dave Fleischer.

SALVADOR DALI AND WALT DISNEY

"Destino" is the animated collaboration of Salvador Dali and Walt Disney. Started in 1945, the project languished in Disney's vaults for over fifty-seven years -- along with 150 storyboards, drawings and paintings. "Destino" was finally completed by Disney's nephew Roy, and it premiered at the Tate in London in 2003. The film was nominated for an academy award. Here is a rare clip.

THE AMAZING WORLD OF BRUCE BICKFORD

Come see the fine art, paintings, film and clay animation by Bruce Bickford at the Christoff's Gallery in Seattle. This is a rare opportunity to see the animating genius behind Frank Zappa's "Baby Snakes" and actually purchase artwork from his studio. Don't miss the chance to see his unique vision until September 30th.

Christoff's Gallery
60041 12th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98108