Vintage Cartoons "n" Vintage Movies

Early Life and Education

• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California.

• Strode grew up in a racially segregated America but excelled as an athlete from an early age.

• He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played football alongside legends like Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington. He was one of the first Black players on the UCLA football team, breaking barriers in collegiate sports.

Athletic Career

• Football: After college, Strode pursued a career in professional football. He became one of the first African Americans to play in the National Football League (NFL) when he joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, along with Kenny Washington. This was a historic step in reintegrating professional football.

• Professional Wrestling: Strode was also a successful professional wrestler, touring internationally during the 1950s and 1960s. His towering physique and charisma made him a standout performer.

Transition to Acting

Strode transitioned into acting in the late 1940s, leveraging his striking appearance and athletic prowess in a Hollywood that was slowly expanding roles for African American actors. Despite often being typecast, he worked tirelessly to carve out a niche in the industry.

Film Career Highlights

• "Spartacus" (1960): Strode delivered a powerful performance as Draba, a gladiator who defies the Roman oppressors. His dignified portrayal earned him critical acclaim.

• "Sergeant Rutledge" (1960): Directed by John Ford, this film marked a significant moment for Strode as he played the lead role of a Black cavalry soldier falsely accused of rape and murder. The performance showcased his range and gravitas as an actor.

• Collaborations with John Ford: Strode appeared in several of Ford’s films, including The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962).

• Later Roles: Strode continued to act in films and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in genres ranging from westerns to action films. Notable titles include The Professionals (1966) and The Quick and the Dead (1995), his final film.

Personal Life

• Strode married Hawaiian princess Luukialuana Kalaeloa in 1940, and they remained together until her death in 1980. The couple had two children.

• Known for his discipline and athletic lifestyle, Strode often served as a mentor and inspiration for younger actors and athletes.

Legacy

Woody Strode is remembered as a trailblazer both in sports and Hollywood. His contributions to integrating the NFL and his dignified portrayals of complex characters in film paved the way for future generations of Black athletes and actors. Strode’s autobiography, Goal Dust, published in 1990, provides an in-depth look at his life and career.

His pioneering spirit and unwavering dignity continue to inspire and resonate in sports, cinema, and the broader cultural landscape. Short clip of Woody in the block buster: "The Ten Commandments"

Little Lulu

• Origins: Created by Marjorie Henderson Buell (aka "Marge") in the 1930s for The Saturday Evening Post

• Cartoons: Famous animated shorts by Famous Studios in the 1940s and 50s

• Vibe: Clever, independent, always outsmarting the boys. More grounded, slice-of-life humor.

• Personality: Sassy but sweet, a little feminist icon in a dress. 

  
  

Lil' Audrey

• Origins: Created as a kind of spiritual successor to Little Lulu after Paramount lost the rights

• Cartoons: Also from Famous Studios, starting around 1947

• Vibe: More surreal, zany, full of fantasy elements and dream sequences.

• Personality: Giggly, mischievous, with a lot of “naughty but nice” charm.

  
  

So, which was better? Depends on your taste:

Critically, Little Lulu is often seen as more influential and well-rounded — she had deeper character development and tackled more grounded situations. But Lil' Audrey has that quirky charm and dreamy cartoon logic that makes her super fun to watch.

                                                        B. Israel 🙈🙉😜

Ray Harryhausen: The Master of Stop-Motion Animation

Few names in the history of special effects are as revered as Ray Harryhausen. A pioneer in stop-motion animation, Harryhausen brought countless fantastical creatures to life, inspiring generations of filmmakers and animators. His work, spanning from the 1940s to the 1980s, remains a benchmark in visual storytelling and practical effects.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born in 1920 in Los Angeles, California, Harryhausen's fascination with animation began after watching King Kong (1933). The groundbreaking stop-motion effects by Willis O’Brien captivated him, leading him to experiment with his own miniature models and animation techniques. Under O’Brien’s mentorship, Harryhausen refined his craft and embarked on a journey that would change the landscape of visual effects.

The Rise of Dynamation

Harryhausen's signature technique, Dynamation, revolutionized stop-motion animation by allowing animated models to interact seamlessly with live-action footage. This innovation created more realistic and immersive sequences, setting his work apart from traditional animation of the time.

