The Golden Age of Hollywood animation

The Golden Age of Hollywood Animation (or more appropriately The Golden Age of American Animation) is a period in American animation history that began with the advent of sound cartoons in 1928 and lasted into the 1960s when theatrical animated shorts slowly began losing to the new medium of television animation. Many of the most memorable characters emerged from this period including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Popeye, Betty Boop, Woody Woodpecker, Tom and Jerry, and Mr. Magoo.

Sound in animation

While much of the magic of the Golden Era was due to the visual artistry of the cartoons, an equal part was played by the vocal talents and elaborate symphonic scores that went alongside the images.

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As motion pictures drew audiences away from their radio sets, it also drew the talented actors and vocal impressionists into film and animation. Mel Blanc gave voice to many of Warner Bros. most popular characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Other voices and personalities from vaudeville and the radio era contributed to the popularility of animated films in the Golden Era.

Related Topics:
Mel Blanc - Vaudeville

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Cartoons of the era also included rich orchestral scores played by studio orchestras. Carl Stalling composed numerous cartoon soundtracks, creating original material as well as incorporating familiar classical and popular melodies.

Related Topics:
Studio orchestra - Carl Stalling

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Many of the early cartoons, particularly Disney's Silly Symphonies series, were built around classical pieces. There cartoons sometimes featured star characters, but some had simple nature themes.

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See also: Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, Silly Symphonies, Fantasia

Related Topics:
Looney Tunes - Merrie Melodies - Silly Symphonies - Fantasia

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