Sidney's Family Tree (1958) ****

Although one of the pioneers of American animation, Paul Terry had the dubious distinction of being the least innovative cartoon producer in Hollywood. But after he sold his studio to CBS in 1955, Terrytoons were taken over by Gene Deitch, a brilliant animator and director, who produced a series of extremely inventive, stylish and humorous cartoons in the late 1950's. "Sidney's Family Tree" was one of the finest among them and it received a well-deserved Oscar nomination (the first for the Terry studio in 13 years). Deeply inspired by the UPA "graphic art" style, the film tells an amusing story of Sidney, an orphan elephant, who tries to get himself adopted by two chimpanzees and live with them on a tree. The neurotic, constantly whining Sidney is a delightful creation.