A PROFITABLE CAT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 29 December 1925, Page 7

A PROFITABLE CAT.

OliiC INAXOit OF ‘ FELIX. ” -MR. SULLIVAN IN AUCKLAND. Mr. Rat Sullivan, the originator oi Felix, the black cat whose screen antics in animated cartoons, have become known the world over, passed through Auckland by the Aorangi An Australian by birth, Mr. Sullivan has been residing in New York for a number of years. He lias been to Australia- on a short visit. Felix, who came into existence live years ago, makes his appearance weekly in several hundred newspapers in' America and on the Continent, as well as performing in cinema cartoons which are shown in almost every country of the world. “helix was a very bad cat when he was born,” said Mr. Sullivan. “He did everything, from licking paste off gluepots to disturbing the tranquility of a respectable household. He was preceded bj- a diminutive negro boy. One day my wife brought ill a black cat and suggested the theme of the cartoons should be changed. Felix was the outcome.” The Felix -cartoons are supplied to the Hirst newspapers in America, and to syndicates in England and abroad. Mr. Hirst said he drew a whole page a week for the Hirst papers, and for it received £l(X>. The series was ready for nine months ahead. The screen rights in America. and England brought £2OOO a picture, a price which would be coveted by many a real star of drama or comedy. “There is never any difficulty in getting Felix to do bis stunts,” said Mr. Sullivan. “He lias become used' to the screen and newspaper publicity and seems to know just what to do when I start on a Cartoon. He is a very lovable cat. and lias made his persona'ity felt. Sometime he will perform right through a cartoon without any apparent assistance from the pen. When he starts on some escapade he is inclined to get a little out of control, and I am often amused at the turn of events in a cartoon whose theme is uncannily handled by the amusing little fellow who refuses to keep out of trouble.”