Buzz Buzzard
Encyclopedia
Buzz Buzzard is a fictional animated cartoon
character who appeared in several films produced by Walter Lantz Productions in the 1940s, '50s, and 70’s.
, out of money or food. In other appearances, Buzz has been a cowboy, a carnival barker, a soda jerk yet he still remained a royal pain to Woody. For most of Woody’s career, Buzz was the primary foil for Woody, bearing roughly the same relationship to that character as Yosemite Sam
had to Bugs Bunny
in Warner Brothers
' animated shorts from the same era.
Buzz's first appearance was opposite Woody in 1948's Wet Blanket Policy
, the first and only animated short subject to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song, at which time he was more or less replacing Wally Walrus
as Woody Woodpecker's primary foil. Character actor Lionel Stander
provided his voice in the 1940s with Dallas McKennon
taking over the role in the 1950s. Buzz would continue to appear in Woody Woodpecker shorts until the mid 50’s, and was eventually replaced as the woodpecker's rival himself by Dapper Denver Dooley
(also voiced by McKennon) and later Gabby Gator. Bunco Busters
would be Buzz Buzzard's final appearance in a Woody theatrical cartoon until Tumble Weed Greed in 1969. Though Buzz continued to make appearances in Lantz comic book
s and on other licensed merchandise. During the 14 year theatrical hiatus, Buzz made an appearance in the 1964 television special, Spook-a-Nanny. However, in Spook-a-Nanny he was voiced by Daws Butler
. Buzz Buzzard also appeared in the Maroon Cartoon studio lot in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit
.
The character's appearance changed dramatically throughout the years with a vest and five o’clock shadow that disappears, different feather colors, and head feathers that disappeared entirely and reappeared sporadically.
Animated cartoon
An animated cartoon is a short, hand-drawn film for the cinema, television or computer screen, featuring some kind of story or plot...
character who appeared in several films produced by Walter Lantz Productions in the 1940s, '50s, and 70’s.
History
Buzz is an anthropomorphic buzzard who, in most of his appearances, was a con artist looking for a way to swindle someone, usually Woody WoodpeckerWoody Woodpecker
Woody Woodpecker is an animated cartoon character, an anthropomorphic acorn woodpecker who appeared in theatrical short films produced by the Walter Lantz animation studio and distributed by Universal Pictures...
, out of money or food. In other appearances, Buzz has been a cowboy, a carnival barker, a soda jerk yet he still remained a royal pain to Woody. For most of Woody’s career, Buzz was the primary foil for Woody, bearing roughly the same relationship to that character as Yosemite Sam
Yosemite Sam
Yosemite Sam is an American animated cartoon character in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons produced by Warner Bros. Animation. The name is somewhat alliterative and is inspired by Yosemite National Park...
had to Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny is a animated character created in 1938 at Leon Schlesinger Productions, later Warner Bros. Cartoons. Bugs is an anthropomorphic gray rabbit and is famous for his flippant, insouciant personality and his portrayal as a trickster. He has primarily appeared in animated cartoons, most...
in Warner Brothers
Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation is the animation division of Warner Bros., a subsidiary of Time Warner. The studio is closely associated with the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters, among others. The studio is the successor to Warner Bros...
' animated shorts from the same era.
Buzz's first appearance was opposite Woody in 1948's Wet Blanket Policy
Wet Blanket Policy
Wet Blanket Policy is the 29th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on August 20, 1948, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by United Artists. The title is a play-on-words about a type of insurance policy.- Plot...
, the first and only animated short subject to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song, at which time he was more or less replacing Wally Walrus
Wally Walrus
Wally Walrus is a fictional animated cartoon character who appeared in several films produced by Walter Lantz Productions in the 1940s and '50s....
as Woody Woodpecker's primary foil. Character actor Lionel Stander
Lionel Stander
Lionel Jay Stander was an American actor in films, radio, theater and television.-Early life and career:Lionel Stander was born in The Bronx, New York, to Russian Jewish immigrants, the first of three children...
provided his voice in the 1940s with Dallas McKennon
Dallas McKennon
Dallas Raymond McKennon , sometimes credited as Dal McKennon, was an American actor, with extensive work as a voice actor, in a career lasting over 50 years.-Career:...
taking over the role in the 1950s. Buzz would continue to appear in Woody Woodpecker shorts until the mid 50’s, and was eventually replaced as the woodpecker's rival himself by Dapper Denver Dooley
Dapper Denver Dooley
Dapper Denver Dooley is a Walter Lantz character and Woody Woodpecker's rival, who would make his first appearance in the cartoon "Square Shootin' Square", in 1955. He was voiced by Dallas McKennon...
