Step into the wild, inventive world of Tex Avery as we spotlight his 1949 MGM short Bad Luck Blackie. In this episode, we explore Avery’s unmistakable directorial style—his razor-sharp timing, surreal gags, and fearless approach to comedy that redefined animation. You’ll hear Tex himself reflecting on his creative process, alongside rare interviews with members of his animation crew who share vivid stories of what it was like to work under his energetic, boundary-pushing direction. From the black cat’s chaotic antics to Avery’s genius in stretching cartoon logic to its breaking point, this episode offers both historical insight and behind-the-scenes voices that bring the artistry of Bad Luck Blackie to life.

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Show Notes :

In this episode of Animation Today, we take a closer look at Walt Disney’s powerful 1943 animated short Education for Death. Created during World War II, the film explores the rise of Nazi ideology through the eyes of a young boy, serving as both propaganda and cautionary tale. Mark Pudleiner provides context on the short’s historical significance, its striking animation style, and the role it played in Disney’s wartime productions.

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Show Notes :

1943 – Walt Disney’s animated wartime short, ‘ Education for Death: The making of the Nazi ‘  is an American animated anti-Nazi propaganda short film produced by Walt Disney is released by RKO.   
Total length 10:08

The film is directed by Clyde Geronimi and principally animated by Ward Kimball, Milt Kahl, Frank Thomas, and Bill Tytla

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Banned Cartoon

This video is in the interest of historical / Archival and Educational purposes only.

Banned Cartoon because of its content.
This video contains offensive material.
It may contain any of the following:

Adult Content
Nudity
Foul Language
Racism
Anti-Semitism
Nazi Visuals
Religious Intolerance
Bigotry
Sexism

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Production Notes

Education for Death: The Making of the Nazi was released when Disney was under government contract to produce 32 animated shorts from 1941 to 1945.

In 1940, Walt Disney spent four times his budget on the feature film Fantasia (1940) which suffered from low box office turnout. Nearing bankruptcy and with half of his employees on strike, Walt Disney was forced to look for a solution to bring money into the studio.

The studio’s close proximity to the military aircraft manufacturer, Lockheed, helped foster a U.S. government contract for 32 short propaganda films at $4,500 each.

This saved the company from bankruptcy and allowed them to keep their employees on payroll.

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Skull Rock Podcast

SKULL ROCK PODCAST, hosted by Aljon Go and Dave Bossert, explores the entertainment galaxy weekly with insightful conversation, stories, and special guests—talking all things Disney! Listen to never-before-heard stories and behind-the-scenes moments from some of your favorite Disney films, theme park attractions, performances, books, music, and so much more! Hear the latest news about Disney’s past, present, and future! SKULL ROCK PODCAST is your go-to source for the magic we all love.

Skull Rock Podcast Youtube > LINK

My episode on the Skull Rock Podcast > LINK

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Aug 1 1942 – The Duckators   > LINK

A pair of farm ducks eagerly await the hatching of their duckling from a uniquely black-colored egg. To their surprise, a white duckling emerges, named Adolf Hitler.  
The story continues with violence led by the duck, Adolf, but The Dove of Peace, aided by chickens, comes to the rescue.
Production :  Leon Schlesinger Productions / Warner Bros. Pictures

Aug 22 1942 – Blitz Wolf > LINK

A parody of the Three Little Pigs told via a World War II perspective.
       
Director : Tex Avery
Production :  MGM                                                                                                   

Mar 26 1943 – Jungle Drums > LINK

Jungle Drums is the fifteenth of seventeen animated Technicolor short films based upon the DC Comics character of Superman.
Directors: Dan Gordon , Orestes Calpini (uncredited)
Writers: Joe Shuster , Jerry Siegel.

Aug 21 1943 – Scrap Happy Daffy  > LINK

Daffy is a guard at a scrap pile, encouraging Americans to donate tin / brass Iron and Lead to help with the war effort. Hitler who reads about Daffy’s scrap pile helping to beat Benito Mussolini, is furious about this and responds to this by giving his men the following order: “Destroy that scrap pile!”

Director : Frank Tashlin
Producer : Leon Schlesinger
Story : Don Christensen
Animation : Art Davis
Music : Carl W. Stalling
Production :  Leon Schlesinger Productions / Warner Bros. Pictures

Nov 20 1943 – Daffy the Commando  > LINK

Daffy flies unharmed ( as a “human cannonball” ) into Berlin, where Adolf Hitler is giving a speech.

