Arena

Episode Synopsis

'America gave to the world two original art forms: one was jazz, the other was full character animation' (Chuck Jones) In 1908, the comic strip artist Winsor McCay brought to life, on film, his celebrated 'little Nemo' characters. The first words that appeared on the screen were 'Watch me move!' Tonight Arena salutes the pioneers of animation, in a festival of early cinema cartoons: funny, inventive and often astonishingly beautiful. Including unique footage of Gertie the Dinosaur acting with her creator, McCay; the rise and fall of the first cartoon superstar, Felix the cat; the sexy antics of Betty Boob - later toned down by the censor; the earliest Silly Symphonies, Loonie Tunes and Merrie Melodies; and an exploration of the surreal and violent world of the brilliant Tex Avery. Contributing their memories, the creators and animators who gave us these still compelling images, including John Fitzsimmons, Otto Mesmer, Grim Natwick, Friz Freleng, Walter Lantz and Chuck Jones.