All praise the Internet for making available three difficult-to-find LA-produced indie animation classics—Vicious Cycles, Blaze Glory, and Sergeant Swell of the Mounties. All three shorts were directed by Len Janson and the late Chuck Menville. The films make superb use of the pixilation technique, which is the frame-by-frame manipulation of live-action subjects.

Vicious Cycles (1967)
(Note: The leader of the bad bikers is Len Janson; the leader of the top-hatted fancy bikers is Chuck Menville.)

Blaze Glory (1968)
Interesting credits on this film include TV commercial director Bob Kurtz as co-writer, and Warner Bros. animator Ken Champin in the role of the Indian.

Sergeant Swell of the Mounties (1972)
Part 1 and Part 2 on YouTubeSergeant Swell of the Mounties

(Thanks, John Hudgens)

Amid Amidi

Amid Amidi is Cartoon Brew's Publisher and Editor-at-large.

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