Lining the Blues

About This Movie

Lining the Blues is a fascinating piece of animation history, notable for its hand-drawn technique where the images were directly sketched onto clear film. The visual experience is as much about the colors and shapes as it is about the music, with Joe Sullivan's piano performance subtly guiding the mood of the film. The way it captures the essence of blues through abstract forms feels both experimental and expressive, almost like a visual jazz session. It’s interesting to see how this 1939 film has been resurrected through restoration—it's a window into a different time, and the pacing varies in such a way that it keeps you engaged without overstaying its welcome.

This film originally released in 1939 is quite rare, particularly in its restored form from 1984. The hand-drawn approach on clear film adds an extra layer of uniqueness, making it a talking point among animation aficionados. Collector interest tends to spike in the context of early experimental animation, so it's worth keeping an eye out for any screenings or special editions that surface.