Watch The Puppetoon Movie

The Puppetoon Movie is a 1987 film that serves as a compilation of classic stop-motion animation shorts that were created by the legendary George Pal. Pal's Puppetoons films were known for their innovative use of stop-motion and their surreal, dreamlike quality. This compilation brings together some of the best films in the Puppetoons series, offering audiences of all ages a chance to see some of the most beloved and creative stop-motion animation ever made.

The film features an all-star cast of voice actors, including Paul Frees, Dal McKennon, and Art Clokey. Frees provides the voice for several of the film's characters, including Jasper the Penguin, a wisecracking bird who teams up with a bulldog named Samson in one of the short films. Dal McKennon lends his voice to several other characters, including Gumby and Pokey, while Art Clokey is the creator and voice behind the famous claymation characters. Their performances help to bring the quirky, offbeat world of the Puppetoons to life.

The Puppetoon Movie is a true celebration of the art of stop-motion animation. The film showcases some of the most innovative and creative work in the Puppetoons series, including classics like "Jasper and the Beanstalk" and "Tulips Shall Grow." Each short film has a unique style and tone, but they are all united by Pal's innovative use of stop-motion animation, which was groundbreaking at the time the original shorts were produced.

One of the standout shorts included in The Puppetoon Movie is "John Henry and the Inky-Poo." This film tells the story of a legendary African-American folk hero who uses his strength and courage to defeat a steam-powered drill that threatens to take away his job. The film is notable for being one of the first depictions of a Black hero in American animation. It also features Pal's signature stop-motion animation style, which brings the world of John Henry to life in a way that is captivating and surreal.

Another classic character featured in The Puppetoon Movie is Jasper the Penguin. Jasper is a wisecracking, fast-talking bird who gets into all kinds of zany antics in his various adventures. In "Jasper and the Beanstalk," Jasper sets out to find a magical bean that will fulfill his wildest wishes. Along the way, he meets a carnivorous plant, a giant, and other memorable characters. The film is full of humor and imagination, and it showcases how Pal's stop-motion animation techniques could bring joy and wonder to audiences of all ages.

The Puppetoon Movie also includes several other short films that showcase Pal's mastery of stop-motion animation. "The Great Rupert" features a talented squirrel who helps a struggling family come into money during the holiday season. "Philips Cavalcade" is a musical short film that features puppets performing a variety of songs in front of a live audience. "The Philips Broadcast of 1938" is another musical short film that features marionettes and other puppet characters performing in a radio studio setting.

Overall, The Puppetoon Movie is a must-see for fans of stop-motion animation and classic cartoons. The film offers a chance to see some of the most innovative and creative animation ever made, and it showcases the work of one of the true pioneers of the field. Whether you're a fan of Gumby and Pokey, Jasper the Penguin, or John Henry, there is something in The Puppetoon Movie for everyone.

The Puppetoon Movie is a 1987 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.