Cartoons, ca. 1930-1945 / drawn by Brodie Mack

PXA 7172

fonds

ca. 1930-1945

Graphic Materials, Drawings

9609190

18 drawings - pen & ink - 23 x 21 cm or smaller

Brodie Mack (born Edward Claggie Mack), 1879-1965, was a Sydney based cartoonist and theatre entrepreneur. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, he had cartoons published in the New Zealand Freelance before moving to Sydney to work as a theatrical executive for Fullers Theatres.
His work appeared in a variety of publications, including, Army News, The Bulletin, Smith’s Weekly, The Sydney Truth, Sunday Sun, Perth Sunday Times and the Australian Women’s Weekly. He was a founding member of the Society of Australian Black and White Artists. In the 1930s he established the Brodie Mack Correspondence Art School.
His comic Kazanda: The Wild Girl of the Lost Continent, first published by the NSW Bookstall Company, was reprinted in the US by Ranger Comics, in 1945. This made Mack the first Australasian comic artist to appear in American comics.
Reference:
Library correspondence file

A gift from Brodie Mack to George Herbert Wright

Eighteen original cartoons drawn by Brodie Mack, ca. 1930-1945. The cartoons cover a range of subjects, from soldiers, boxers and golfers, to historical figures, including Australian aviator Lawrence Hargrave, Elizabeth I and William Pitt the Elder. Many have typed captions stuck to the back with either a joke or piece of trivia and appear to have been drawn for radio quizzes and broadcasts.

Item 01: (1) What is the belt and strap over the shoulder worn by Army Officers called? Sam Browne. Kiwi College, 2SM
Item 02: (2) What is the flesh of a reindeer called? Venison. Kiwi College, 2SM
Item 03: (2) Robbery. Two burglars had broken into a tailor's shop and were busy sorting out some suits when one of them saw one marked 10/10/- "Bert, look at the price of that one" he said "Why it's down-right robbery." Harcourts Garden, 2KY
Item 04: (3) William Pitt, the Elder, was given many names. What were two of them? The Great Commoner and the Earl of Chatham. Quiz Kids, 2GB
Item 05: Lawrence Hargrave 1850-1915
Item 06: (3) No wonder. As the two men stood chatting in the street, a third, known to both of them passed by. "What's wrong with Jack this morning. He looks worried to death." "He's been contesting his wife's will." "His wife's will? I didn't know she was dead." "She isn't" was the brief reply. Roy James, 2KY
Item 07: (4) Not suitable. And is there any instrument you can play? asked the hostess who was pressing a guest to entertain the party. Not away from home, he replied. That's strange, what do you play at home? Second fiddle. Don Harnett, 2SM
Item 08: (4) Good Queen Bess 1533-1603. Who was the mother of Queen Elizabeth? Anne Boleyn. "Take it or leave it", 2CH
Item 09: (5) Absent minded. Waiter: Haven't you forgotten something, sir? Professor: Why I thought I gave you the customary tip. Waiter: You did sir, but you forgot to eat. Cyril James 2UW
Item 10: (5) Dangerous spot. Guide (showing man over Nelson's "Victory" at Portsmouth): "This, sir, is the spot where Lord Nelson fell." Visitor: "I'm not surprised. I nearly tripped just there myself!" Jack Brunskill, 2CH
Item 11: (6) Bright suggestion. Exasperating golfer: I say Mr. Pro how can I cure myself of topping the ball every time I drive? The Pro: "Turn the ball upside down. Bill Weir, 2CH
Item 12: (7) Impossible. "If I lay three eggs here and nineteen there, how many will I have?" "Go ahead, I don't think you can do it!" Al Thomas ("Rise and shine", 2GB)
Item 13: (8) Bigger market. "The agent explained all about the cows. He said after we get settled we should go in for dry cows." "Dry cows?" "Yes, there's a much bigger market for powdered milk!" Ada & Elsie ("Calling the Stars" 2GB)
Item 14: (12) His belief. "So you married that plump little girl who used to giggle so much?" "Yes ... I always did believe in a short wife and a merry one!" Roy James, 2KY
Item 15: (14) Rookie's reply. Rookie: "Shall I mark time with my feet, sir?" Sar-Major: "Ever hear of marking time with your hands?" Rookie: "Yes, sir .. clocks do it!" Claude Holland, 2SM
Item 16: [Drawing of a young woman sitting on the grass with birds flying near her]
Item 17: Part 1 of 2, "I'd like to broadcast a message to my wife in hospital." "Aw, give it -----"
Item 18: Part 2 of 2, "Yourself after this round!"

Copyright status:: In copyright - Life of artist plus 70 years
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Titles of cartoons 1-4 and 6-15 were taken from the cartoon caption on the reverse of the cartoon. Title of cartoon 16 has been created by the cataloguer and cartoons 5, 17 and 18 have been titled from the drawings' captions.

Drawings 1-4 and 6-15 have cartoon captions pasted onto the reverse of the drawing. Drawings 1-14, 16-17 are signed: Brodie Mack. Drawing 15 is signed: B. M. Drawing 18 is unsigned.

Undated, however there are several wartime subjects which hints at a World War II creation date.