The Art and Inventions of Max Fleischer

The history of animated cartoons has for decades been dominated by the accomplishments of Walt Disney, giving the impression that he invented the medium. In reality, it was the work of several pioneers. Max Fleischer—inventor of the Rotoscope technique of tracing animation frame by frame over live-action footage—was one of the most prominent. By the 1930s, Fleischer and Disney were the leading producers of animated films but took opposite approaches. Where Disney reflected a Midwestern sentimentality, Fleischer presented a sophisticated urban attitude with elements of German Expressionism and organic progression. In contrast to Disney’s naturalistic animation, Fleischer’s violated physical laws, supporting his maxim: “If it can be done in real life, it isn’t animation.” As a result, Fleischer’s cartoons were rough rather than refined, commercial rather than consciously artistic—yet attained a distinctive artistry through Fleischer’s innovations. This book covers his life and work and the history of the studio that bore his name, with previously unpublished artwork and photographs.

A 40–year film and animation professional, Ray Pointer studied film and television production at Wayne State University and University of Southern California. He served as a film producer for the U.S. Navy Office of Information and worked in the animation industry for Film Roman, Hanna-Barbera, Fred Wolf Films, MGM and Nickelodeon. He lives in Pontiac, Michigan.

Ray Pointer

Foreword by Jerry Beck

Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 320
Bibliographic Info: 254 photos (15 in color), filmography, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2017
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6367-8
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2741-0
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Foreword by Jerry Beck 1
Prologue 3
Introduction 5
1. The Formative Years 7
2. The Birth of a Career 21
3. The Inkwell Studio 42
4. Fleischer Studios, Inc. 62
5. The Queen of the Animated Screen: Betty Boop 87
6. Betty Boop on the Couch: A Character Analysis 103
7. The Fleischer Factory 112
8. The Popeye Plant 133
Between pages 152 and 153 are 8 color plates containing 15 photographs
9. The Spinach Lid Blows Off 153
10. Picking Up the Pieces 167
11. Setting Sail for Miami 174
12. Stormy Seas Ahead 198
13. The Ship Wreck 221
14. The Change of Command 247
15. Separate Courses, New Directions 258
16. Recommissioned 265
17. Raising the Inkwell 274
Filmography 285
List of Animators 295
Chapter Notes 297
Bibliography 299
Index 301

• “Pointer’s account of Fleischer’s life and work draws on his own experience in film and animation as well as interviews with Fleischer family members. It is also stocked with previously unpublished photographs and artwork, including trade ads and patent diagrams. The story of this artist-inventor and the early days of animation will appeal to all interested in film history and iconic cartoons”—Booklist
• “Animation historian Ray Pointer has done a terrific job of painstakingly piecing together the puzzle that profiles the rise and fall of the man and his studio that truly was Disney’s ‘greatest rival’…recommended highly…a tremendous history…well worth getting…outstanding…image quality is terrific…essential…crammed full of a lot of rare material you just won’t find anywhere else”—Popeye, Official Popeye Fanclub News Magazine
• “Fascinating…a working blend of information, entertainment and scholarship”—SpeedReaders