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 This book covers his life and work and the history of the studio that bore his name, with previously unpublished artwork and photographs.

For the first time since their original publication in the Sunday funnies of the 1930s, all the Betty Boop color comics are collected and reprinted here in full color. Since her first appearance in tuneful animated cartoons by the Fleischer Studios, the popular Boop-Oop-a-Doop girl has WOWED million of moviegoers. This colorful collection of Betty's Sunday Funnies also includes other rare Sunday strips - Max Fleischer's Out of the Inkwell, and a comic by and about Helen Kane, the singer and film star who inspired the creation of Betty Boop. Sweet Betty will win your heart all over again in this irresistible collection!

The beloved webcomic collected in its entirety for the first time in a beautiful deluxe edition! Author Alec Robbins is deeply in love with his wife, 1930s cartoon superstar Betty Boop. And wouldn't you know it, she loves him back! It's the perfect marriage, and nothing will ever go wrong. They'll be happy together forever and nothing will ever come between them--not other famous cartoon characters, not intellectual property law, and certainly not Alec's own towering insecurities. Basically, they're just both really happy together and everything's good and nice and that's the end of it. No more questions. Don't even bother reading this comic. Absurdist humor, a middle finger to corporate IP, and a sweetly romantic heart blend together into one of the most inventive comics of the Twitter age.

Despite the stock market crash of October 1929, thousands of theatregoers still flocked to the Great White Way throughout the country’s darkest years. In keeping with the Depression and the events leading up to World War II, 1930s Broadway was distinguished by numerous political revues and musicals, including three by George Gershwin (Strike Up the Band, Of Thee I Sing, and Let ’Em Eat Cake). The decade also saw the last musicals by Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Vincent Youmans; found Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in full flower; and introduced both Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen’s music to Broadway. In The Complete Book of 1930s Broadway Musicals, Dan Dietz examines in detail every musical that opened on Broadway from 1930 through 1939. This book discusses the era’s major successes, notorious failures, and musicals that closed during their pre-Broadway tryouts. It includes such shows as Anything Goes, As Thousands Cheer, Babes in Arms, The Boys from Syracuse, The Cradle Will Rock, The Green Pastures, Hellzapoppin, Hot Mikado, Porgy and Bess, Roberta, and various editions of Ziegfeld Follies. Each entry contains the following information: Plot summary Cast members Names of all important personnel, including writers, composers, directors, choreographers, producers, and musical directors Opening and closing dates Number of performances Critical commentary Musical numbers and the performers who introduced the songs Production data, including information about tryouts Source material Details about London and other foreign productions Besides separate entries for each production, the book offers numerous appendixes, including a discography, filmography, and list of published scripts, as well as lists of black-themed and Jewish-themed productions. This comprehensive book contains a wealth of information and provides a comprehensive view of each show. The Complete Book of 1930s Broadway Musicals will be of use to scholars, historians, and casual fans of one of the greatest decades in musical theatre history.

“Everybody’s favorite liberated cartoon woman.” —Elle Classic and loveable Betty Boop is as fashionable, inspiring, and popular as ever! If there’s one thing Betty knows, it’s how to make a lasting impression. For more than 80 years, the glamorous international icon has sung, sashayed, and “Boop-Oop-a-Dooped” past rules and conventions, unafraid to take risks or set trends, and proving time after time that she can do anything she sets her mind to! Betty is beloved by millions of fans around the world, who are enchanted not only by her adorable appearance and iconic phrase, but also by her wit, inspiring messages, and ahead-of-her-time wisdom. Here the authors take ten empowering and universally inspiring themes pulled directly from the classic Fleischer Studios Betty Boop cartoons and demonstrate why they’re more relevant than ever in today’s world by blending them with modern images and timeless wisdom and advice. All-encompassing topics include: Self-confidence Positive thinking Independence Kindness Healthy living And more! Youthful, ambitious, sassy, and confident, Betty Boop seeks to make a positive change in the world around her. She is vibrant and magnetic—she inspires. Betty is stylish and sexy, but never to please anyone but herself. She’s got class. She’s proud of who she is and won’t apologize for it, approaching life with irrepressible moxie. And with her daring look, can-do attitude, and irresistible charm, Betty is ready for anything that comes her way.

'Uptown Conversation' asserts that jazz is not only a music to define, it is a culture. The essays illustrate how for more than a century jazz has initiated a call and response across art forms, geographies, and cultures, inspiring musicians, filmmakers,painters and poets.