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.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1944)

This great cartoon was directed by Max Fleischer (1883 - 1972) for the Jam Handy Organization in 1944. Fleischer directed so many wonderful cartoons, inluding Out of the Inkwell, Koko the Clown, Popeye, Superman, and Betty Boop. Born to a Jewish family in Krakow, Poland, he immigrated to New York City and worked with his brother Dave to produce cartoons that rivaled Disney, and some say bested Walt. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is certainly one of my favorites.

Popeye and Max Fleischer, animation genius.