Not reviewed at press time. For his first documentary feature, public TV producer/director Thomas turned his camera on his father Frank and his father’s friend and co-worker for 50 years, Ollie Johnston. While the longevity of their friendship is extraordinary, what makes their story all the more fascinating is the work they shared. The two men were pioneering animators for Walt Disney from the Thirties through the Sixties and helped create some of the most memorable segments ever committed to film: the mourning dwarves in Snow White, the romantic spaghetti dinner in Lady and the Tramp, the ice-skating scene in Bambi, and more. By all reports, a touching and funny tribute to longtime pals and the art of animation.
This article appears in May 3 • 1996 (Cover).