How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Where do I begin? Well, it's a classic and the first Dr. Seuss adaptation we see. It's wonderful, both in story and design. Chuck Jones' crew was really on their A-game with this short (especially considering the not-so-stellar Tom and Jerry shorts produced by him at this point.). I really enjoy the animation here. Again, this is stellar looking animation for a 1966 television production and you can tell the artists put their damnedest into it. I hear Ben Washam co-directed this with Chuck and I think his drawing style prevails here too, epecially in some of those grimaces the Grinch makes. (He had very unique expressions in Chuck's WB cartoons) That's my guess though. It's probably someone else, but that's my best bet. ;)

Best. Smile. Ever!

The story is sweet, simple, and translates well into the animated medium. The acting and narration by Boris Karloff is admittedly an odd, but fantastic choice. After all, it's the Frankenstein monster reading a kid's book! How cool is that? Dr. Seuss' rhyme scheme is charming, the music is audible candy, and so is the famous song we all know and love! (I don't even need to say it. You know what it is!)

So here's my Christmas gift to all of you: you get to enjoy this Christmas classic here in the best quality I have. Again, Merry Christmas, and may all your New Year dreams come true.

And a bonus, my favorite holiday tune that perfectly describes Christmas.

Barbary-Coast Bunny

This is one of my favorite Chuck Jones Bugs cartoons. I enjoy the premise of the story as well as Chuck's drawing style in this era. His stuff in the 50's and early 60's had the best look, I think. I also admire the design of the villain, Nasty Canasta. He looks so slobbish yet appealing. Mr. Jones really had a way with drawing as John K puts it, "lummoxes". His Bugs Bunny is also quite handsome looking too.

Barbary-Coast Bunny
by Cartoonzof2006

The Mouse on 57th Street

In honor of the new Chuck Jones documentary and marathon on tonight on TMC, I thought I'd post this underrated feature directed by Mr. Jones.

This cartoon has the honor of being the last Warner Bros cartoon written by Mike Maltese. It's really hard to find and just as hard to see on TV. I think I only saw it once on Cartoon Network before I rediscovered it on YouTube.

Anyway, this is one of Chuck's best and most unique cartoons he did at Warner Bros. I don't think he ever made another short like this during his career.

Merrie Melodies - The Mouse On 57th Street (1961)
by Cartoonzof2006

Jumpin' Jupiter

My favorite Porky and Sylvester cartoon. I love the way Chuck draws Sylvester in his cartoons. It's the best one to me next to Clampett's version. Jumpin' Jupiter has amazing backgrounds, funny jokes, and a good story with some good animation. Also, one of the instant martians from Hare-Way to the Stars makes an appearance.

Merrie Melodies - Jumpin' Jupiter (1955)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Nelly's Folly

A rather Disney-esque version of One Froggy Evening, but still worth a watch or two. That giraffe's vocals are golden! Was also nominated for an Academy Award.

Merrie Melodies - Nelly's Folly
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Prest-O Change-O

The first colored bugs Bunny cartoon and the first directed by Chuck Jones. Chuck did a lot of Disney-esqe 'toons from the 1930's, which is when this was made. The same rabbit is back, this time colored white, quieter, and just as crazy! Oh, yes, did I mention he does magic tricks too?

Visit this site for more pictures: http://duck-walk.blogspot.com/2006/05/more-magic-from-that-crazy-white.html

Merrie Melodies - Prest-O Change-O (1939)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

The Cat Above and the Mouse Below

My favorite Tom and Jerry from the Chuck jones era. To start, the character designs are pretty good. I prefer Tom's old look from the H-B years, though. I mean he just looks too cuddly in these cartoons to be Tom. Then again, the Boris Karloff-eyebrows are pretty cool.
However, I adore Jerry's new look. He's just so cuddly, I wanna hug him! In fact, one of the characters I created has his look based on this version of Jerry. I'll get to posting his pictures once I get a scanner.


The music's great in this one, and Jerry's aria at the end always makes me smile.

Robin Hood Daffy

In my book, the best Porky and Daffy cartoon ever. Ever. This one is just hilarious. A real golden oldie. The violence and action-reaction gagas were what made this work. Plus, I'm a big Chuck Jones fan. Just watch and see why.

Merrie Melodies - Robin Hood Daffy (1958)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

The Adventures of Daff-bot and Pork-stello

Sorry for that incredibily lame pun.

Aside from that, this post is about the partnership between Daffy Duck and Porky Pig. It almost seems like they were MADE just to be partners. Perhaps it's just because thier personalities are so diffreent from each other that they go well together. After all, opposites attract! :)

It all started in 1937 with Tex Avery's film, Porky's Duck Hunt. This film was one of Tex's gems when he worked at Warner Bros. This was the first time Porky and Daffy had been together as well as Daffy's first cartoon.

Porky's Duck Hunt (1937)
Uploaded by voiceman91

(Yeah, I didn't post this, but I'm just using it as an example.)

After Tex, Bob Clampett was the next director to try out this odd couple. The relationship between duck and pig always changed with directors. In the case of Bob Clampett, they're acquantances or good friends. Here to represent this are two Clampett toons, The Daffy Doc and Tick Tock Tuckered.

Looney Tunes - The Daffy Doc (1938)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Merrie Melodies - Tick Tock Tuckered (1944)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Even though Robert McKimson had alot of Clampett's ideas when he became a director, his ideas with Porky and Daffy's partnership was far diffrent. The two are usually casted as enemies or they just don't like each other. Daffy Doodles, McKimson's first cartoon he directed, is a good example of this rivalry.

Merrie Melodies - Daffy Doodles (1946)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Finally there's Chuck Jones. Jones usually casted them as friendly partners, but he usually made Daffy the star of these cartoons instead of Porky. Daffy still retains a little daffiness for these shorts while Porky was downgraded to an eager sidekick or just a calm sarcastic one. They also parodied a lot of movie genres with Jones, form westerns to science fiction. Here are a couple of these cartoons, Deduce, You Say, Rocket Squad, and Duck Dodgers.

Looney Tunes - Deduce You Say (1956)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Merrie Melodies - Rocket Squad (1956)
Uploaded by Cartoonzof2006

Duck Dodgers In The 24th1/2 Century
Uploaded by Renaki