Les Elton?

[tristar]

Does anyone know just who Les Elton was? (credited for directing two cartoons: Monkeydoodle (1931) and The Hobo Hero (1935)).

Are there any known details about him, like where he worked before and after he directed his two cult classics? (Steve Stanch: Are you reading?:bosko:)

[David Gerstein]

He worked with Bray in the 1910s. Tom will know more of the details, but I've seen Colonel Heeza Liar publicity drawings and comic strips in Elton's style and/or with his signature.
Our mutual friend Charlie Judkins is a particular Elton fan and may know some unusual details as well.

[Tom Stathes]

Elton was a particularly well-known classical print cartoonist in the 1910s and was indeed at Bray late in that decade. Charlie Judkins would know more about his sound animation and personal life...but alas he doesn't post much on forums!

[tristar]

Thanks guys!

[J. A. Boschen]

Does anyone know just who Les Elton was? (credited for directing two cartoons: Monkeydoodle (1931) and The Hobo Hero (1935)).

MONKEY DOODLE was originally part of the "Simon the Monk" Series which was released by Copley Pictures Corporation (If I recall correctly). According to the Film Daily Yearbooks of 1930 through 1935 Copley Produced and Distributed the "Felix the Cat" cartoon series and also the "Simon the Monk" series. To be honest I do not know how accurate and reliable this information is. There is a large gap between MONKEY DOODLE and THE HOBO HERO so it is very well possible elton made more "Simon the Monk" Cartoons. However what I find misleading regarding the info is the bit regarding "Felix the Cat" series as I was under the impression these where not made beyond 1933 or earlier (I do not recall off the top of my head).
I could not tell you how relevant that info is and it may be completely innacurate for all we know. Hope this helps however. :)

[frizfrelengfan]

Weren't the Copley Felixes re-releases of the Pat Sullivan cartoons?

[dandu]

Depends. really. Read Dave Gerstein's list. I think Pat made new cartoons for Copley in 1929-1930, but due to money problems, drinking and just plain bad karma there were only a handful of cartoons made.

Copley reissued Pat's 1927-1928 cartoons with sound around 1930 or 1931, I believe David would know more.

[tristar]

Looks like there might be another Les Elton cartoon around:
http://www.cartoonbrew.com/classic/king-kelly-of-the-usa-1934.html

[dandu]

The animation is a tad stilted, similar to Monkey Doodle with strange poses as well. Hmmmm...could be!

[Tom Stathes]

It's not as well known, but the animation in that feature is more similar to Elton's HOBO HERO.