The Walter Lantz Cartune Encyclopedia: 1954

Socko in Morocco Release Date: 1/18/54 Supervision: Don Patterson Animation: Ray Abrams, Herman Cohen, and Ken Southworth Story: Homer Brightman Set Designs: Art Landy Music: Clarence Wheeler Notes: Production Number: U-28 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA)

A Horse's Tale Release Date: 2/15/54 Supervision: Paul J. Smith Animation: Gil Turner, Laverne Harding, and Robert Bentley Story: Michael Maltese Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-27 First onscreen credit for Michael Maltese at Lantz The first Sugarfoot cartoon. Sugarfoot the Horse appeared in only two solo cartoons, before he became a supporting character in later Woody Woodpecker cartoons. The second and final short in the Sugarfoot solo series was Hay Rube (also released in 1954). Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA)

Alley to Bali Release Date: Release Date: 3/15/54 Supervision: Don Patterson Animation: Herman Cohen, Ray Abrams, and Ken Southworth Story: Homer Brightman Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-30 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Reissued as Bali Ho by Castle Films. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 11 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

Dig That Dog Release Date: 4/12/54 Written and Directed By: Ray Patterson and Grant Simmons Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Music: Clarence Wheeler Narration: Frank Nelson Notes: Production Number: U-29 Even though Cuddles the Great Dane was only featured in this one cartoon, he appeared on merchandise including drinking glasses and coloring books. Lantz, a great dane owner himself, was probably fond of this cartoon and the character. Dig That Dog and Broadway Bow Wow's were made independently by the Grantray studio. Grantray (Lawrence) was of course Grant Simmons and Ray Patterson's post-MGM studio. Lantz gave them the go-ahead to write and direct several theatrical cartoons for him. There was no need for them to hire their own music director or background people since Lantz people needed the work. Walter Lantz went so far as to have have a complete budget worked out for every facet of these two cartoons, but was shrewd enough to be sure he obtained ownership of them outright. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Walter Lantz Presents: Man's Best Friend (VHS; Universal/MCA)

Under the Counter Spy Release Date: 5/10/54 Supervision: Don Patterson Animation: Ray Abrams, Herman Cohen, and Ken Southworth Story: Homer Brightman Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-32 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Reissued as Secret Agent F.O.B. by Castle Films. This cartoon spoofs the popular 1951-59 television series Dragnet which was also made into a 1954 feature. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 11 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

Hay Rube Release Date: 6/7/54 Direction: Paul J. Smith Animation: Robert Bentley, La Verne Harding, and Gil Turner Story: Michael Maltese Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-31 The final Sugarfoot cartoon Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 11 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

Hot Rod Huckster Release Date: 7/5/54 Supervision: Don Patterson Animation: Ray Abrams, Herman Cohen, and Ken Southworth Story: Homer Brightman Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-34 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 7 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

Broadway Bow Wow's Release Date: 8/2/54 Written and Directed By: Ray Patterson and Grant Simmons Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Music: Clarence Wheeler Narration: Dick Nelson Notes: Production Number: U-35 For more information about this cartoon, also see: Dig That Dog (1954) Reissued as Vodvil Daze by Castle Films. Hidden Gags: As John and Mary's name quickly moves up to the top of the marquee, watch for the names of the following acts (from bottom to top): "Mophisto the Magician", "The Duo Trio", "Chinese Jugglers", "Trained Seals", "Omalet in Hamlet", "Tightrope Walkers", "'Gulpo' the Sword Swallower", "Tiny the Elephant", "Snake Hips 'Suzzy'", "Pierre's Puppets", "Seedy's Bird Act", "Max and His Sax", and "The Gilhooley Girls". Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 2 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

Pig in a Pickle Release Date: 8/30/54 Supervision: Paul J. Smith Animation: Laverne Harding, Robert Bentley, and Gil Turner Story: Michael Maltese Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Art Landy and Raymond Jacobs Notes: Production Number: U-37 A Maw and Paw cartoon Reissued as The Piggy That Stayed Home by Castle Films. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 3 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

Real Gone Woody Release Date: 9/20/54 Direction: Paul J. Smith Animation: Gil Turner, Laverne Harding, and Robert Bentley Story: Michael Maltese Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-33 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Reissued as A Beat Beatnik by Castle Films. The first and only animated appearance by Woody's girlfriend, Winnie Woodpecker (excluding the later New Woody Woodpecker Show). Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 5 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House)

A Fine Feathered Frenzy Release Date: 10/25/54 Direction: Don Patterson Animation: Herman Cohen, Ray Abrams, and Don Patterson Story: Homer Brightman Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-36 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Reissued as The Last Chase by Castle Films. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 14 (DVD; Columbia House)

Convict Concerto Release Date: 11/20/54 Direction: Don Patterson (uncredited) Animation: Ray Abrams, Don Patterson, and Herman Cohen Music: Clarence Wheeler Piano: Raymond Turner Story: Hugh Harmon Set Design: Raymond Jacobs and Art Landy Notes: Production Number: U-38 A Woody Woodpecker cartoon Reissued as The Piano Tooner by Castle Films. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 1 (TV print; DVD; Columbia House) Woody Woodpecker and His Friends: Woody Dines Out (VHS; Goodtimes) Woody Woodpecker and His Friends, Vol. 2 (VHS; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and His Friends, Vol. 2 (Laserdisc; Universal/MCA)

I'm Cold Release Date: 12/20/54 Direction: Tex Avery Animation: Ray Abrams, Don Patterson, and Laverne Harding Story: Homer Brightman Music: Clarence Wheeler Set Design: Raymond Jacobs Notes: Production Number: U-43 A Chilly Willy cartoon The first appearance of Smedley the Dog First onscreen credit Tex Avery since his depature in 1935. I'm Cold was the first of four shorts that Avery directed for Lantz in 1954-55. Reissued as Some Like It Not by Castle Films. Video availability: Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 1 (DVD; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and Friends, Vol. 1 (Edited TV print; DVD; Columbia House) Woody Woodpecker and His Friends, Vol. 3 (VHS; Universal/MCA) Woody Woodpecker and His Friends, Vol. 3 (Laserdisc; Universal/MCA)