Hallowe’en Countdown IV, Day 28

gasp65

« The world dies over and over again, but the skeleton always gets up and walks. » — Henry Miller

A few months back, while assembling a post about polymorphic French surrealist Maurice Henry (1907-1984), I marvelled and chuckled at his multitude of skeleton-themed cartoons. I made a mental note to devote a Hallowe’en post to them… and that memo only floated to the top of my consciousness a couple of days ago. Just in time!

(1935)
(1936)
(1938)
(1940)
(1941)
(1947)
(1950)
(1950)
(1958)
This one doesn’t feature skeletons, but I had to include it, given how stunningly *dark* it is for its (or any) era… can you imagine something like this published in the USA in… 1935? For more context, here’s the Bluebeard ditty.
In closing, and just for kicks: sixteen faces of the playfully photogenic Monsieur Henry. This one-man assembly featured on the back cover of Maurice Henry 1930-1960 (1961, Jean-Jacques Pauvert), a remarkable collection.

Trust me, I’m only scratching the surface of this man’s genius. If you’ll bear with me, we’re not done with him.

-RG

6 thoughts on “Hallowe’en Countdown IV, Day 28”

  1. Pingback: Maurice Henry – This isn't happiness
  2. Matt Brunson October 30, 2020 / 13:43

    These are great! All hilarious; not a dud in the batch. Although it did take me a nanosecond looking at RADIO LOGIE on the door (odd name for a doctor!) and realizing, “Oh, duh, RADIOLOGIE!”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • gasp65 October 31, 2020 / 15:19

      Hi Matt! The rate of successful hilarity is yet more impressive when you consider that I also picked these cartoons for their theme… Henry’s output is so strong and varied. Truly an inspiring case of a creative life fully lived.

      As for Dr. Radio Logie — I can imagine your momentary confusion… and relieved amusement. Happy Halloween, Matt!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Geri Lawhon November 8, 2020 / 17:23

    I so much needed a good laugh today and you definitely supplied some. Thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • gasp65 November 8, 2020 / 17:30

      Aw, that’s just the kind of news (and feedback) a blogger lives for, Geri!

      Isn’t it incredible that gags nearly a century old can still so expertly tickle our ribs? 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Pingback: The world dies over and over again, but the skeleton always… – This isnt happiness

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