May 14, 1970

I'M Cold (1954) ****

Tex Avery's achievements as creator of cartoon superstars haven't always been fully recognized. Nevertheless, during his illustrious career, he created, recreated or developped the voices, designs and personalities of the greatest animated stars, such as Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd for Warner Bros (1936-41), as well as Droopy, Wolf and Screwy Squirrel for MGM (1942-1954). His final creation, this time for Walter Lantz's Universal animation studio (1954-1955), was Chilly Willy, a diminutive penguin, who made his screen debut in 1954's "I'M Cold", Avery's first film for the studio. The story has the penguin stealing furs to keep warm.