Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 22, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 21, 1944

In an upcoming drawing a character very similar to the one laughing here is identified as Claude Smith.  Then again, it also could be Michael Lah.

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 20, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 19, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 18, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 17, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 16, 1944

This "news bulletin" likely refers to Japanese losses in actions taking place the previous weekend. A naval communique of November 14th reports 16 ships believed to be damaged or sunk (later confirmed as 16 sunk in the communique of the 16th) and 130-140 airplanes strafed on airstrips. What the figure of 637 that Spence cites refers to is uncertain, as is the number of Japanese casualities. It may include reports from the ongoing battle for the island of Leyte, which wasn't secured until late December.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, the greatest and the final naval battle of the war, began October 23, 1944 and allowed for Gen. MacArthur's return to the Philippines.

Much more here.

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 15, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 14, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 13, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 12, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 11, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 10, 1944

What the "big news" was exactly is unclear. The speech impediment depicted suggests it is Quimby speaking to Avery about a
job "they" are asking the MGM cartoon studio to undertake. The work apparently originated at Fox and was contracted to Hugh Harman. Possibly Harman is passing it on to MGM or Fox is looking to replace Harman. It does raise a question about the ability the animation studio had to operate independently of MGM. What the job was and whether or not it was ever actually done is also uncertain.

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 9, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 8, 1944

The presidential election of 1944 is considered, by one guy at least, to be among the top ten least important elections in U.S. history. It did feature, and not for the last time, a politician delivering a speech defending his dog.

The '44 election is represented in this 1945 film explaining American democracy to the recently liberated. Directed the old-fashioned way by John Houseman and featuring animation by John Hubley.

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 7, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 6, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 5, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 4, 1944

Irv Spence's Cartoon Diary: November 3, 1944