Harvey Kurtzman
Writer · 1924 – 1993 · Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
One of the most influential, yet unsung, figures in American humor, cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman created "Mad Magazine" in 1952, and for the next few years served as its editor and primary writer. After his departure from "Mad, " he created two more humor magazines, "Trump" and "Help!" Although neither was as successful as "Mad", "Help!" did help launch the careers of a number of future luminaries, including Woody Allen, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Robert Crumb and Gloria Steinem. Kurtzman's sole foray into screenwriting, the animated Mad Monster Party? (1967), demonstrates much of the famous "Mad" comedy (including a reference to one of the magazine's trademark nonsense words, "veeblefetzer") and has developed a strong cult following.
Movies5
Movie5.3DocumentaryHistoryA historical documentary and tribute to the legacy and influence of MAD Magazine, featuring interviews with MAD celebrity readers, along with MAD artists, writers, and editors—affectionately known as "The Usual Gang of Idiots".
When We Went MAD!
2025 · 8 votes
Movie6.8DocumentaryA survey of the artistic history of the comic book medium and some of the major talents associated with it.
Comic Book Confidential
1989 · 32 votes
MovieDocumentaryWarBursting from the immigrant streets of 1920s Brooklyn, Harvey Kurtzman ignited a creative revolution reshaping comics, satire, and popular culture. Through rare archives, unseen interviews, handcrafted animation, and an original jazz score, this documentary reveals the man who created MAD Magazine and helped redefine American humour and visual storytelling forever.
Movie8.0DocumentaryMeet the heroes behind the superheroes as award-winning author Harlan Ellison introduces ten of the world's greatest comic book artists. Exclusive interviews and samples of their sensational art reveal the philosophy and creative process behind their finest characters, stories, and series.
The Masters of Comic Book Art
1987 · 1 votes
MovieDocumentaryStan Lee interviews Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis