On this day August 1 1980, I Go Pogo premiered in theaters. Based on the classic comic strip by Walt Kelly, the film was a stop motion animated satire that brought the swamp-dwelling characters of the Okefenokee to life in a unique and politically charged story. The film follows Pogo Possum as he is reluctantly thrust into a run for President, surrounded by a colorful cast of animal characters parodying real-world politics.
Notable for its innovative use of stop motion animation using handcrafted puppets, I Go Pogo stood apart from traditional animated films of the time. The film’s whimsical tone was underscored by sharp commentary on the American political landscape, making it both charming and thought-provoking.
Although it received only limited distribution, I Go Pogo gained respect among animation enthusiasts and fans of the original strip for its faithfulness to Kelly’s vision. Its release offered an early example of alternative animation styles finding a voice in the 1980s.
80s insight: I Go Pogo used stop motion animation to bring political satire into theaters during a decade when animation was largely dominated by family friendly fare.
Notable for its innovative use of stop motion animation using handcrafted puppets, I Go Pogo stood apart from traditional animated films of the time. The film’s whimsical tone was underscored by sharp commentary on the American political landscape, making it both charming and thought-provoking.
Although it received only limited distribution, I Go Pogo gained respect among animation enthusiasts and fans of the original strip for its faithfulness to Kelly’s vision. Its release offered an early example of alternative animation styles finding a voice in the 1980s.
80s insight: I Go Pogo used stop motion animation to bring political satire into theaters during a decade when animation was largely dominated by family friendly fare.
