Walter Lantz Story with Woody Woodpecker and Friends

I have been studying the rich history of American animation for years.Walter Lantz was an early animator whose name appears over and overthrough the decades, so I was motivated to read about him, and after lookingover available publications I ordered this book.I suppose a qualifier is in order. As a boy I was never fond of Woody, Wally, Andy or other Lantz characters.Over six decades, his studio produced 800 plus cartoons, releasing morethan 600 theatrical releases, more than any other Hollywood animation studio.The man was known for his kindness and peerless generosity, characteristics that were uncommon in the Hollywood studio system.His career began at the beginning, in the silent era. He survived and thrived after others had simply given up the ghost.The stories in the book are told by the animators who worked for Walter Lantz, and they are all credible witnesses. Walter Lantz ably kept his doors open for years in an economy that did not value theatrical cartoons. He hired people who were legends in animation themselves and wanted to work without the intense pressure common in many studios.This book is a character study about one man who worked in a tough businessand who never lost his compassion for others. This book has been around for years,and I felt lucky to obtain a copy.The book is not without flaws. I wanted to see more photos, knowing that mountains of pictures exist, so I gave it four stars. I recommend this book to students of animation, as well as anyone who loves or loved Woody Woodpecker.

Growing up I remember a little old smiling bald man coming on TV to introduce Woody Woodpecker cartoons. He would trot out his movie projector and a flurry of destruction would unfold. Nothing in the gentle countenance of Walter Lantz would prepare the viewer for the dementia that Woody Woodpecker would unleash.Joe Adamson, who wrote a similar biography of fellow cartoon icon Tex Avery, paints a very special picture of Walter Lantz.Lantz seemingly lived a charmed life. Starting in studio animation in 1916, Lantz was uncanny in his ability to both stay ahead of the industry curve, and survive tough times. His second marriage, to the outside world appeared to be story book.Yet it was his discovery of Woody Woodpecker that led to immortality. It is difficult to imagine the meteoric rise of this character, even as a whole generation has now been to Disney World and seen Micckey Mouse. Lantz understood the franchise value of a character like Woody Woodpecker. He cut a record with the theme song that absolutely captured the nation. He was one of the first to merchandise comic books, dolls and Internationally market his character.Lantz kept his studio intact into his seventies, and worked well into his eighties.Adamson shows him as a decent, good-natured, and kind hearted man.The cartoon industry died a slow death, as we knew it, but Lantz fought that to the end. He was an industry giant

Condition of the book was very good, much nicer than I expected. I enjoyed reading the Walter Lantz Story.

REALLY GOOD BOOK!

A fascinating look into the life of an animation pioneer. And it also shows the good guys do win, occasionally

A great magic history and charm! I am impassioned by Walter Lantz and everyone charmed that he created with its brilliant idea. That book is special. Very interesting and that the love that he had for its work overflows, for its wife and for its friends, and for the people and children of everyone. Walter Lantz is an example for me. It is my reference for my work. It is a book that needs to be at any library of the Wonderful world!