Australian Animation - Harry Julius

We believe that the first Australian film animator was an established newspaper cartoonist and artist, Harry Julius (1885-1934). Julius created Cartoons of the Moment, a series of animated topical segments which featured regularly in the Australian Gazette (later titled the Australasian Gazette) newsreel and affiliated international newsreels from 1915 onwards. His observations on both key World War 1 events and local politics and social life became a popular feature and the concept of “cartoons” settled naturally into the Australian filmgoers’ palate. At this point, Australia became a part of the worldwide phenomenon which is now represented by the fabulously rich century plus of animation which today is as mainstream and influential as live action.

The examples of Julius’s Cartoons of the Moment which you see on this site show the range and the simplicity of his approach, with a clear salute to his newspaper cartoonist background, being referred to regularly in the press promotion as “the well-known Bulletin artist” and “favourite cartoonist”. He is often featured in the segment’s introduction, filmed with his easel on the beach or in his studio. The blackboard style drawings and text are simple and direct. Wartime propaganda messages are obvious, and delivered with dry humour and the fascination of seeing the artist’s hand at work.

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