The Stuttering Icon of Animation
Porky Pig: A Classic Character in American Animation
This week, there will be an octogenarian who everyone will recognise.
The History
Porky Pig is iconic—he is. He first appeared on 2 March 1935 in the animated short I Haven't Got a Hat. Created by Friz Freleng, Porky was initially designed as a supporting character, but he quickly gained popularity due to his unique charm and endearing stutter. His early designs were more rotund, but over the years, various animators, including Bob Clampett and Chuck Jones, slimmed down and refined him as society's views and opinions changed.
Porky Pig was the first true star of the Warner Bros. animation studio, often featuring in shorts that showcased his gentle, well-meaning nature. Over the decades, Porky has appeared in numerous cartoons, films, and television specials. Despite various updates to animation styles and techniques, Porky has remained a consistent and recognisable figure.
Porky was portrayed as a young piglet in the early days, often in humorous predicaments. His signature stutter and catchphrase, "Th-th-th-that's all, folks!" became iconic. Throughout the late 1930s, Porky starred in several notable shorts, including "Porky's Duck Hunt" (1937), which introduced Daffy Duck, and "Porky's Hare Hunt" (1938), the debut of a proto-Bugs Bunny character.
The 1940s saw Porky evolve into a more mature and resourceful character. In "Porky in Wackyland" (1938), directed by Bob Clampett, Porky embarks on a surreal adventure, showcasing the time's innovative and experimental animation style. During this period, he often played the straight man to more eccentric characters like Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny.
Porky continued to feature prominently in the 1950s, appearing in classics such as "Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century" (1953) and "Robin Hood Daffy" (1958), both directed by Chuck Jones. These shorts highlighted Porky's versatility as he seamlessly transitioned between various comedic roles.
The Characters
Porky Pig is the central character in his animations. He is known for his kind-hearted and slightly naïve personality. He is most famous for his stutter, a characteristic that has endeared him to audiences while also being a source of comic timing and humour.
Porky Pig: The main character, Porky, is an anthropomorphic pig who often finds himself in various misadventures. His stuttering catchphrase, "Th-th-th-th's all folks!" has become iconic, frequently used to close Looney Tunes cartoons.
Daffy Duck: Frequently paired with Porky, Daffy Duck's zany and self-centred personality contrasts sharply with Porky's more laid-back and sensible nature, creating a dynamic and entertaining duo.
Petunia Pig: Porky's girlfriend, Petunia Pig, appears in several cartoons, offering a romantic angle to Porky's otherwise adventurous and comedic storylines.
The Plotlines
Porky Pig's plotlines encompass many comedic scenarios, each offering a unique twist on everyday events that soon spiral into chaos and hilarity. Often, Porky is found in situations such as attempting to manage a farm, participating in various sports, or contending with troublesome characters like Daffy Duck. His perseverance and inherently good nature shine through in all his adventures. The plots generally focus on Porky's efforts to solve problems, resulting in classic slapstick comedy and witty wordplay.
Whether tackling the challenges of farm life, engaging in spirited athletic endeavours, or outsmarting a mischievous duck, Porky's tales are consistently entertaining and heartwarming. His ability to remain cheerful and resourceful in adversity makes him a cherished character in animation. Each narrative highlights his resilience and cleverness, solidifying Porky Pig's place as a timeless icon in comedic storytelling.
Popular Culture
Porky Pig has significantly impacted popular culture, becoming a symbol of classic animation. His catchphrase and distinctive stutter have been referenced and parodied in numerous television shows, films, and advertisements. The character's presence is a testament to his adaptability and appeal, even as societal tastes and animation techniques have evolved.
Spin-Offs and Related Work
Porky Pig's popularity has led to various spin-offs and related merchandise. He has appeared in several Looney Tunes feature films, including Space Jam (1996) and its sequel, Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021). Additionally, Porky has been featured in numerous video games, comic books, and television specials, ensuring his continued relevance in contemporary media. Merchandise such as toys, apparel, and collectables featuring Porky Pig remains popular, reflecting his status as a beloved character.
Porky Pig has been used for advertising in various campaigns over the years. One notable example is his involvement in the Pepsi Collector Series of the 1970s, where Porky Pig was featured on promotional glassware. These glasses became famous collector's items, showcasing the character's enduring appeal.
Legacy
Porky Pig's legacy is one of enduring charm and influence. As one of the earliest Looney Tunes characters, Porky paved the way for future animated stars and helped establish the success of Warner Bros. animation. His unique speech pattern and gentle persona have made him an icon in animation history, influencing countless animators and entertaining generations of viewers.
Fun Facts
Voice Origin: Porky's stutter was originally voiced by Joe Dougherty, who had a genuine stutter. Mel Blanc later took over, refining the stutter for comic effect.
First Star: Porky Pig was the first major star of Warner Bros. cartoons, preceding other iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
Catchphrase: Porky's closing line, "Th-th-th-that's all folks!" became so famous that it has been used in numerous parodies and homages in other media.
Conclusion
Porky Pig stands as a timeless figure in animation, embodying the spirit and creativity of the Golden Age of Cartoons. From his debut in 1935 to his continued appearances in modern media, Porky's gentle humour and iconic stutter have made him a beloved character for nearly a century. His contributions to the Looney Tunes franchise's success and enduring popularity ensure that Porky Pig's legacy will continue to enchant audiences for generations.
Thank you for this! I believe I had a Porky Pig dining set as a young child; such an iconic cartoon character.
It’s so interesting they originally cast a man with a natural stutter. Perhaps even though it was supposed to be humorous, it had the effect of normalising it? Not sure, but it’s hard to find other examples in television. Thanks Jon!