Director : Isadore ‘ Fitz ‘ Frelend
Producer : Leon Schlesinger
Story : Michael Maltese
Animation : Ken Champlin
Music : Carl W. Stalling
Production : Leon Schlesinger Productions / Warner Bros. Pictures

Dec 27 1981 – Flash Gordon : The Greatest Adventure of All   > LINK

“Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All” is an animated television film that aired in 1982. It’s based on the classic comic strip and character Flash Gordon. The film takes viewers on an action-packed journey as Flash Gordon and his companions battle the evil Ming the Merciless to save the universe from his tyrannical rule. This version of Flash Gordon is particularly nostalgic for fans who grew up watching the animated adventures of the early 1980s.

Director : Gwen Wetzler
Producer : Don Christensen
Story : Bob Kline
Key Animation :
Bill Nunes
Karen Peterson
Crystal Russell
Ron Myrick
Ernie Schmidt
Dardo Velez
Woody Yocum
Lou Kachivas
Milt Grey
Zion Davush
John Garling
Production : Filmation

Oct 15 1940 – The Great Dictator – Original Film Trailer > LINK

The Great Dictator is a 1940 American political satire black comedy film written, directed, produced, and starring, British filmmaker Charlie Chaplin as a Jewish barber who resembles his country’s anti-Semitic dictator.
The Great Dictator was popular with audiences, becoming Chaplin’s most commercially successful film.  Modern critics have praised it as a historically significant film, one of the greatest comedy films ever made and an important work of satire. In 1997, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.  The Great Dictator was nominated for five Academy Awards – Outstanding Production, Best Actor, Best Writing (Original Screenplay), Best Supporting Actor for Jack Oakie, and Best Music (Original Score).

Direction / Written / Produced : by Charlie Chaplin
Production : United Artists

On January 8, 1997, Cartoon Network premiered the quirky animated series O Canada – a showcase of offbeat, inventive shorts from Canadian creators. In this episode, we revisit the debut that brought a new wave of animation to audiences, exploring its legacy and the unique humor that made it stand out.

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Show Notes :

NFB [ National Film Board of Canada ] SHORT FILMS :

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National Film Board of Canada – Film Library > LINK

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1987 – The Man Who Planted Trees  –  Directed by Frédéric Back – 30:07 min > LINK
Step into the serene world of “The Man Who Planted Trees,” a timeless animated short film by Frédéric Back. Produced by Société Radio Canada in 1987, this cinematic gem weaves a poignant narrative inspired by Jean Giono’s classic tale. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and the transformative power of one man’s dedication to nature.

1988 – Director Frédéric Back wins the Oscar for Short Film (Animated) for The Man Who Planted Trees at the 60th Academy Awards > LINK
Mickey Mouse presents the award.

1980 – The Sweater – Directed by Sheldon Cohen –  10 min > LINK
An animated version of a short story by Roch Carrier, who narrates this tale based on his boyhood experiences in rural Quebec. Imagine a young boy’s chagrin when his only Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater wears out and ‘Mr. Eaton’ sends him a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater by mistake!

2004 – Ryan – Directed by Chris Landreth – 14 min > LINK
This Oscar®-winning [ 2005 ] animated short from Chris Landreth is based on the life of Ryan Larkin, a Canadian animator who produced some of the most influential animated films of his time. Ryan is living every artist’s worst nightmare – succumbing to addiction, panhandling on the streets to make ends meet. Through computer-generated characters, Landreth interviews his friend to shed light on his downward spiral. Some strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.

1976 – Mindscape – Directed by Jacques Drouin – 7:34 min > LINK
Explore the painstaking and mesmerizing pinscreen animation technique in this short film about an artist who steps inside his painting and wanders about in a landscape peopled with symbols that trigger unexpected associations. A film without dialogue.

1988 – The Cat Came Back – Directed by Cordell Barker – 7 min > LINK
Despite his mounting desperation, old Mr. Johnson just can’t get rid of a tiny, yellow cat.

1985 – The Big Snit – Directed by Richard Condie – 10 min > LINK
This film is a look at two simultaneous conflicts, the macrocosm of global nuclear war and the microcosm of a domestic quarrel, and how each conflict is resolved. Presented with warmth and unexpectedly off-the-wall humor, the film is open to a multitude of interpretations.

