Made in 1938, one year before the 1939 World’s Fair, this cartoon depicts the exhibits and future gadgets of the World’s Fair through the eyes of two country folk Mirandy and Elmer.
Surreal little cartoon about Cap’n Cub, a cute little bear cub who rallies his fellow woodland creatures into building more planes for the war effort.
Colonel Bleep was an American animated series that aired from 1957 to 1960. It was notable for being one of the first color cartoon series produced specifically for television. The show featured very simple, limited animation techniques.
The main character, Colonel Bleep, was a small, alien-like being from the planet Futura. He had a round head with a single antenna and could fly. The Colonel protected Earth, particularly the Florida region, from various threats.
Colonel Bleep was usually accompanied by his two sidekicks:
Squeak, a cowboy puppet boy
Scratch, a caveman
The trio would work together to thwart the plans of villains and solve problems, often using Colonel Bleep’s advanced Futuran technology.
The series was produced by Robert D. Buchanan and was relatively short-lived, consisting of about 100 episodes. Despite its brief run, it holds a place in animation history as an early example of made-for-TV cartoons and for its use of color.
“Education for Death: The Making of the Nazi” is a wartime propaganda short film produced by Walt Disney Productions in 1943. The film was based on the 1942 book “Education for Death: The Making of the Nazi” by Gregor Ziemer and was directed by Clyde Geronimi.
“Education for Death” is an animated short that aims to illustrate the indoctrination of German children into the Nazi ideology. The film follows a fictional German boy named Hans from his early childhood to his eventual transformation into a loyal Nazi soldier.
In this Paramount Noveltoon (production number P6-3) Police Officer Flanagan gives a little blind girl, Billie, a Raggety-Ann doll, and she is told she can see it if she uses her imagination; she does so and the slum neighborhood is transformed into an enchanted fairyland, alive with beautiful colors and music.
Mr. Hook is once again at the center of the narrative, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness among the U.S. military forces. The title refers to Hideki Tojo, the Prime Minister of Japan during much of World War II, symbolizing the adversary.
“Let’s All Go to the Lobby” is a classic animated short film created in 1957 by the Filmack Studios for the intermission time at movie theaters. This short, which runs for about a minute, is widely recognized for its catchy jingle and charming animation featuring anthropomorphic concession stand items: a popcorn box, a candy bar, a soda cup, and a hot dog.
“Let’s All Go to the Lobby” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2000. This recognition highlights its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
In “Tokyo Woes,” Mr. Hook finds himself in a storyline that highlights the challenges and victories experienced by the U.S. military in the Pacific Theater, specifically targeting Tokyo as a symbol of the enemy’s stronghold.
Mr. Hook returns to educate sailors on the importance of managing their finances wisely, particularly through the purchase of war bonds. The narrative follows Mr. Hook as he encounters different scenarios that highlight the benefits of investing in war bonds, emphasizing themes of patriotism and smart financial planning.
In “The Good Egg,” Mr. Hook is depicted as a sailor who is educated on the importance of purchasing war bonds. The short uses humor and animation to deliver its message, aiming to boost morale and encourage sailors to invest their money wisely to support the war effort. The term “good egg” is used metaphorically to describe someone who is smart and makes the right decisions, particularly in the context of financial contributions to the war through bond purchases.
Woody fails to go South for the winter, leaving him vulnerable to a starving cat. But the cat is just as vulnerable to a starving Woody.
Bluto bullies Popeye and attempts to sabotage Popeye’s date with Olive. Animation by Tom Johnson and Frank Endres. Music by Winston Sharples.
Private Eye Popeye gets a call from Olive Oyl to guard a precious gem. But no sooner does he get the gem than the butler takes it (and Olive). The rest of the cartoon is spent chasing the crook to Paris, the Swiss Alps, and North Africa; Popeye always gets there first, but fails to make the arrest until he lucks into some spinach, of course.
“In the Aleutians: The Army’s Way” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1945 that focuses on the harsh conditions soldiers faced in the Aleutian Islands during World War II and the importance of adaptability and resilience.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu being assigned to a new post in the Aleutian Islands, a remote and rugged area known for its harsh weather and difficult terrain. Snafu is initially enthusiastic, thinking that his new assignment will be a break from the more intense combat zones. However, his excitement quickly fades as he confronts the reality of the Aleutian environment.
