This sequence of drawings was done for a scene from an unproduced Mickey Mouse short film. My guess is that they date back to the early 1950s. Fred might not have been at the peak of his form anymore, but his work still showcases an exuberant joy for animating Disney's iconic character. When he took over from Ub Iwerks, there is a sense of ownership and self expression. Fred Moore was the right guy at the right time in the right place.
Just imagine what amazing work he still would have produced, had it not been for addiction and the tragic car accident on November 23, 1952.
But the work he did during his lifetime speaks for itself. It is a celebration of the human spirit, and therefor a celebration of life. Love on paper. This man deserves a book, filled with his art that continues to inspire generations. It will happen.
Well said Andreas. It's such a big "What would've happen" had he stay clean. It is such a tragic loos to the animation world.Even though he and a few other animators weren't up to the "realism and subtleties" that the films were heading into, his work on the shorts, let alone his mentor ship would suffice. I do hope someone makes a book about him and the legacy he brought to the studio with his talents. Maybe you could put in a chapter or two and supply the numerous pics you own from him. I know Eric Goldberg is another huge fan of his. I would definitely help kick start that campaign or just plain buy it.
ReplyDeleteLes Clark took over from Iwerks. Moore took over from Clark.
ReplyDeleteHi Andreas, thank you for your blog, I always look forward to any of your new posts. You idea of a book about Fred Moore is great. If you ever decide to kick start it I will support that campaign and buy the book.
ReplyDeleteI love Fred Moor animation and the way he redesigned Mickey. My favourite short of Mickey is Brave little Taylor, in particular the scene when Mickey tells the story of how he killed 7 to the King. The acting there is splendid. I am not sure who did this scene but I heard Fred Moor did work on this short.
Frank Thomas did that scene ^^^
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! This is like an early Christmas present! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFred Moore was incredible, especially because he had very limited formal art training. Mickey is truly ALIVE in these drawings. Mr. Deja, you respected so well his heritage, because you brought Mickey alive the same way as Fred Moore did. Thank you!
I had no idea that Fred Moore had those problems. You know there was this one Mickey Mouse cartoon where Mickey and Pluto were getting their Christmas tree but didn't realize Chip and Dale were in the tree. Was that a Fred Moore cartoon?
ReplyDeleteYes he did most of Mickey's scenes in that cartoon.
DeleteWonderful drawings
ReplyDeletePIGSKIN PLUTO (later PLUTO PLAYS FOOTBALL), early 1950s (shelved)...
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