Saturday, November 13, 2010
Fred Allen's Donut Cartoons
Fred Allen was an American comedian whose absurdist, topically pointed radio show (1932–1949) made him one of the most popular and forward-looking humorists in the so-called classic era of American radio, (you can find out more about him HERE.) What concerns us in today's post-Veteran's Day / Remembrance Day post is this collection of "funniest donut cartoons" that Allen produced in conjunction with the Doughnut Corporation of America in 1946. Assembled here are some familiar, and not so familiar classic gags from the golden era of cartoons, chosen by Fred and packaged in a small 30+ page booklet as a way to not only entertain, but to also show support during overseas war efforts when Americans were voluntarily depriving themselves of bread, cakes, and doughnuts (aka the valuable wheat ingredient) to help feed the starving millions of four continents. Also includes some fun tips on how to turn your square shindig into a super-duper, dynamite Donut Party!
Donut comics???!?! Who'da thunk it?!
ReplyDelete>Donut comics???!?! Who'da thunk it?!
ReplyDeleteI think you mean "who'da dunked it?!"
This is how Americans used to deal with sacrifice - a tough, self-depreciating humor: A response at once mature and deeply resilient (not to mention very funny).Well done, past-Americans (and Fred Allen).
ReplyDeleteDO-NUTS!!!
ReplyDeletei like donuts...
oh yeah, i forgot-
ReplyDeleteFLYING CRULLERS!
oh, my sainted aunt!...
Unless I'm forgetting something obvious, it seems really alien to produce an omnibus of comics collected by theme. I was surprised to see big names like Ernie Bushmiller and Bud Fisher included in the same book together.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a book on, say, sci-fi in the comics of the eighties including Doonesbury and Calvin and Hobbes and Bloom County all in the same book. I imagine this is an improvement stemming from the fact that creators finally won the rights to their own stuff, but I also have to think we've lost something, too.
Like that hypothetical sci-fi book I was just talking about, for example.
>Well done, past-Americans (and Fred Allen).
ReplyDeleteGiving up a good donut for your country is indeed a tough bit of sacrifice, eh Myk?!
>FLYING CRULLERS!
That is one laugh out loud moment for sure, Prof! I would definitely like to see more from Silly Milly. Anyone know anything about JITTER? I like the idea of two monkeys causing endless torment to humans.
>Like that hypothetical sci-fi book I was just talking about, for example.
Perhaps that book is simply "lost in space" Mr C? har har!
Okay, as we get closer to Thanksgiving, the AEET posts are going to take a turn for your stomach... November in my book means the same thing as FOOD so that should stuff your mouth with an idea of what's to come. Don't spoil your appetite kids!
Something I'd never seen before...there's always something new. And me being a huge cartoon AND Fred Allen fan.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for posting!
>And me being a huge cartoon AND Fred Allen fan.
ReplyDeleteAEET promises to DOUBLE your fun on every visit, Jeff! Thanks again for looking.
oh my god! that donut-string kissing/donut biting game is in here too! man - that totally seemed made up to me. but maybe it was a total thing back then!
ReplyDelete