Peter Clenott

The Great Cartoon Directors is the only book to profile the remarkable careers and achievements of the Hollywood cartoon directors of the 1930s, '40s, and '50s whose unique humor has entertained people around the world for seven decades. Nine of the best cartoon directors are featured: Friz Freleng, the creator of Speedy Gonzales, Yosemite Sam, and the Pink Panther; Ub Lwerks, the designer of Mickey Mouse and the wizard behind the first sound animated film, Steamboat Willie ; Chuck Jones, the genius behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Road Runner and Coyote; William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, who won seven Academy Awards for their Tom and Jerry cartoons; Bob Clampett, who directed Warner Brothers cartoons featuring Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Tweety; Tex Avery, who revolutionized the theory of cartoon-making, invented Daffy Duck, and introduced Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd to the screen; Walter Lantz, the creator of Woody Woodpecker; and Dave Fleischer, the father of Betty Boop and Popeye.Each chapter surveys the finest work of these directors and takes the reader behind the scenes to learn not only how they came up with their big ideas, but also how they managed to keep their characters fresh, topical, and unpredictable. Many of the directors granted exclusive interviews for the book and provided illustrations from their personal collections. With complete filmographies of each director's work, descriptions of many of their best cartoons, and dozens of sketches, drawings, and stills, The Great Cartoon Directors is a sure treasure trove of animation lore and an in-depth look at the creators of some of America's most beloved cartoons.