1985 – Bob’s Birthday – Directed by David Fine & Alison Snowden –  10 min > LINK
This film took home an Oscar® for Best Animated Short Film. When Margaret plans a celebration for her husband Bob, she underestimates the sudden impact of middle age on his mood. A witty, offbeat animated portrait of a frustrated dentist wrestling with the fundamental issues of life proves that birthdays (and surprise parties) can be very tricky indeed.

In 1936, France awarded Walt Disney the prestigious Legion of Honor Medal. In this episode, we trace the Disney name back to its origins and follow the family’s journey to where they are settled today.

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Show Notes :

France’s Legion of Honor Medal :

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum   >  LINK

1946 – Walt Disney visits Ireland  – LINK
On December 12, 1946, Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, visited Ireland, where they were received by President Seán T. O’Kelly and Taoiseach Éamon de Valera. This footage documents their official meetings during the trip

1949 – Disney family footage of Lincolnshire visit  – LINK
In 1949, Walt Disney traveled with his wife, Lillian, and their daughters, Diane and Sharon, to England in search of the Lincolnshire village that inspired the Disney family name. This film captures their visit to Norton Disney, offering a rare glimpse of Walt and his family exploring their ancestral roots.

My Carlow > LINK
A personal blog exploring County Carlow and its surrounding areas in Ireland, created by Malgorzata Gajzler.

Screen Snapshots – Series 22, No. 10 > LINK
Created to mark the 25th anniversary of Screen Snapshots, this edition revisits highlights from the very first installment and pays tribute to the many film figures who passed away over the intervening years. The short concludes with on‑camera acknowledgments of the series from Cecil B. DeMille, Walt Disney, Louella Parsons, and Rosalind Russell.

Join us as we follow Mary Shelley’s creation from page to stage, then onto the silver screen. Along the way, we uncover how the Monster found a second life in animation, appearing in everything from early shorts to modern reinterpretations..

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Show Notes :

This original copy of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus was published anonymously on Jan 1st 1818. It sold at auction for $1.17 million.

1910 The 1st Frankenstein Movie FULL MOVIE > LINK

1931 Frankenstein Movie clip : Meet the Monster > LINK

1933 Mickey’s Gala Premier animated short > LINK

1935 Hollywood Capers animated short > LINK

1938 Have you got any Castles 1938 Animated Short > LINK

1964 The Munsters TV Theme Song > LINK

1974 Young Frankenstein Original Movie Trailer > LINK

1981 Monster of Frankenstein (1981) – TV Special with English Dubbed 1984 version > LINK

1994 Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – The Blind Old Man Scene > LINK

2025 Frankenstein directed by Guillermo del Toro | Official Trailer | Netflix > LINK

ADDITIONAL NOTES added by Viewers

The person sitting next to Buster Keaton in the 1933 animated short ‘ Mickey’s Gaga Premier ‘ is the actor Joe E. Brown.
[ Thanks to Kendra Baxter ]

Joe E Brown Wikipedia page > LINK

ADDITIONAL FRANKENSTEIN ANIMATION :

1948 Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein – Opening Credits > LINK
[ Thanks to Kendra Baxter ]

1970 – 72 Groovie Goolies – Opening Theme Song > LINK
Groovie Goolies is an American animated television show that had its original run Saturday mornings on CBS produced by Filmation
[ Thanks to Kendra Baxter ]

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The 1st Episode premieres JAN 1st @ 11AM Vancouver Time

Welcome to the very first episode of Animation Today with Mark Pudleiner. We launch on January 1st with our opening article: The London Times is Born.

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Show Notes :

Animation to Comic Artists LINKS :

Meowulfsaga  Artist Linda Miller > LINK

Furbabies :   Artist Nancy Beiman. > LINK

The Front page of The London Times – the first edition Jan 1st 1788 :

The First Newspaper in History : The Oxford Gazette in 1665 LINK

Richard Felton Outcault comic Hogans Alley Jan 5th 1896 – Golf – the great society sport as played in Hogan’s Alley

Richard Felton Outcault comic Hogans Alley – The Great Cup race on Reilly’s Pond

Richard Felton Outcault comic Hogans Alley – Aug 9 1896 – Hogan’s Alley Folk have a trolley party in Brooklyn.

Earliest sequential comic in newspaper – Mark Fenderson Jan 1901

Beetle Bailey by Mort Walker

Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz – Original Art dated Jan 18th 1959 – Auction selling price Aug 1st 2019

Family Circus by Bil Keane – Jan 29th 1967