Frank and Ollie were perfectly cast on the There Fairies from Sleeping Beauty. These ladies have a warmth that is unique to the work of the two animators. This is part of a pose test that Frank did before getting to the final animation. I don’t know how else to describe it, but there is a SOUL in these drawings. Merryweather does a little dance in the cottage, and Frank’s animation is such a delight.
Even if Frank often had to struggle with his drawing abilities, he always won the battle. Internalizing the character and portraying the inner emotions is so much more important than fancy drawing.
Frank Thomas, great animator, great actor.
