Hell-Bent for Election

“Hell-Bent for Election,” a political animation for the 1944 presidential election, funded by the United Auto Workers, promoting President Franklin D. Roosevelt (the fast express train) over Republican oppontent Thomas Dewey (the tired old steamer). Voters are encouraged not to “fall asleep at the switch.” It’s also a “win the war” message.

Directed by Chuck Jones and written by Robert Lees, with music by Earl Robinson and lyrics by E.Y. “Yip” Harburg. Narrated by Marvin Miller. The is the first production of United Productions of America (UPA), made in founder Zack Schwartz’s apartment. UPA made training films during WWII, won Academy Awards for its post-war theatrical cartoons, and later transitioned to television. UPA was active up through the 1970s.

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Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-D6r

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Confidence

“Confidence,” with Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933. Directed by Bill Nolan; animated by Ray Abrams,  Tex Avery, Cecil Surry, Jack Carr, and Ernest Smythe.

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Short link: http://wp.me/p6sb6-qhW

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

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Thanksgiving 2011

As Americans enjoy food and family at Thanksgiving dinner today, many will have an image of a Norman Rockwell painting in mind, an image of domestic warmth and plenty. But that painting was commissioned as a magazine illustration for a 1943 Saturday Evening Post issue based on one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms. The painting’s name: “Freedom From Want.” It was paired with an astounding essay by poet and novelist Carlos Bulosan, whose work and life deserve more attention.

FDR’s speech had been delivered two years earlier, while the country, still emerging from the Depression, was burdened with the expense of providing support for allies in a war the U.S. had not yet entered. Today the speech is remembered for the Four Freedoms, but it also recognized that “there is nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy.”