MAX FLEISCHER’S CARTOON

Southland Times, Issue 24056, 21 February 1940, Page 5

MAX FLEISCHER’S CARTOON

“Gulliver’s Travels” POPULAR APPEAL OF NEW CHARACTER “Gulliver’s- Travels,” the immortal story of Dean Swift, has been responsible for a film novelty of the same name and a new film star. A Fleischer-Paramount feature length cartoon, “Gulliver’s Travels, took 18 months to make. Three hundred stage, screen and radio performers were heard when an attempt was made to obtain the perfect “voice” for Gulliver. Sam Parker, a radio announcer, was the lucky aspirant. The voices of Lanny Ross and Jessica Dragonette, who sing the roles of the tiny Princess Glory of Lilliput, and Prince David, of Blefuscu, were recorded in New York. The feature, was drawn and photographed at the Fleischer Studio in Miami, Florida. The film was developed, printed and scored in Hollywood. Many interesting characters are introduced into the picture, including a comedy spy trio —Sneak, Snoop and Snitch—and there is much tuneful music. But Gabby, the irrepressible little town crier of Lilliput, steals the show.

When he resumes his film career in a later series of featured short reel comedies, Gabby will not have a kind word to say about anybody even himself. His further adventures will be filmed at the Miami, Florida, animated studios of Max Fleischer, producer, and Dave Fleischer, director and co-pro-ducer.

The film introduces the minute inhabitants of Lilliput, on the verge of war with their neighbours because the two countries cannot agree on the songs to be sung at the wedding of the prince and princess.

Australian Enid Bennett, star of the silent era, has made her comeback effort in “Intermezzo.” Although it was only a small part she played it so well that R.K.O. has signed her for the character lead in the new Jean Hersholt series, “Dr Christian.” Fifteen years ago these two worked together in “The Wrong Mr Right.”

Both Metro and Warners want to make a life story of Benjamin Franklin. Rival candidates for the role are Edward G. Robinson and Spencer Tracy.

Pete Smith, who has made an international name with his short subjects and won an Academy Award for his dog picture, “Wanted, A Master,” is about to start work on a new short about a dog. This time it will be the life of a common, garden variety mongrel named Stuffie, 'showing the trials and tribulations of a dog without a home or master.

The Don Ameches christened their third and latest son, Thomas Anthony, in the Chapel of Hollywood’s St. Vincent’s Hospital.