The Walter Lantz Cartune Encyclopedia: 1940

NOTE: Lantz had so much difficulty in finding alternative sources for funds, that his studio shut its doors for a short period in early 1940. The fourth Andy Panda short, "Crazy House" was completed during the studio's brief close and is recognized as Lantz's first fully-independent cartoon. He later managed to secure a seven-year contract with Universal and reopened shop again. This would last until 1947, when he would seek United Artists for distribution of his films. The studio's closure during this year explains why only eight shorts were released.


Andy Panda Goes Fishing

"Andy Panda Goes Fishing"

Release Date: 1/22/40
Direction: Burt Gillett
Story: Victor McLeod and Gil Burton
Animation: Ray Fahringer and Fred Kopietz
Music: Frank Marsales

Notes:
  • Production Number: 983
  • The opening credits feature an unusual song that was used only once for this cartoon.
  • Includes reused animation from "Life Begins for Andy Panda" (1939)
  • Andy refers to the turtle (who talks like Jack Benny's valet, Eddie Rochester) as "Mr. Whippletree". Model sheets referred to him simply as "Rochester Turtle".

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    Kittens' Mittens

    "Kittens' Mittens"

    Release Date: 2/12/40
    Direction: Alex Lovy
    Story: Victor McLeod
    Animation: George Dane and LaVerne Harding
    Music: Frank Marsales

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 985
  • Last onscreen credit for Victor McLeod
  • Some sources incorrectly list this cartoon as "Kitten Mitten"

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    Adventures of Tom Thumb Jr.

    "Adventures of Tom Thumb Jr."

    Release Date: 3/4/40
    Direction: Burt Gillett
    Music Frank Marsales

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 987
  • Last onscreen credit for Burt Gillett at Lantz

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    100 Pygmies and Andy Panda

    "100 Pygmies and Andy Panda"

    Release Date: 4/22/40
    Direction: Alex Lovy
    Music: Frank Marsales

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 986
  • The final appearance of Mr. Whippletree
  • Includes reused animation from "Life Begins for Andy Panda" (1939)

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    Crazy House

    "Crazy House"

    Release Date: 9/23/40
    Direction: Walter Lantz (uncreited)
    Music: Frank Marsales (uncredited)

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 990
  • Reissued for television as "Fun House"
  • Michael Barrier speculates that the director is actually Alex Lovy.
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    Recruiting Daze

    "Recruiting Daze"

    Release Date: 10/28/40
    Direction: Walter Lantz
    Artists: Alex Lovy and Lester Kline
    Story: Ben Hardaway and Lowell Elliot
    Music: Frank Marsales
    Narration: George Fischer

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 991
  • Working title: "Be Prepared"
  • First onscreen credits for Ben Hardaway and Lowell Elliot at Lantz
  • Leonard Maltin and Jeff Lenburg both claim that the director of this cartoon is actually Alex Lovy

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    Knock Knock

    "Knock Knock"

    Release Date: 11/25/40
    Direction: Walter Lantz
    Artists: Alex Lovy and Frank Tipper
    Story: Ben Hardaway and Lowell Elliot
    Music: Frank Marsales

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 992
  • The first appearance of Woody Woodpecker
  • The final musical score by Frank Marsales at Lantz.

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    Syncopated Sioux

    "Syncopated Sioux"

    Release Date: 12/30/40
    Direction: Walter Lantz
    Artists: Alex Lovy and Ray Fahringer
    Story: Ben Hardaway and Lowell Elliot

    Notes:
  • Production Number: 993
  • No credit is given to the musical director of this cartoon. One would tend to think that Frank Marsales would have done it, but it is also possible (and very likely) that Darrell Calker could have as well. Calker would take over Marsales' place starting in 1941.

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