These photos were taken sometime during the early 1990s, when Ollie had invited friends and their families to ride on his model train. The tracks went around the house and beyond, and Ollie enjoyed sharing his hobby train regularly. Even Walt Disney stopped by sometime in the late 1950s for a test ride. I remember what a fun Saturday afternoon this was, riding the train and watching Ollie turn into a kid.
I am sitting at the end of the train, while Hans Bacher is trying to film the trip from a low camera angle.
A few key drawings from one of Ollie's last animation assignments. For Robin Hood he was mostly responsible for Prince John and Sir Hiss, but he animated other characters as well. Here Little John questions Robin Hood's philosophy: "You know something, Robin, I was just wondering. Are we good guys or bad guys? You know, I mean, our robbin' the rich to feed the poor."
Look at how light and delicate these drawings are. No animator's fight to achieve the right poses.
Pure intuition, that's why Ollie always had such an impressive output for footage. He got that from his mentor Fred Moore.
The photo of all of you sitting on the train made me smile :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pics from Ollie's yard :)
ReplyDeleteOllie was always a master of convincing animated emotion and sincerity and appeal. But even as a child watching Robin Hood I noticed that this scene of Little John was more off model or at least inconsistent with his other scenes, especially Milt's. I always wondered ... in their latter years did Frank and Ollie stop going to Milt to draw over some of their poses? Did they care less about what Milt thought or not want to deal with Milt anymore by then?
Thanks again for all the wonderful things you share!
All the best~
Wow that is so cool you got a chance to do that with Ollie. It's sad he's not around anymore. You know I think he made two cameos with Frank Thomas in the movies Iron Giant and the Incredibles who were directed by Brad Bird. By the way what kind of paper did Ollie use when he drew Little John?
ReplyDeleteHi Andreas. I had a great time speaking with you and Matthew on Saturday. I mentioned the Bancroft Brothers, Rick Farmiloe and I will be at the hotel restaurant on Sunday eating breakfast at 8:15am (I will be there at 8) Please feel free to join us. I know you guys have the Focal Press Authors talk at 9:30am. See you this weekend! -Britni Brault
ReplyDeleteI've heard about his model train. I believe Walt Disney had a train running through his yard as well.
ReplyDeleteThat little train could tow 4 adults? Wow.
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