Sunday, January 5, 2025

Jerry Lewis..."but did you even know he had a cartoon"

Jerry Lewis, a legendary comedian and actor, has had an interesting legacy that extended into the world of cartoons. Though primarily known for his live-action films and slapstick humor, Lewis's unique comedic style inspired animated interpretations that resonated with audiences, especially children. Here's a look into the history of Jerry Lewis cartoons:

The Adventures of Jerry Lewis (Comic Series)

Before venturing into animated cartoons, Jerry Lewis's persona became immortalized in comic books. In 1952, DC Comics introduced "The Adventures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis", capitalizing on the duo's popularity as comedians. After the pair's professional split in 1956, the comic was rebranded as "The Adventures of Jerry Lewis", which ran until 1971.

The comic was lighthearted, featuring slapstick scenarios reminiscent of

Jerry's on-screen antics. Occasionally, it included cameos of popular DC characters, such as Superman and Batman, blending Jerry's humor with superhero adventures.

The Jerry Lewis Animated Projects:

While Jerry Lewis never had a dedicated animated TV show like other stars of his era, his influence appeared in various animated forms:

"Will the Real Jerry Lewis Please Sit Down" (1970-1972)
- Produced by Filmation, this animated series featured a cartoon version of Jerry Lewis. The voice for the character was provided by David Lander (later known as Squiggy in Laverne & Shirley), mimicking Lewis's comedic style.
- The series centered around a bumbling character named Jerry, who worked for an odd-job
  employment agency. Typical episodes followed Jerry's misadventures in various professions, blending exaggerated physical comedy and witty dialogue.
- The show's humor reflected Jerry Lewis's signature slapstick but was sanitized for a younger audience. Though short-lived, it has gained a cult following for its quirky charm.
Parody and Inspiration in Other Cartoons
- Jerry Lewis's mannerisms and comedic style inspired several animated characters, most notably Hanna-Barbera's "Snagglepuss" and various others who adopted his exaggerated expressions, distinctive voice, and over-the-top gestures.
- Animators often paid homage to Lewis in shows like The Simpsons and Animaniacs, where his persona was parodied or referenced.

Legacy in Animation

Though Jerry Lewis's animated ventures were limited, his slapstick and exaggerated personality made him a natural fit for animation. His influence persists in modern cartoons, with creators frequently drawing inspiration from his comedic timing and unique physical humor.

BJ 🙈🙉😛

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Hollywood Legends In Their 90's

Several vintage Hollywood stars from the Golden Age are still alive today, continuing to inspire with their legacy:

Eva Marie Saint (99 years old):

Known for her Oscar-winning role in On the Waterfront (1954) and her

performance in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest (1959), she remains one of the last surviving stars of classic cinema.

Rita Moreno (92 years old):

The Puerto Rican actress made history as the first Latina to win an Oscar for

West Side Story (1961) and is an EGOT winner with a career spanning over 70 years.

Dick Van Dyke (98 years old):

Famous for Mary Poppins (1964) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang👀 (1968), he

remains active, even appearing in 2019’s Mary Poppins Returns.

June Lockhart (97 years old):

Known for her roles in Lost in Space👀 and Lassie, she is a celebrated actress

from classic television and film.

 Mel Brooks (98 years old):

A comedy legend, he has directed classics like The Producers and Blazing

Saddles and remains active in animation and writing.

Gene Hackman (94 years old):

Retired but remembered for his iconic roles in The French Connection (1971)

and Hoosiers👀 (1986)

These stars represent a bridge to the rich history of Hollywood, their contributions remaining timeless. Let me know if you'd like a deeper dive into any of their works or personal stories! BJ 🙈🙉🙊😊....Now a Rita Moreno Movie Classic

Thursday, December 5, 2024

"Wimpy Had a Hamburger Joint" ?

Wimpy👀 is a fast-food restaurant chain that originated in the United States and gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the UK and other countries.

The chain is named after the character J. Wellington Wimpy from the Popeye comic strip, famous for his line, "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

History Founded:

1934, in Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Gained prominence in the 1950s and spread internationally, particularly in the UK, South Africa, and parts of Asia.

Decline in the US:

By the 1970s, Wimpy restaurants had largely disappeared in the United States but remained popular overseas.

Menu Highlights:

Wimpy👀 is known for its classic, American-style hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes. In the UK, the menu also features British-style breakfasts and other regional adaptations.

Current Status:

Wimpy👀 remains active in some markets, particularly in the UK and South Africa, where it continues to serve a loyal customer base. The brand is celebrated for its nostalgic charm and commitment to traditional diner-style service.

BJ 🙈🙉🙊🍔

Monday, December 2, 2024

"The Day The Earth Stood Still" (1951) Vintage

Billy Gray, a talented young actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood, played a pivotal role in the classic science fiction film The Day the Earth Stood Still

(1951). Directed by Robert Wise, the film remains a cornerstone of the genre, blending a gripping narrative with a poignant social message. Gray's portrayal of Bobby Benson, the curious and open-minded boy, was central to humanizing the film's themes of peace, fear, and understanding in the face of extraterrestrial contact. In The Day the Earth Stood Still, Gray’s character serves as a bridge between the alien visitor, Klaatu (Michael Rennie), and the human world. Bobby's youthful

curiosity and lack of prejudice starkly contrast the paranoia and hostility displayed by most adults in the story. Through his interactions with Klaatu, Bobby symbolizes a sense of hope and innocence, suggesting that the younger
generation has the potential to embrace change and promote unity. Billy Gray's natural performance brought authenticity to Bobby Benson, making him relatable to audiences. His scenes with Michael Rennie helped build emotional depth in the film, particularly when Bobby inadvertently reveals his mother’s relationship with Klaatu to the authorities, advancing the narrative

tension. Gray's ability to convey wonder, fear, and loyalty enriched the movie, solidifying its emotional impact. While Billy Gray is perhaps best remembered for his later role as Bud Anderson in the TV series Father Knows Best, his contribution to The Day the Earth Stood Still highlights his importance in shaping one of cinema’s most enduring works. The film's legacy, both as an allegory for Cold War anxieties and as a plea for peace, owes much to the interplay of its characters, with Gray’s Bobby playing an indispensable role.

BJ 🙈🙉🙊🛸

Vintage Cartoons. . . And "Vintage Movies"

Vintage Notes