Feb 3, 2020

Did you know Gabby Goat, Porky Pig's one-time miserable sidekick, helps illustrate a fascinating chapter in the story of Warner cartoons? Listen as we discuss Mickey Mouse co-creator Ub Iwerks' crash-and-burn directing for Leon Schlesinger, and how Bob Clampett took his place! And just why did Clampett's own...

Jan 20, 2020

Frank Tashlin, "the world's greatest yo-yo", made stylized, side-splitting cartoons for Warners that are among the studio's most unique. We discuss his early origins in New York cartooning, his innovative work with animator Art Davis, the influence live-action comedy had on Warner humor (and vice-versa), and what might...

Jan 6, 2020

Our inaugural guest is animator, historian, and national treasure Mark Kausler, who talks with us about his friends, cartoon pioneers Hugh Harman and Rudy Ising, two of Walt Disney's original top animators and the gents who got WB and MGM into the cartoon shorts business. Topics include: the early days in Kansas City...

Dec 23, 2019

This week it's Yuletide cheer times five from the Fleischer and Famous studios, with Popeye, Bluto, Olive Oyl, Grampy, Herman & Katnip, and Baby Huey! We discuss how these Christmas cartoons were mostly made by Jewish producers and animators, the incredible strengths of Seasin's Greetinks! from Popeye's first...

Dec 9, 2019

The Dean of Cartoons, Friz Freleng, is this week’s focus, zeroing in on his ‘40s golden era as Warner’s “senior director”, which birthed Warner superstars and earned the studio its first Oscar! Our cartoon discussion is the Freleng directed-and-written Rabbit Every Monday, one of his many classic Bugs...