“Booby Traps,” a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944, is an educational short designed to teach soldiers about the dangers of enemy traps during World War II.
“Censored” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that highlights the importance of adhering to censorship rules to protect sensitive military information.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu writing a letter to his girlfriend back home. Eager to impress her, Snafu includes detailed descriptions of his location, the military operations he’s involved in, and other sensitive information. He writes about the exotic locale, the military base, and even mentions specific details about upcoming missions and the presence of key military figures.
“The Chow Hound” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that focuses on the importance of food conservation and proper rationing during wartime.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu eagerly anticipating his next meal. He daydreams about the various delicious foods he will consume and impatiently waits in line at the mess hall. Snafu is characterized as a “chow hound,” someone who is overly enthusiastic about food and tends to waste it.
“Coming!! Snafu,” released in January 1943, is the first in the series of Private Snafu animated shorts created by Warner Bros. during World War II. The character of Private Snafu, whose name is derived from the military acronym “Situation Normal, All Fouled Up,” is used to humorously illustrate various military lessons and pitfalls to U.S. servicemen.
The short serves as an introduction to Private Snafu, depicting his journey from a raw recruit to a full-fledged soldier.
Pvt. Snafu suffers the consequences of not keeping his equipment and weapons properly maintained.
“Gas” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that focuses on the importance of being prepared for and properly responding to chemical warfare.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu receiving a lecture about the dangers of gas attacks and the proper use of gas masks. However, Snafu, in his usual careless manner, is not paying attention and dismisses the importance of the training.
“Going Home” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that emphasizes the importance of maintaining military discipline and secrecy, even when on leave.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu receiving the exciting news that he has been granted leave to visit home. Overjoyed, he immediately begins making plans and fantasizing about all the things he’ll do once he gets back to his hometown.
A fairy encourages Snafu to duck out of his training regime for his own reasons.
Private Snafu learns the hard way about the need for military discipline and procedures to maintain an effective army.
“Home Front” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that emphasizes the importance of the civilian population’s contributions to the war effort and the interconnectedness between the front lines and the home front.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu feeling demoralized and disconnected from the efforts back home. He grumbles about the perceived ease of civilian life compared to the hardships he faces as a soldier. To address Snafu’s complaints, his fairy godmother appears and offers to show him the true impact of the home front on the war effort.
“Hot Spot” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1945 that deals with the dangers and challenges of serving in the North African desert during World War II.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu being transferred to a North African desert outpost, where he immediately complains about the intense heat, the barren landscape, and the constant presence of insects. His irritation and discomfort are portrayed humorously, with exaggerated animations showing him sweating profusely and being overwhelmed by the harsh environment.
Pvt. Snafu complains about being assigned to the infantry only to learn that other branches have their own problems.
“It’s Murder She Says” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1945 that highlights the dangers of malaria and the importance of following preventative measures to avoid the disease.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu stationed in a tropical area, where he and his fellow soldiers are briefed about the threat of malaria, a disease spread by mosquitoes. The briefing emphasizes the critical steps to prevent malaria: using mosquito netting, applying repellent, and taking daily doses of atabrine (an anti-malarial drug).
“A Lecture on Camouflage” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that educates soldiers on the importance and techniques of camouflage in warfare.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu attending a lecture on camouflage given by his commanding officer. The officer explains the vital role of camouflage in concealing troops, equipment, and positions from the enemy. Snafu, however, is initially inattentive and uninterested in the lecture.
“No Buddy Atoll” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1945 that highlights the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and the consequences of selfish behavior in a military setting.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu and his buddy, Private Tarfu, stranded on a small Pacific atoll. Initially, Snafu and Tarfu cooperate, sharing resources and working together to improve their chances of survival and rescue. They build a shelter, gather food, and set up a signal fire.
“Operation: Snafu” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1945 that focuses on the importance of following orders, proper preparation, and attention to detail in military operations.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu receiving orders for a crucial mission: to deliver a top-secret message to a forward command post. His commanding officer emphasizes the importance of the mission and the need for Snafu to follow orders precisely. However, true to his character, Snafu is overconfident and underestimates the complexity of the task.
“Outpost” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that focuses on the importance of vigilance and alertness while on guard duty.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu being assigned to guard an outpost in a remote and seemingly quiet area. His task is to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety of his fellow soldiers.
