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.

EL KABONG RIDES AGAIN!

El Kabong rides again! I'm waiting for the debate (Will Obama nail it? Will McNasty unveil a new dirty trick?) but I decided to bite my tongue and post this colorful Mexican cartoon instead. Don't read too much into it. Sure, there is a sub-text of good vs. evil and that might resonate with the debate, but only unconsciously, because basically this is just a simple folk tale, what Joseph Campbell called the underlying mono-myth of the hero's journey, and El Kabong is the hero.

You may disagree, and I respect that, but El is the hero and I make no bones about it. Bandits hold the town, they've ransacked the banks, they've kidnapped the girl, and it's high noon, so don't let his strange sounding name put you off, or his mask. El Kabong offers hope and a change we can believe in. I know some of you remain skeptical and can't decide between El and the dastardly Bad Guy, and that's your right, but what do you need? Have you been paying attention to the damn cartoon?!?

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.

DUCK AMUCK

One of the greatest cartoons of all time, Duck, Amuck (1952) was directed by screwball genius Chuck Jones. This surreal cartoon was deemed "culturally significant" by the Library of Congress, and selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. Two other cartoons by Jones received the honor: What's Opera, Doc (1957) and One Froggy Evening (1955). All three cartoons are absolutely brilliant, and high water marks in animation history.

Of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of All Time, as selected by 1000 animation professionals, Duck, Amuck was rated number two, losing to Jones' own What's Opera, Doc? for the top slot. One Froggy Evening came in at number 6. Good show, Jones.

Chuck Jones (1912-2002) American Artist, Cartoonist, Animator, Screenwriter, Producer, Director, and Honorary Academy Award Winner (1996)

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.