Looking Back at the Best Cartoons of the 1950s
The 1950s was a transformative period for animation, marked by the post-war revival of the industry and the emergence of new studios and styles. In this article, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the best cartoons of the 1950s, including Disney’s iconic films and some of the most influential works from around the world.
01. Alice in Wonderland
Did you know?
The film’s distinct visual palette was significantly the result of the work of designer Mary Blair. Art historian Ruth Millington explains that, "For Alice in Wonderland, she [Mary Blair] made hundreds of gouache studies, in which the heroine falls down the rabbit hole into a technicolor world of unusual color contrasts".
Walt Disney Animation Studio, 1951
For animation director, Gnomon Workshop tutor and creator of Unreal Engine 5 short The Voice in the Hollow, Miguel Ortega, this ’50s animated movie is perfection and manages to bring out the character of the artists behind the on-screen action.
02. Lady and the Tramp
Did you know?
Lady and the Tramp was the first animated Disney movie based on an original idea rather than being an adaptation.
Walt Disney Animation Studio, 1955
Shaun Magher, creative director and animation director of 30 years’ experience, and now Course Director for BA Digital Animation and MA FFD at Birmingham City University, notes that Disney’s series of animated features in the 1950s include this classic, Lady and the Tramp (which has had a controversial live action remake).
03. Animal Farm
Did you know?
This adaptation of George Orwell’s novella, Animal Farm, remains one of the most famous and lauded of British animated feature films. The movie comprises 750 scenes and 300,000 drawings.
Halas & Batchelor, 1954
Drew Roper, founder of Yamination Studios, notes that "Animal Farm is an outstanding British film. The powerful subject matter and gritty tone stays with you for life. It was one of the first films I remember seeing as a child and I don’t think I will ever, not remember it."
04. Sleeping Beauty
Walt Disney Animation Studio, 1959
Did you know?
Walt Disney had struggled to communicate to his creative leads, his approach and vision to the adaptation of the fairy tale.
It’s not just Maleficent who endures as a character from the movie; so too have the three fairies. For animation director, Shaun Magher, “Ollie Johnston’s wonderful portrayal of the three good fairies is a masterful example of warm, emotive character performances".
05. The Snow Queen
Soyuzmultfilm, 1957
Did you know?
The Snow Queen is identified as the film that compelled Hayao Miyazaki to continue working in animation after a period of doubt early in his career as an animator. The Ghibli Museum re-released the film in 2007.
For animation historian and scholar, Christopher Holliday, "Among all the animated adaptations and big-screen reworkings of Hans Christian Andersen’s acclaimed 1844 fable, Lev Atamanov’s mid-century reimagining perhaps best captures the wonder, enchantment, and Scandinavian flavor of the original story".
Conclusion
The 1950s was a decade marked by innovation and experimentation in the world of animation, with studios around the world pushing the boundaries of what was possible. From Disney’s iconic films to the influential works of studios like Halas & Batchelor and Soyuzmultfilm, this was a decade that set the stage for the animation industry as we know it today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best cartoons of the 1950s?
A: Some of the best cartoons of the 1950s include Alice in Wonderland, Lady and the Tramp, Animal Farm, Sleeping Beauty, and The Snow Queen.
Q: Which Disney movie is the most iconic of the 1950s?
A: Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is often cited as one of the most iconic Disney movies of all time, and is a must-see for animation fans.
Q: What is the significance of the 1950s in animation history?
A: The 1950s was a transformative period for animation, marked by the post-war revival of the industry and the emergence of new studios and styles. It was a decade that set the stage for the animation industry as we know it today.
