Burt Gillett came to Lantz with two Academy Awards and a free hand. His decision was to take Dauntless Dan from Alex Lovy's "Nellie" series, saddle him with a Scowhegian accent -- provided by Mel Blanc in an early effort for the studio -- and give his insipid Lloyd of Nellie into an insane adoration of a redwood tree he has named Sylvia. Lantz had hired Gillet because he needed someone who could produce a major cartoon star for him. This movie is very funny, but....
Gillett didn't last long at Lantz. He left in 1940, a quarter of a century after he has entered the industry. He died in 1971, aged eighty. Lantz finally got the star he was looking for in Woody Woodpecker, whose infectious laugh was invented by Mel Blanc. Sometimes the stone that the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone.
Gillett didn't last long at Lantz. He left in 1940, a quarter of a century after he has entered the industry. He died in 1971, aged eighty. Lantz finally got the star he was looking for in Woody Woodpecker, whose infectious laugh was invented by Mel Blanc. Sometimes the stone that the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone.