Iconic Films and Creatures

Harryhausen’s career spanned decades, and his contributions to fantasy and science fiction cinema are legendary. Some of his most notable films include:

• The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953) – One of the first films to showcase his signature style, featuring a giant prehistoric creature attacking a

  
  
  city, which influenced later monster movies, including Godzilla.

• The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958) – A landmark film featuring a cyclops, dragon, and sword-fighting skeletons, cementing his reputation

  
  
  as a master of stop-motion.

• Jason and the Argonauts (1963) – Famous for the thrilling skeleton warrior battle, considered one of the greatest stop-motion sequences ever created.

  
  
  

• Clash of the Titans (1981) – His final major film, bringing Medusa, Pegasus, and the Kraken to life in

  
  
  an epic fantasy adventure.

Legacy and Influence

Harryhausen’s work left an indelible mark on the film industry, influencing directors such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Peter Jackson, and Tim Burton. His ability to infuse personality and realism into stop-motion animation set a standard that continues to inspire modern visual effects artists. Even in the age of CGI, his work is celebrated for its craftsmanship, imagination, and artistic dedication.

Conclusion

Ray Harryhausen’s legacy extends beyond his films; he paved the way for modern special effects and continues to be a source of inspiration for animators and filmmakers worldwide. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to storytelling through animation remain unmatched. Whether through his iconic monsters or groundbreaking techniques, Harryhausen’s influence is immortal, ensuring that his visionary work will be cherished for generations to come. B.Israel 🙈🙉🙊

Plot and Characters

The cartoon followed the misadventures of Tooter

Turtle, a naive and overly ambitious turtle who constantly wished to live out grand adventures in different professions and historical settings. To fulfill his desires, he would seek help from Mr. Wizard the Lizard, a wise, magical lizard who lived in a small toadstool house.

Every episode followed a simple formula:

1. Tooter would express a desire to be something extraordinary, such as a knight, a detective, or an astronaut.
2. Mr. Wizard, despite his warnings, would grant Tooter’s wish using his magic.
3. Tooter would quickly find himself in over his head, facing trouble and realizing that the fantasy was much harder than expected.
4. In desperation, he would cry out his famous plea:
   "Help me, Mr. Wizard!"
5. Mr. Wizard would then chant his magical words:
   "Drizzle, drazzle, druzzle, drome; time for this one to come home!"
   This would return Tooter safely back to the real world.
6. Mr. Wizard would then offer a moral lesson, usually advising Tooter to be content with who he is.

Legacy and Influence

Although Tooter Turtle was short-lived, it remains fondly remembered for its humorous take on wish fulfillment and the idea that "the grass is not always greener on the other side." The show's repetitive structure made it a simple yet entertaining cartoon for young audiences of the time.

The phrase "Drizzle, drazzle, druzzle, drome..." became a recognizable pop culture reference, sometimes parodied in later shows.

Voice Actors and Production

• Allen Swift provided the voices for both Tooter Turtle and Mr. Wizard the Lizard.

  • Swift was a versatile voice actor known for his work in many animated productions, including Underdog and King Leonardo and His Short Subjects.

  • His portrayal of Mr. Wizard included a distinctive, old-world accent, resembling a wise German or Eastern European professor.

Animation Style

• Tooter Turtle was produced by Total Television (TTV), the same studio behind Underdog and Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales.

• The animation was limited and simplistic, similar to other early 1960s TV cartoons, with minimal movement and repeated sequences to save production costs.

• The background art was often basic and stylized, with bright, flat colors typical of early television animation.

Recurring Themes and Influence

• Wish Fulfillment Gone Wrong: Every episode reinforced the idea that simply wanting a more exciting life doesn’t mean it will turn out well.

• Classic Morality Tales: Mr. Wizard’s lessons at the end of each episode reflected the wisdom of traditional fables, teaching kids to appreciate what they have.

• Cultural Impact:

  • The phrase "Drizzle, drazzle, druzzle, drome..." has been referenced in pop culture, including The Simpsons.

  • The show’s structure inspired later cartoons like The Fairly OddParents, where characters make wishes that backfire hilariously.

Even though Tooter Turtle didn’t have the lasting fame of Looney Tunes or Hanna-Barbera cartoons, it remains a nostalgic favorite for classic animation fans. 

B.Israel 🐢