The Golden Age Of Hollywood - MGM Studios

 

What I absolutely love about old movies is their timeless appeal and continuing influence on cinema itself, but what's especially so great about them is their certain vibe they're going with, you could get a simple action packed film, a genuinely interesting comedy and best, people dancing with their partners or a group of normal healthy living people.

Last week and this week I've been countlessly watching old hollywood sequences from movies I'm destined to watch in the future. If you were going to tell me what studio has the best films to date it would easily be MGM, all throughout the 30s-60s. Some of my favorite movies are produced by that studio and their color schemes are all gorgeous and creative. I recently watched The Band Wagon and despite some really talkative and interrupted sobbing here and there, this film was absoutely great with a masterful third act.

This is a screencap from that movie. This is what I'm talking about, the visuals. Nowadays I get kinda sick of movies being on that boring 2.55:1 aspect ratio. The 4:3 aspect ratio is my type of appeal.

Technicolor was also at it's best in the midst of the late 40s and 50s. I'm sure this film wouldn't overstay it's welcome if it was B&W cuz I love how films look when it looks real and alive, seriously when I watched some of the scenes in the old MGM films especially On The Town and Easter Parade, the colors looked handsome like I was sucked into the past real world.

They also hired some of the most flawless, fascinating, talented people ever. We got Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Ann Miller, Frank Sinatra, you name it. 

I especially love it when the people I mentioned, two of them are paired together, it makes it even BETTER!

I live with these people, they're influential to me for a reason. I can describe these movies in a few words, they're just sweet, full of joy, and full of spirit, impressive.

This is a picture that perfectly fits with what I said. Look at the people in the background, Don't look directly at Gene, people are just casually walking, experiencing life itself, no phones, just a normal, exciting environment. 

Look at these posters, when you look at them, you'll definitely be able to experience some fun, enthusiasm, and creativity.

MGM was also known for it's best cartoons, Tom and Jerry and Tex Avery.

It must've been a sensation to watch an amusing animated short film filled with slapstick, gags and comedic witty energy before a beautiful, eloquent movie starts playing and everyone is smiling.

I'll be back on the animation grind tomorrow.

Cinema Admiration - Dancing And Old Musicals + 2D Animation

 

There's alot of reasons as to why I admire dance scenes in old and especially newer movies, they fit into that spirited, enjoyment style.

I love seeing anyone dance, I love it's graceful movements and adds a layer of action. 

Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Vera Ellen, Ann Miller, and much much more appreciated actors and actresses are big influences of mine, not because I want to dance just like them, I suck at dancing, but I love their artistic ability to just move in energetic and original fun ways, this scene from Three Little Words (1950) looks gorgeous. That's another thing, I don't mind B&W musicals, but technicolor is even better and full of more personality. 

Whenever I watch any group of characters dance, I really glance through the timing and motion, the instrumentals in these also make the scenes alot more fun.

Just like animation, I can state what principles are used in these dance scenes, these people have lively energy in their soul, and so does most iconic cartoon characters.

It tends to have alot of timing and motion, making it easy to focus.

As well as exaggeration, which is my favorite of the principles. 

I look into random clips myself by going onto Youtube playlists even though I didn't watch the feature film it was taken place. For example, I adored Ann Miller's Too Darn Hot segment. It would've been impossible for me to react to something like this if it weren't for good ol' YouTube. It's a great place to watch some classic clips for less than 5 minutes.

In this scene, Ann Miller strikes the screen with her pink glamorous outfit and swings her fan from time to time. It's such a beautiful scene in particular and if your wondering which movie it is, it's Kiss Me Kate (1953).

I would like to acknowledge about my other top favorite artistry and that's traditional 2D animation, do you ever see animated characters dance like real people do? Not a ton, but some can.

In most cases, it's what I'm striving for.

I love the appeal of animation like this. 

The truth is I heard that Disney is bringing back 2D animation. 

https://wdwnt.com/2025/06/walt-disney-animation-studios-cco-teases-possible-2d-comeback/

This is great news honestly, and it might be a comeback rise to Disney as a whole. While I do like the 3D animated films, they honestly have had countless sequels, and more complexity to them, now like I was saying, not bad at all in the slightest, but I'm definitely impressed that people are still caring about that good vibe and nostalgia in older Disney films, like I do. This also reminds me of other modern films this decade like Looney Tunes The Day The Earth Blew Up which was a masterpiece.

Anyways I'm back talking about dancing!

In rare scenarios, there has got to be a scene, that looks impossible to do, but is so gratifying, it's honestly alot of hard-work and professionalism to pull it off, this is from one of the films I watched recently Hellzapoppin' (1941). This is by far the most iconic part of the film, and I can definitely see why.

