Category Archives: 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days

June 1932 – May 1941

Marge on Art Babbitt

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Art Babbitt

A mini-doc on Art Babbitt, through the eyes and voice of his ex-wife, Marge, née Belcher, later Champion. Disney man Hal Adelquist is one of the other beach-goers.  Adelquist would later testify against Babbitt at the National Labor Relations Board … Continue reading →

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How Babbitt Changed Animation Methodology – Pt 4 of 4

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Art Babbitt

LIVE ACTION REFERENCE We’ve discussed how Babbitt contributed to the development of animation and Disney’s golden age in many hugely significant ways.  The last method I’ll touch upon here is his use of Live Action reference. I’ve talked about it … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Alice in Wonderland, Animation, California, Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged , | 1 Comment

How Babbitt Changed Animation Methodology – Pt 3 of 4

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Art Babbitt

Cartoon Character Analysis Hollywood cartoon characters up to 1934 lacked a certain luster.  In the early 1930s, live-action actors were happily pigeon-holed into roles: Douglas Fairbanks was the hero, Charley Chaplin was the tramp.  But these stars were exceptional. They … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, New York | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

How Babbitt Changed Animation Methodology – Pt 2 of 4

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Art Babbitt

The Animation Technique of Breaking the Joints You must have noticed that if you wag a pencil in just the right way, it appears to be made of rubber.  It’s an optical illusion that makes a rigid object appear to move … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, Mickey Mouse | Tagged , | 1 Comment

How Babbitt Changed Animation Methodology – Pt 1 of 4

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Art Babbitt

Film history has many great pioneers who were the first to try a new technique and elevate the entire medium.  In live action film, some of the most noted artists to do so are directors and actors.  In animation, it … Continue reading →

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Happy 106th Birthday, Art Babbitt

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Art Babbitt

  In honor of Art Babbitt’s birthday, I’m sharing an interesting bit of European memorabilia.  Ten years ago this year, Babbitt was honored with an exhibit of his work in Austria’s Gallerie Maringer.   … Does anyone care to translate?

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, 1946-1970s: Later Years, miscellaneous, Photography, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Wicked Queen Gif

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Here’s a brief Snow White GIF of some Babbitt animation. This is Sequence 7A, shot 20A, as the Queen says, “Now begin thy magic spell.” As these thirteen images play on a loop, imagine Babbitt flipping the graphite drawings in his … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, Disney, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged | 1 Comment

Babbitt Sues Over $1.29

Posted on August 24, 2013 by Art Babbitt

 If you picked up the New York Times Magazine this past Sunday, you might have glanced at this week’s moral lodestone in “The Ethicist” column. It contextually condemns particular principles that a Mr. Art Babbitt held dear. The printed query … Continue reading →

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Marge Champion receives Lifetime Achievement Award Tonight!

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Disney fans might recognize Marge Champion, ex-wife and muse of Art Babbitt, as any one of these three characters: But to the dancing public, she’s a legend for her actual on-screen appearances.  And this very night, she is receiving a … Continue reading →

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1931 Disney Staff Caricatures & Profiles – pt 8

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Art Babbitt

In this, the final installment of snippets from the June 20, 1931 issue of Motion Picture Daily, I had to composite some various images together to doctor a complete caricature of Walt and Frank Churchill.  Enjoy this glimpse at Walt … Continue reading →

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