In
1949 Whiskerino entered what most fans consider to be its
golden era. Although never really widely acclaimed,
the years up until 1957 had the most consistent of all the
films the studio put out. It was a time that saw all
the regular stars in their familiar roles - Bar Keep, Brown
Hat, the Narrator, Dr F, Major Rich and Old Tom, to name a
few.
During
this time the horror canon was made. It was an arc of
stories that borrowed liberally from famous horror tales and
folklore. Under the Narrator's watchful eye a sinister
theme ran through the films which some regarded as before
its time. (read more here)
In this eight year
run the studios made thirteen films, and for a time had a
real talent base with everything produced in-house.
Critics have said that Whiskerino became insular - "more
of a drinking club than a film studio" one wrote.
This could have contributed to the eventual decline of the
studio, but most fans point to the departure of Madge Flyshuttle
(senior script developer) as the real turning point.
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The stars
of the golden era
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