You don't get this much exaggeration and wild energy anymore, this stuff really interests me immediately, it's distracting yet, the second or few times I watch parts like this again, it's so smooth and pleasing.

Finally to end it off, here's a perfect example of studying the basics of good dancing. This is from the movie, Me And My Gal (1942) starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, 2 incredible and truly legendary people. 

1 - Walk

This type of walk I could say has been done in almost every musical stage performance, it's genuinely flawless, and quite a cycle.

2 - Tone

The scene now focuses more on both Judy and Gene, that's only because it's matter of the staging principle. 

3 - Flow and Posing

Now Judy and Gene take off their hats, this gives the entire performance more personality.

And there you have it. Here's the full video for a better view and experience.

Chuck Roast

 

I would like to introduce someone that brought my school more joy and comedic force, and that is Mr. Wojcik. He was such an incredible person, I love his character Chuck Roast, I even got the chance to make him art on his birthday once and I definitely enjoyed working with him in the 11th grade in Intermedia class. 

I always felt like wanting to make a TV show starring my own characters and special guests sorta like how The Muppets Show does it. 

I have came up with a few concepts already for one of my episodes, but just recently I tried coming up with ideas of a Chuck Roast episode.

Here's some storyboards.

This is The Artmania Show's cast of projectors, they absolutely admire Chuck Roast and all three of them can't wait to meet him.

Now lastly for a bonus, I want to design a logo for Chuck Roast. I'm keeping it limited, not too much colors, but it's got that iconic hat of his.

His logo from one of the projects I did back when I had intermedia class looks nice and is memorable, but I feel like mine is more suitable.

The Best Of Trading Cards - Absolute Vintage Bliss

 

I've been loving these lately, it makes me think of how much I adored illustrations throughout my entire life. 

These are Old Maid trading cards. They're extremely vintage, really well-drawn and detailed, what I admire about these in particular is the creative names of the characters. 

These are so original and unique, each character has a distinct and simple style in every card. 

These were mostly made in the early 20th century, back when the medium of art actually had care and real talent in all aspects.

There is a variety of different artists and different illustrations which is nice. 

But still, it let's you invest in these one-off inventive characters.

Here's some rare Mickey Mouse cards from the same brand. I really like this because the characters have some natural color schemes and fun designs.

Ever wondered what could've happened if Giddy Goat was a cartoon star, he looked like he would team with Goofy, Horace and Clarabelle.

Now here's some other trading cards, these are from the early 80s. It's really appealing and worth the merchandising. Each card resembles a short from Donald Duck's filmography, like Donald's Diary, and Donald Applecore.

Now here's some Mickey Mouse cards. This has way more of a great selection of shots from the older cartoons.

Here's something to awaken your senses. These are Topps Ugly Stickers, these are creepily interesting. It's very detailed and extremely well-drawn. Drawn by Basil Wolverton. He designs alot of grotesque stuff, but I can't complain. I kinda like it. 

Now here's a pack of cards I grew up with and was obsessed with, Wacky Packages, these were the most hilarious products you'll ever witness. They made over one million of these.

Would it be great if there were ever cards starring these guys?

Another Saturday Shopping Trip 🛍

 

Last November I went to a toy exhibition, I went there again and got some new stuff.

Here's what I bought today.

I ALWAYS wanted to watch Huckleberry Hound and I finally got myself a DVD. Only 6 episodes but ey I'm all for it. 

Garfield in golf-wear.

Here's Eeyore, the most relatable and likeable character in Disney history. Here's him close to my Winnie and Christopher Robin frame for your pleasure. 

Got more porcelain dolls, like I said previously these are adorable and I'm extremely interested in these things.

Took a picture of Pinocchio, who is now clearly looking like a real boy with Jiminy Cricket. 

 

Newly added to the toy club is 2 Donald Ducks and Dodger, his toy design is really good.

I love Foghorn Leghorn so had to buy this, he's holding onto Henery Hawk which is great.  

I already have an Aladdin toy, but he only has a lamp, here THIS aladdin has a sword and more stylish arabian clothing.

Some more fun toys. That Bambi owl is the best.

Here's John Smith doing a breakdance.

Goofy has got himself a lady to hang out with, apparently it's Anita from One Hundred and One Dalmatians. She was falling all over the place, and didnt know where she could stand so she had to be placed close to someone. 

I bought a full bag of tiny figurines of random human beings. This stuff really interests me.

This was also in the bag.

Now for the books!

I was so glad I finally bought these, more to experience and explore from Goofy Donald and Mickey. These are some of the better books made in Disney's name.

I'm going to make a full post on Richard Scarry's artwork of his bunny in the future.

And finally, I got myself something Betty Boop related. 

I'm a fan of her cartoons so this was a great find.