Vintage Cartoons. . . And "Vintage Movies"

Chilly Willy is an animated character created by Walter Lantz, who is best known for creating Woody Woodpecker. Chilly Willy first appeared in 1953 and has since become one of the most beloved characters in the Lantz studio's lineup. Here is a detailed history of Chilly Willy cartoons:

Creation and Debut

• Creation: Chilly Willy was created by Walter Lantz, inspired by the idea of a cute and mischievous penguin. The character was designed to be simple and appealing, with a small, round body and expressive eyes.
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• Debut: Chilly Willy made his debut on December 20, 1953, in the short film "Chilly Willy." This first cartoon was directed by Paul J. Smith, who would go on to direct many of Chilly Willy's adventures.

1950s

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• Early Cartoons: After his debut, Chilly
  Willy quickly became a popular character. The early cartoons often featured Chilly in the icy wilderness, dealing with various humorous situations. Common themes included Chilly's attempts to stay warm or find Food.
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• Supporting Characters: Chilly Willy was often accompanied by other characters, such as Smedley, a loyal but somewhat dimwitted dog who
  
  
  frequently found himself at odds with Chilly's antics.

1960s

• Continued Popularity: Throughout the 1960s, Chilly Willy remained a favorite among audiences. The cartoons continued to focus on the penguin's clever tricks and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
• Shift in Directors: While Paul J. Smith directed many of the early cartoons, others like Jack Hannah and Sid Marcus also contributed to the series, bringing their own unique styles to the character.

1970s and 1980s

• Television Syndication: Chilly Willy cartoons were broadcast on television, reaching a new generation of viewers. The character appeared in various television shows, often alongside other Walter Lantz creations like Woody Woodpecker.
• Merchandising: Chilly Willy's popularity led to the creation of various merchandise, including toys, books, and clothing, further cementing his place in popular culture.

1990s and Beyond

• Revival and Legacy: While new Chilly Willy cartoons were not produced as frequently in the 1990s, the character remained a beloved figure in animation history. Reruns of the classic cartoons continued to entertain audiences, and Chilly Willy made cameo appearances in new productions.
• Cultural Impact: Chilly Willy is remembered as one of the iconic characters of the Walter Lantz studio. His timeless appeal lies in his adorable appearance, cleverness, and the charming simplicity of the stories in which he stars.

Character Traits and Themes

• Innocence and Mischief: Chilly Willy is often depicted as a small, innocent-looking penguin who manages to outsmart his adversaries with clever tricks. This blend of innocence and mischief is a hallmark of the character.
• Endurance and Resourcefulness: Many Chilly Willy cartoons revolve around the theme of survival in harsh conditions. Whether it's finding warmth in the icy Arctic or securing food, Chilly's resourcefulness is a key aspect of his character.

Notable Episodes

• "The Legend of Rockabye Point" (1955): One of the most famous Chilly Willy cartoons, directed by Tex Avery, where Chilly outsmarts a dog named Smedley to get fish from a guarded refrigerator. This cartoon was nominated for an Academy Award.
• "I'm Cold" (1954): Chilly tries various methods to stay warm, including invading a cabin, only to face humorous resistance from the cabin's dog.

Chilly Willy remains a beloved character in the pantheon of classic animation, known for his endearing personality and the lighthearted, entertaining nature of his cartoons.

BJ 🙈🙉🙊

 Floyd Norman is a pioneering African American animator and story artist who made significant contributions to the animation industry, particularly at Disney. Here is a brief overview of his life and career:

Early Life

• Born: June 22, 1935, in Santa Barbara, California.
• Education: Attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Career at Disney

• Joining Disney: Norman joined Walt Disney Studios in 1956, becoming one of the first African American artists at the studio.
• Early Work: He started as an inbetweener on "Sleeping Beauty" (1959), working on the transitional frames that animate sequences between key frames.
• Key Contributions:
  • Worked on several Disney classics, including "101 Dalmatians" (1961), "The Sword in the Stone" (1963), and "The Jungle Book" (1967).
  • Contributed to story development and animation for various Disney projects.

Post-Disney Career

• Vignette Films: After leaving Disney in the late 1960s, Norman co-founded Vignette Films, a production company focused on producing educational films on African American history.
• Return to Disney: He returned to Disney in the late 1970s and worked on projects like "Robin Hood" (1973) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1996).
• Other Studios: Worked for other notable studios, including Hanna-Barbera Productions and Pixar Animation Studios, contributing to films like "Toy Story 2" (1999) and "Monsters, Inc." (2001).

Legacy and Recognition

• Mentorship: Norman has been a mentor to many young animators, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the animation industry.
• Awards and Honors:
  • Received the Winsor McCay Award at the Annie Awards in 2002, recognizing his lifetime contributions to animation.
  • Named a Disney Legend in 2007.
  • Awarded the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con in 2008.

Continued Influence

• Author and Speaker: Norman has authored several books on his experiences in the animation industry and continues to be an active speaker at industry events and conventions.
• Documentary: The documentary "Floyd Norman: An Animated Life" (2016) chronicles his life and career, highlighting his impact on animation and his trailblazing role as an African American artist in a predominantly white industry.

Floyd Norman's contributions to animation and his role as a pioneer for African Americans in the industry have left an enduring legacy.

BJ 🙈🙉🙊

 

The Harlem Globetrotters, a renowned exhibition basketball team known for their entertaining blend of athleticism, theater, and comedy, have a rich history that has even been captured in cartoon form. Here’s an overview of their cartoon history:

1. The Harlem Globetrotters (1970-1971)

The first foray of the Harlem Globetrotters into the world of cartoons was with their own show, "The Harlem Globetrotters," which aired on CBS. This series was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and featured animated versions of the real-life players of the time. The show depicted the team solving mysteries and going on adventures in various exotic locations, all while showcasing their basketball talents. Key players featured included Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, and Geese Ausbie.

2. The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972-1973)

The Globetrotters also appeared in several episodes of "The New Scooby-Doo Movies," a popular series where Scooby-Doo and the gang teamed up with guest stars to solve mysteries. The Globetrotters were featured in episodes such as “The Mystery of Haunted Island” and “The Loch Ness Mess.” These episodes showcased the team's comedic and basketball skills while assisting the Scooby-Doo team.

3. The Super Globetrotters (1979)

"The Super Globetrotters" was another animated series featuring the Harlem Globetrotters, also produced by Hanna-Barbera. In this series, the players had superhero alter egos, each with unique powers. The team used these powers to fight crime and protect the world from villains. Characters included Liquid Man, who could transform into water, and Spaghetti Man, who could stretch his body like noodles.

4. Later Appearances

Over the years, the Harlem Globetrotters have continued to make appearances in various animated series and specials. They have been featured in episodes of "Futurama" and "The Simpsons," often depicted in their iconic uniforms and engaging in humorous scenarios.

Cultural Impact

The Harlem Globetrotters' appearances in cartoons have cemented their status as cultural icons. These cartoons introduced the team to a younger audience, blending the excitement of basketball with the fun of animated adventures. The Globetrotters' ability to entertain both on and off the court has helped them maintain a lasting legacy in popular culture.

The Globetrotters' cartoon ventures have contributed to their reputation as not just athletes but entertainers who bring joy and laughter to fans of all ages.

                                 BJ.....