“Payday” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that highlights the importance of financial responsibility and prudent money management for soldiers.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu eagerly anticipating payday. As soon as he receives his paycheck, he daydreams about all the ways he can spend his money, envisioning himself surrounded by luxuries and entertainment.
“Rumors” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1943 that addresses the dangers of spreading misinformation and rumors among soldiers.
Sanfuperman begins with Private Snafu feeling disgruntled about the tedious military training and duties he must endure. He wishes he had superpowers to handle his tasks with ease. Suddenly, his fairy godmother appears and grants his wish, transforming him into “Snafuperman,” a parody of Superman with a uniform emblazoned with an “S” on his chest.
Private Snafu has a secret: his ship leaves for Africa at 4:30. He’s determined to keep it, but bit by bit it slips out, and eventually, the details end up right on Hitler’s desk and the ship is attacked.
“Target: Snafu” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 designed to highlight the dangers of careless behavior and the importance of maintaining operational security in a war zone.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu in a war zone, performing his duties with his usual lack of caution and attention to detail. His careless actions make him an easy target for the enemy, who quickly takes notice of his sloppy behavior. The enemy spies on Snafu, noting his every mistake, from leaving equipment exposed to openly discussing sensitive information.
“Three Brothers” is a “Private Snafu” cartoon from 1944 that highlights the different experiences and contributions of soldiers in various branches of the military, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual respect.
The cartoon begins with Private Snafu narrating the story of three brothers who join different branches of the U.S. military. Each brother represents a different service: one joins the Army, another joins the Navy, and the third joins the Air Force. Snafu, with his characteristic wit and humor, provides commentary on their respective journeys and duties.
“So Much for So Little” is a 1949 animated short film directed by Chuck Jones and produced by Warner Bros. The film was created as part of a public health initiative to promote the importance of public health services and vaccination, particularly in combating infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
This is the very first animated Superman feature, one of seventeen produced by Paramount’s doomed animation studio. Presbyterian minister, Bud Collyer, who originally did Clark Kent / Superman’s voice for the radio program continued to do the voices for the animated version. Narrated by Burt Lancaster.
An expedition unearths a frozen Tyrannosaurus in the Siberian tundra and brings it back to the America. This being a Superman cartoon things do not go well after that. The refrigeration unit that contains the dinosaur malfunctions and the creature breaks free creating havoc in Metropolis.
Superman must stop a gang of train robbers who use a super powered car to steal a train shipment of gold.
A gang using a rocket is terrorizing Metropolis. Unless their demands are met they will destroy the city.
Superman versus saboteurs at the Metropolis Munitions Plant.
A Native American scientist believes that Metropolis belongs to his people, and demands that the the city be vacated, or else he will destroy the city with his electronic earthquake machine.
Every night at the ELEVENTH HOUR, Superman engages in another act of sabotage against the Imperial Japanese Navy in Yokohama. But now the enemy has kidnapped intrepid girl reporter Lois Lane & will execute her the very next time the Man of Steel strikes…
Made in 1942 this was one of the first Superman cartoons that addresses Superman’s role the war effort. A gigantic new bomber has been naturally Lois Lane stows away on the test flight little does she know that Japanese spies are also set to destroy the new plane.
Intrepid girl reporter Lois Lane uncovers a dastardly Nazi plot in darkest Africa. But when she falls into the clutches of the villains & jungle drums pound out the revelry attending her imminent immolation.
When police interfere with a reckless scientist’s experiment, it creates a deadly meteor shower only Superman can stop.
A mad scientist unleashes robots to rob banks and loot museums. Superman saves the day. Animation by Steve Muffati and George Germanetti. Music by Sammy Timberg. Produced in 1941 for Paramout Pictures. This was also the inspiration for Kerry Conran’s flying robots in ”Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow”
While investigating an egyptologist’s mysterious death, Superman must battle dangerous mummies.
Superman battles saboteurs determined to stop a lady double agent from getting important documents to Washington D.C.
A crook dressed as Superman commits a series of robberies. The real Superman must work fast to counter the bad publicity.
After a Gorilla is accidentally released from a traveling circus. It’s up to Superman to capture and or save the animals.
Lois Lane and an explorer set out on an expedition through an underground cavern and discover a race of hawk-men. When these creatures prepare a ritual sacrifice for the adventurous pair, Superman comes to the rescue.
Superman must protect a small city from being destroyed by a volcano.
