THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL (MGM, 1950)

Tom and Jerry star in THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL, which was animated and released in 1950, the 52nd of 114 Tom and Jerry cartoons. As the title suggests, it is set at the Hollywood Bowl in California, where Tom is conducting a large orchestra.

I love this cartoon for several reasons. The musical and entertainment themes are certainly among them. As a Los Angeles resident, I love seeing the city in films, especially animation. These backgrounds perfectly capture the feel of the amphitheatre, its architectural elements, the landscaping, and even the energy of the venue.

Have a look (thanks again, YouTube):



Now, a sampling of the background art by an uncredited but wonderfully talented artist. I've re-created several of the pan backgrounds. (One day I'll get to the one of the entire orchestra when Tom walks on stage...)









Hooray for Hollywood (and Tom & Jerry)!

ROBIN HOODWINKED (MGM, 1958)

OK, gang, have a look at today's cartoon (thanks, again, YouTube):



Now, the background art by Robert Gentle. Note the stylistic influence of the fifties: simpler, leaner, overall far less elaborate B/G art. This opening shot of Sherwood Forest is a notable exception:


Which then pans right... here's the digitally assembled pan shot (couldn't eliminate the "Sh," sorry)

A great castle shot:

Most unusual, this huge vertical pan:

For reference, here's the bottom framing of the pan shot:

And various interior castle shots:





This is an interior too... of Tom's dental cavern!

The next few are in and around the castle (including the moat!):






The final background today is another rendering of Sherwood Forest:

And for today, boys and girls, this is:

MOUSE IN MANHATTAN (MGM, 1945)

more SOLID SERENADE