(also voiced by McKennon) and later Gabby Gator. Bunco Busters
Bunco Busters
Bunco Busters is the 64th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on November 21, 1955, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
would be Buzz Buzzard's final appearance in a Woody theatrical cartoon until Tumble Weed Greed in 1969. Though Buzz continued to make appearances in Lantz comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
s and on other licensed merchandise. During the 14 year theatrical hiatus, Buzz made an appearance in the 1964 television special, Spook-a-Nanny. However, in Spook-a-Nanny he was voiced by Daws Butler
Daws Butler
Charles Dawson "Daws" Butler was a voice actor originally from Toledo, Ohio. He worked mostly for Hanna-Barbera and originated the voices of many famous animated cartoon characters, including Yogi Bear, Quick Draw McGraw, Snagglepuss, and Huckleberry Hound.Daws Butler trained many working actors...
. Buzz Buzzard also appeared in the Maroon Cartoon studio lot in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American fantasy-comedy-noir film directed by Robert Zemeckis and released by Touchstone Pictures. The film combines live action and animation, and is based on Gary K. Wolf's novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, which depicts a world in which cartoon characters...
.
The character's appearance changed dramatically throughout the years with a vest and five o’clock shadow that disappears, different feather colors, and head feathers that disappeared entirely and reappeared sporadically.
Buzz Buzzard appearances
- Wet Blanket PolicyWet Blanket PolicyWet Blanket Policy is the 29th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on August 20, 1948, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by United Artists. The title is a play-on-words about a type of insurance policy.- Plot...
(1948) - Wild and Woody!Wild and Woody!Wild and Woody! is the 30th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on December 31, 1948, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by United Artists.-Plot:...
(1948) - Drooler's DelightDrooler's DelightDrooler's Delight is the 31st animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on March 25, 1949, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by United Artists.-Plot:...
(1949) - Puny ExpressPuny ExpressPuny Express is an American cartoon, and the 32nd animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on January 22, 1951, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International....
(1951) - Slingshot 6 7/8Slingshot 6 7/8Slingshot 6 7/8 is the 35th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on July 23, 1951, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1951) - Destination MeatballDestination MeatballDestination Meatball is the 38th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on December 24, 1951, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1951) - Stage HoaxStage HoaxStage Hoax is the 40th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on April 21, 1952, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1952) - Scalp TreatmentScalp TreatmentScalp Treatment is the 42nd animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on September 18, 1952, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1952) - The Great Who-Dood-ItThe Great Who-Dood-ItThe Great Who-Dood-It is the 43rd animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on October 20, 1952, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1952) - Buccaneer WoodpeckerBuccaneer WoodpeckerBuccaneer Woodpecker is the 46th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on April 20, 1953, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1953) - Operation SawdustOperation SawdustOperation Sawdust is the 47th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on June 15, 1953, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1953) - Belle BoysBelle BoysBelle Boys is the 49th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on September 14, 1953, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal-International.-Plot:...
(1953) - Hypnotic HickHypnotic HickHypnotic Hick is the 50th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on September 26, 1953, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1953) - Hot Noon (or 12 O'Clock For Sure)Hot Noon (or 12 O'Clock For Sure)Hot Noon is the 51st animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on October 12, 1953, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1953) - Socko in MoroccoSocko in MoroccoSocko in Morocco is the 52nd animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on January 18, 1954, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1954) - Alley to BaliAlley to BaliAlley to Bali is the 53rd animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on March 15, 1954, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1954) - Hot Rod HucksterHot Rod HucksterHot Rod Huckster is the 55th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on July 5, 1954, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal-International.-Plot synopsis:...
(1954) - Real Gone WoodyReal Gone WoodyReal Gone Woody is the 56th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on September 20, 1954, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal-International.-Plot:...
(1954) - Bunco BustersBunco BustersBunco Busters is the 64th animated cartoon short subject in the Woody Woodpecker series. Released theatrically on November 21, 1955, the film was produced by Walter Lantz Productions and distributed by Universal International.-Plot:...
(1955) - Tumble Weed Greed (1969)
- Ship A'hoy Woody (1969)
- Flim Flam Fountain (1970)
- Indian Corn (1972)
- Show Biz Beagle (1972)
- The Genie with the Light Touch (1972)
Other media
- Buzz would reappear as a regular character on The New Woody Woodpecker ShowThe New Woody Woodpecker ShowThe New Woody Woodpecker Show is an animated television series based on the original cartoon by Walter Lantz, produced by Universal Animation Studios and aired from 1999 until 2002 on FOX and YTV...
in 1999 voiced by Mark HamillMark HamillMark Richard Hamill is an American actor, voice artist, producer, director, and writer, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy of Star Wars. More recently, he has received acclaim for his voice work, in such roles as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, Firelord...
. - A few video games from Woody Woodpecker also featured Buzz Buzzard:
- Woody Woodpecker Racing (2000) for PlayStationPlayStationThe is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
, Dreamcast, PCPersonal computerA personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
and GBCGame Boy ColorThe is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
. - Woody Woodpecker: Escape from Buzz Buzzard Park (2001) for GBCGame Boy ColorThe is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
, PCPersonal computerA personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
and PS2PlayStation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
.
- Woody Woodpecker Racing (2000) for PlayStation
See also
- List of Walter Lantz cartoons
- List of Walter Lantz cartoon characters