Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
The story of the Hungarian animator who was envied by Walt Disney
Change language:
With his unique film-making technique, this Hungarian man revolutionised the field of animation and science fiction movies. He was nominated for seven Academy Awards and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was a true star in Hollywood and across the world who brought something new into the movie business.
George Pal (Pál György Marczincsák, György Pál) was born on February 1, 1908, in Cegléd (Pest County, 70 km from Budapest). His parents had their own theatre business and travelled across the country constantly, spending only short periods of time at home with their child. Later, they eventually got divorced, and the family broke into pieces. Pal was brought up by his grandparents, and although he was interested in theatre, he changed his mind when he saw that it ruined his family. He never wanted to become an actor from that moment on.
In 1928, he graduated from the Budapest Academy of Arts as an architect. He did not find a suitable job for himself. Then, he thought about his excellent drawing skills and decided to apply for a job at Hunnia Studios (prominent Hungarian film studio in the 20th century). He worked there for the following three years.
In 1931, he got married and had two children. As he no longer had to take care of himself but his family, he decided to move to Berlin to earn a better living. Between 1931 and 1933, he worked for the UFA Studios, and sixty days after his first day at work, he was promoted to be the director of the animation department of the studio. He usually worked on short cartoon series and animation movies. Habakuk told the story of a bear, and Kolléga introduced a drunken train who had human features. Later on, he established his own studio and continued to work there. When the Nazi ideology started to spread across Germany, Pal believed that it was time to move to another country where they can live safely. First, they emigrated to Prague and then to the Netherlands. In 1939, they emigrated to the United States.
