Johnson Thomas 1907 (1 results)

framed. This 7.5 x 9.5-inch image was drawn in graphite with the border outlined in blue pastel pencil. It is attractively double-matted in blue and grey, framed to 13.5 x 15.25 inches, and set in an ornate silver and gold wooden frame. The drawing depicts a hillbilly woman pulling a horse plow while her husband comfortably rides on the back. The complete drawing was executed by Thomas Johnson who chose to illuminate the image of the husband riding on the back of the plow when the scene was animated. For avid fans who would like to match up the approximate film sequence to this drawing, it is suggested to view the frames from 1:15 to 1:19. The original title of this cartoon was supposed to be Betty Boop in "Hillbillies" and this is evident from a sequence of rare Fleischer storyboards that are currently online. In 1939 the Fleischer brothers stopped releasing Betty Boop cartoons, partly because of the ever increasing problems of clearing censorship. Provenance: from the artist to his nephew and from the nephew to a friend (with an inscription on the back). Near fine condition. Newspaper cartoonist and animator best remembered for his work with Max and Dave Fleischer at Fleischer Studios in the 1930s, especially in the creation of the "Betty Boop" and "Popeye" shorts.