Everybody Rides the Carousel

The third volume of "The Hubley Collection" contains three of the innovative studio's most unusual and interesting works. Based on the writings of psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, "Everybody Rides the Carousel" (1976) examines the stages of human personality development. "A Doonesbury Special" (1977) was the last film on which John and Faith Hubley collaborated, and it was their last Oscar nominee. Created with Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau, this neglected television special brings to life the situations that appeared in the strip during the '70s: the football huddle, dinner at Walden Commune, the day-care center, etc. The familiar characters--Mike, Mark, Joannie, and Zonker--examine their present lives and how the legacy of the political activism of the '60s has affected each of them. In "My Universe Inside Out" (1996) Faith Hubley reflects on her own life and work, including her distinctly odd childhood, her life with John, their children, and the personal films she's made since his death.

The Hubleys use the medium of animation to explore often challenging ideas and find humor in quirky, personal ways. Their films are completely unlike the slapstick cartoons of the Hollywood studios but remain extremely satisfying in their own way. --Charles Solomon Amazon.com

Tear Jerker!

I watched this cartoon almost thirty years ago and its dipiction of old age still scares me. The characters seem so lonly and vulnerable, one wonders where did their lives go. Perhaps knowing that only a few minutes ago we saw the characters younger adds to the erie effect but old age is also scary by itself. January 7, 2004

Amazing piece of animation

Besides being both educational and entertaining, the best way to describe this movie is simply trippy! This movie reminds one of the Beatle's Yellow Submarine both in symbolic content and outstanding animation. Although slighty illegal, if you happen to be in Holland, I suggest watching this movie along with your trusty bong. Seriously people, even if you're not a pothead, this movie is exceptional!! January 12, 2002

Classic animation

I bought this for the Doonesbury Special, but found myself delighted by the other pieces on the disc as well. Everybody Rides the Carousel is an exploration of the stages of life as defined by psychologist Erik Erikson. My Universe Inside Out is a self-portrait/creation story by Faith Hubley. All three shorts are wonderfully animated and voiced, and are a great introduction to the Hubleys' work if you're unfamiliar with it. October 31, 2001

Erikson's Eight Stages of Life

This is a wonderful overview of Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development. The animation and protrayal of the tension in each stage of life (e.g. Ego Integrity vs. Despair)helps one to understand each of the stages. There are interesting characters in each stage who represent both aspects of that stage (e.g. "cute cat" for trust and "scary cat" for mistrust). This helps students to identify each stage of development while giving examples of the social questions and challenges each human faces during their life cycle. It is not only informative,but also creative, conceptual and accessible to all. One can easily see some of the Freudian theory Erikson builds on and the examples are clearly illustrate the dilemmas we all face as we develop and mature. Excellent film. November 18, 2000

Eight Rides for Eight Ages!

The music of Dizzy Gillespie only adds to the dizzying effect of the experience of riding on the carousel of life. Far too many theories hypothesize that development ends at puberty. Erik Erikson extends life to it's proper end: death. The students who put Erikson's theory into a work of art, especially the clown narrator, let us know that conflicts at every stage of life are normal. March 28, 2000

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