Maurice James Noble (1911-2001) was a pivotal figure in American animation, renowned for his innovative design, background, and layout work spanning 60+ years. Best known for his alliance with Chuck Jones at Warner Bros., Noble's signature touch graced classics like "Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century" and "What's Opera, Doc?"
Beginnings and Disney Years
Born in Spooner Township, Minnesota, Noble's artistic journey started at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. After a stint at a department store, Disney recruited him in 1934. Noble worked on the groundbreaking "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and contributed to "Fantasia" and "Dumbo." However, he parted ways with Disney after the 1941 Disney animators' strike.
During WWII, Noble collaborated with Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) in the Army Signal Corps, focusing on the "Private Snafu" cartoon series, a prelude to his association with Chuck Jones and Warner Bros.
Golden Years at Warner Bros.
By 1950, Noble was shaping the look of Warner Bros. cartoons, beginning with "Rabbit Seasoning." He innovated by using shape and color to define space, departing from Disney's realism. Noble's artistry shone in cartoons like "Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century" and "What's Opera, Doc?", bringing a distinct graphic style that resonated with the audience. During this period, Noble also received co-director credits, signifying his deep involvement in the creative process. MGM, Dr. Seuss, and Beyond Post his Warner Bros. tenure, Noble worked with Chuck Jones at Tower 12 Productions, later integrating with MGM. Projects included "The Dot and the Line" (Oscar-winning) and the beloved "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" Additionally, he collaborated on Dr. Seuss's classics like "The Cat in the Hat" and "The Lorax." Legacy and Later Works While Noble briefly withdrew from animation in the 1980s to focus on fine art, he returned to collaborate with Spielberg on "Tiny Toon Adventures." He rejoined Chuck Jones on projects like "Chariots of Fur." His mentorship of budding artists was instrumental, as was his contribution to Disney's "Lilo & Stitch." Noble passed away in 2001, but his legacy as an animation background visionary endures.
