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Heckle and Jeckle cartoons were an absolute staple of newsreel theatrettes during the mid-20th century, particularly across Australia, the UK, and the US.

A classic series of Terrytoons cartoons, starring two identical wisecracking magpies, Heckle and Jeckle. One has a British accent, the other a New York one, and they are fast friends who are able to overcome foes by outwitting them, breaking the rules, and generally having fun at other people’s expense.

Heckle and Jeckle is a segment of shorts that appear in Terrytoons. The cartoons star two mischievous magpie brothers; Heckle and Jeckle who love to cause trouble for other characters. Most of the shorts feature them trying to live somewhere, stealing food, and/or working jobs. Some of the recurring antagonists include Farmer Alfafa, Dimwit, and Clancy.

Before television became widespread, specialized “newsreel theatrettes” ran continuous short-form programming loops.

Because these mini-theaters relied on quick, punchy content, the fast-paced, witty, and chaotic formula of Heckle and Jeckle made them the perfect intermission entertainment between news segments and travelogues.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -