Celluloid Cityscapes: Kids, Cars, and Cartoons in the United States, 1938-1965

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This article considers the cinematic portrayal of the city in mid-twentieth century Walt Disney short cartoons. Initially, Disney cartoons were aimed at a mixed adult/child audience, but over time, they were seen and marketed mostly to children. Examining three cartoons in depth and six more to provide perspective, this article reflects upon the images relayed to children and the place of children in the city. The article concludes that portrayals of urban locations in the cartoons were not favorable, deemed to have little space for children. Country landscapes, meanwhile, were painted more benignly.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of the History of Childhood and Youth
Volume14
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)294-312
Number of pages28
ISSN1939-6724
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

ID: 290450853