List of UPA cartoons facts for kids

United Productions of America, often called UPA, was a cool animation studio. They made many animated short films and TV shows. This list tells you about the cartoons and movies UPA released through Columbia Pictures from 1948 to 1959. It also includes their longer movies and some TV series. UPA was known for its unique, modern animation style that was different from other studios at the time.

UPA's Animated Movies and Shows

Short Films: A Look at UPA's Cartoons

UPA created many short animated films, which are like mini-movies. They were famous for their unique art style, which was simpler and more modern than other cartoons of the time. Many of their shorts were even nominated for or won Academy Awards!

Famous Characters and Award Winners

UPA introduced some beloved characters, especially Gerald McBoing-Boing and Mr. Magoo.

• Gerald McBoing-Boing: This character was a little boy who could only make sound effects instead of talking.
  • Gerald McBoing-Boing (1950) – This short film won an Oscar!
  • Gerald McBoing-Boing's Symphony (1953)
  • How Now Boing Boing (1954)
  • Gerald McBoing! Boing! on Planet Moo (1956) – Nominated for an Oscar.
  • Magoo Meets Boing Boing (The Noise-Making Boy) (1959) – Later shown on the Mister Magoo TV show.

• Mr. Magoo: This character is an extremely nearsighted (can't see well) old man who often gets into funny situations because of his poor eyesight.
  • The Ragtime Bear (1949) – Mr. Magoo's first appearance.
  • Magoo's Masterpiece (1953)
  • Magoo Slept Here (1953)
  • When Magoo Flew (1954) – This short film won an Oscar!
  • Magoo's Puddle Jumper (1956) – Another Oscar winner!
  • Many other Magoo shorts were made, like Magoo Goes Skiing (1954), Destination Magoo (1954), Magoo's Check-Up (1955), Stage Door Magoo (1955), Magoo Goes West (1956), Matador Magoo (1957), and Gumshoe Magoo (1958).

Other Notable Short Films

UPA also made many other fantastic short films, some of which were also recognized with Academy Award nominations:

• Robin Hoodlum (1948) – Oscar Nominee
• The Magic Fluke (1949) – Oscar Nominee
• Trouble Indemnity (1950) – Oscar Nominee
• Rooty Toot Toot (1951) – Oscar Nominee
• Pink and Blue Blues (1952) – Oscar Nominee
• Madeline (1952) – Oscar Nominee
• Christopher Crumpet (1953) – Oscar Nominee
• The Tell-Tale Heart (1953) – Oscar Nominee
• The Jaywalker (1956) – Oscar Nominee
• Trees and Jamaica Daddy (1957) – Oscar Nominee

Feature Films: UPA's Longer Movies

Besides short cartoons, UPA also worked on longer movies, called feature films.

Movies Produced by UPA

• 1001 Arabian Nights (1959) – Released by Columbia Pictures.
• Gay Purr-ee (1962) – Released by Warner Bros..

Animated Parts in Other Movies

UPA also helped with animation or special effects for other studios' movies:

• No Minor Vices (1948) – They did an animated part.
• The Red Pony (1949) – They created special effects.
• Dreamboat (1952) – They did animation.
• The Four Poster (1952) – They did animation.
• The Girl Next Door (1953) – They did animation.
• The Vikings (1958) – They created the opening title sequence.
• What's Up, Tiger Lily? (1966) – They created the opening title sequence.

Television Shows and Specials

UPA also brought its unique animation style to television.

TV Series

• The Gerald McBoing-Boing Show (1956–1957)
• The Garry Moore Show (1958) – UPA did animation for this show.
• The Twilight Zone (1959) – UPA created the main titles.
• Mister Magoo (1960–1961)
• The Dick Tracy Show (1961–1962)
• The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo (1964–1965)
• What's New Mr. Magoo? (1977–1979)

TV Specials

• Our Mr. Sun (1956) – UPA did the animation for this special.
• Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962) – A very popular holiday special.
• Uncle Sam Magoo (1970)

Other Films by UPA

Besides entertainment, UPA also made many films for other purposes, like training or public information. These included films for the government and various organizations. For example, they made Hell-Bent for Election (1944) and Man Alive! (1952).