Donovan takes you on a psychedelic seaside picnic in 9 perfect minutes.
Co-directed by Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera veteran Tony Benedict and Donovan himself, this live-action/animated short film was released in 1971 to promote Donovan's self-produced children's album "HMS Donovan". Comprised of a live-action seaside picnic framing device and three of the album's songs animated in the style of Scottish artist John 'Patrick' Byrne.
Direction
Hanna-Barbera veteran meets folk icon in perfect collision.
Practical Effects
Patrick Byrne's hand-drawn frames feel like found attic treasure.
Director
Tony Benedict
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Patrick Byrne later designed sets for Scottish TV and became a renowned playwright—this early animation work captures his distinctive visual style before he pivoted to theatre.
HMS Donovan was Donovan's final album for Pye Records, a commercial flop that became a cult children's classic—this short is basically the world's most charming apology for poor sales.
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