Frank Tashlin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frank Tashlin
Born	Francis Fredrick von Taschlein (1913-02-19)February 19, 1913 Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	May 5, 1972(1972-05-05) (aged 59) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names	Frank Tash Tish Tash
Occupation	Animator, comics artist, children's writer, illustrator, screenwriter, film director
Years active	1930–1972
Employer	Van Beuren Studios (1930-1933) Ub Iwerks Studio (1934-1935) Warner Bros. Cartoons (1933-1934, 1936-1938, 1943-1946) Walt Disney Productions (1938-1941) Screen Gems (1941-1943)
Spouse(s)	Dorothy Hill ​ ​ (m. 1936; div. 1949)​ Mary Costa ​ ​ (m. 1953; div. 1966)​
Children	1

Frank Tashlin (born Francis Fredrick von Taschlein, February 19, 1913 – May 5, 1972) was a talented American animator, cartoonist, and film director. He was also known as Tish Tash and Frank Tash. He became famous for his work on the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons for Warner Bros.. Later, he directed many funny live-action movies.

Frank Tashlin: Cartoon Genius and Film Director

Early Life and Animation Career

Frank Tashlin was born in Weehawken, New Jersey. He left high school at age 13 and worked many different jobs. In 1930, he started his career as a cartoonist. He worked on the Aesop's Fables cartoon series.

He then worked for other studios like Van Beuren Studios and Fleischer Studios. In 1933, Tashlin joined the cartoon studio at Warner Bros. He was known for being a very fast animator.

While working, he also created his own comic strip called Van Boring in 1934. It ran for three years. He signed his comic strip as "Tish Tash," which was also a name he used for his cartoon work.

Tashlin returned to Warner Bros. in 1936 as an animation director. He brought new ideas about how to use cameras in cartoons. He used different camera angles and quick cuts, just like in live-action movies. He directed many short cartoons between 1936 and 1938.

In 1938, he worked for Disney in their story department. After that, he became a production manager at Columbia Pictures' Screen Gems animation studio in 1941. He helped create The Fox and the Crow cartoon series.

Tashlin rejoined Warner Bros. in 1943 during World War II. He directed cartoons like Porky Pig's Feat (1943) and worked on the Private Snafu educational films. His only Bugs Bunny cartoons were The Unruly Hare and Hare Remover.

Directing Live-Action Movies

In 1946, Frank Tashlin moved from animation to writing jokes for famous stars. He wrote for the Marx Brothers, Lucille Ball, and Bob Hope. His live-action movies often felt like cartoons. They had funny visual jokes, fast action, and surprising plot twists.

Tashlin started directing feature films in 1951. He helped finish the movie The Lemon Drop Kid starring Bob Hope.

He had many successful movies starting with The Girl Can't Help It in 1956. This film made fun of early rock and roll music. He also directed Hollywood or Bust (1956) and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957), both starring Jayne Mansfield.

Tashlin also directed six movies for the famous comedian Jerry Lewis. These included Rock-A-Bye Baby, The Geisha Boy, and Cinderfella.

His film Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? was added to the National Film Registry in 2000. This means it is considered an important part of American film history. In 2014, his short puppet film The Way of Peace was also added to the Registry.

By the 1960s, Tashlin's films became less popular. His last movie was The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell in 1968.

A Talented Author

Besides his work in film, Tashlin also wrote and illustrated three books. These included The Bear That Wasn't (1946), The Possum That Didn't (1950), and The World That Isn't (1951). Even though they are often called "children's books," they also had funny, clever messages for adults. The Bear That Wasn't was even made into an animated cartoon in 1967.

He also wrote an instructional book in 1952 called How to Create Cartoons, which taught people how to draw cartoons.

Later Life and Legacy

Frank Tashlin passed away on May 5, 1972, in Los Angeles, California. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Frank Tashlin left behind a great legacy. He was a pioneer in animation and brought his unique cartoon style to live-action movies. His work continues to entertain and inspire filmmakers and artists today.

Filmography

As Director and Supervisor

• Complete listing except for cartoon shorts at studios other than Warner Bros. from 1933 to 1946.

As Writer

• As screenwriter, unless otherwise indicated. Complete listing except for cartoon shorts from 1935 to 1946.

As Producer

• The Girl Can't Help It (1956)
• Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)
• Say One for Me (1959)
• The Bear That Wasn't (1967 animated short)

See also

In Spanish: Frank Tashlin para niños