Jimmy Hatlo (1897-1963): The Master of Everyday Observations

James Cecil Hatlo, better known as Jimmy Hatlo, left an indelible mark on cartoons with his insightful and humorous depictions of everyday life. Born on September 1, 1897, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Hatlo’s career spanned several decades, during which he created iconic comic strips that entertained readers across the country.

Biography

Early Life and Career Beginnings

James Cecil Hatlo, better known as Jimmy Hatlo, was born on September 1, 1897, in East Providence, Rhode Island. His father, James M. Hatlow, was a printer who had immigrated from the Orkney Islands of Scotland. The original spelling of the family name inconvenienced Hatlo when he began his career as a budding sports cartoonist. He fashioned a trademark signature with the letter “H” drawn as stylized goalposts and “o” as a descending football. He shrank the “w” into a small apostrophe in his signature but dropped it entirely.

When Hatlo was a small child, his family moved to Los Angeles. As a young man, Hatlo started doing incidental artwork and engravings for local newspapers when reproducing photographs using halftone technology was still limited.

World War I and Career Development

With the outbreak of World War I, Hatlo went to Kelly Field, hoping to become an aviator despite his poor eyesight. However, he became a casualty of the Spanish flu and missed the war entirely. After the war, Hatlo relocated to San Francisco, where he worked for the San Francisco Call & Post and the San Francisco Evening Bulletin. The two papers later merged as the San Francisco Call-Bulletin, part of William Randolph Hearst’s publishing empire.

Initially, Hatlo drew “travelogues” for automobile advertising, creating illustrated maps to promote auto travel and sales. Due to his talent, he soon transitioned into editorial cartooning and then sports cartooning. One of his notable works during this time was the sports cartoon “Swineskin Gulch,” which appeared in the Call-Bulletin.

Introduction of They’ll Do It Every Time

Hatlo’s breakthrough came when a shipment of panels from syndicated cartoonist Tad Dorgan failed to arrive in the mail. Hatlo was tasked with creating something to fill the space, which led to the creation of “They’ll Do It Every Time.” This comic strip quickly became an instant hit with San Francisco readers. As Hatlo began to run short on ideas, he asked readers to submit their ideas for the cartoons. This approach proved to be a huge success, with Hatlo picking the best submissions and crediting each contributor by name in the closing panel of the cartoon. This innovative practice endeared him to his audience and contributed to the popularity of his work.

The Hatlo Inferno and Other Works

In addition to “They’ll Do It Every Time,” Hatlo created “The Hatlo Inferno,” a supplemental panel that depicted humorous scenes from Hell. This feature ran alongside his main strip for five years, showcasing his wit and creativity. Hatlo’s other notable work includes “Little Iodine,” a spin-off comic strip featuring a naughty little girl adapted into a feature-length movie in 1946.

Books 

Jimmy Hatlo’s impact on the newspaper industry extended beyond his daily comic strips. In 1939, the David McKay Company of Philadelphia published Hatlo’s first collection of “They’ll Do It Every Time,” a 100-page softbound book. This compilation was followed by two hardcover collections by McKay in the 1940s. As his popularity grew, Avon’s paperback collections of “They’ll Do It Every Time” were released throughout the 1950s, allowing fans to enjoy his witty observations and humorous illustrations in a convenient format.

In the foreword to the 1943 McKay collection, renowned writer Damon Runyon praised Hatlo’s work, expressing his belief that Hatlo was one of the greatest cartoonists ever produced by the newspaper business. Runyon highlighted Hatlo’s ability to capture the essence of everyday people with insight and humor, portraying them as they indeed are rather than how they should be or as imagined by others. Runyon commended Hatlo’s keen understanding of human nature and his skillful depiction of characters in various situations, attributing his success to his genuine connection with his audience.

Runyon’s endorsement solidified Hatlo’s status as a prominent figure in the world of cartooning and reaffirmed his significant contribution to the entertainment industry. Hatlo’s ability to resonate with readers personally and his knack for reflecting the quirks and idiosyncrasies of everyday life cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved and influential cartoonists of his time.

Recognition

Jimmy Hatlo’s influence extended far beyond the pages of his daily comic strips, as evidenced by the publication of several collections of his work. In 1939, the David McKay Company of Philadelphia released Hatlo’s first compilation of “They’ll Do It Every Time,” a 100-page softbound book. This initial publication was followed by two hardcover collections by McKay in the 1940s, allowing fans to enjoy Hatlo’s witty and insightful observations in a more durable format.

Throughout the 1950s, Avon paperback collections of “They’ll Do It Every Time” continued to be released, further solidifying Hatlo’s reputation as a beloved cartoonist with a keen eye for human behavior and societal quirks.

In addition to his commercial success, Hatlo received widespread acclaim from his peers and critics. In the foreword to the 1943 McKay collection, Damon Runyon, a renowned writer of the time, praised Hatlo as one of the greatest cartoonists ever produced by the newspaper industry. Runyon commended Hatlo’s ability to capture the essence of everyday people with remarkable insight and empathy, highlighting his skillful portrayal of characters in various settings and situations.

Popularity

Jimmy Hatlo’s popularity soared post-World War II, attracting imitators and admirers worldwide. The success of “They’ll Do It Every Time” spawned a rival cartoon titled “There Oughta Be a Law!” by the McClure Newspaper Syndicate, a testament to Hatlo’s influence on the cartooning landscape.

After the war, Hatlo settled in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where he became part of a vibrant community of cartoonists, including notable artists such as Gus Arriola, Frank O’Neal, Eldon Dedini, and Hank Ketcham.

At the peak of his career, Hatlo’s cartoons appeared in over 400 newspapers worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most recognizable and influential cartoonists of his time. His spin-off comic strip, “Little Iodine,” featuring the mischievous titular character, further contributed to his widespread acclaim, earning her series of comic books and a 1946 movie adaptation.

Hatlo’s popularity reached its zenith in the early 1950s, culminating in a feature article in The Saturday Evening Post titled “He Needles the Human Race,” which profiled his unique perspective and celebrated his contributions to the world of cartooning.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jimmy Hatlo’s personal life was marked by his passion for cartooning and his struggles with health issues. A lifelong smoker, he openly endorsed Lucky Strike cigarettes in magazine and newspaper advertisements despite the known health risks associated with smoking. Unfortunately, in his later years, Hatlo faced health challenges, including atherosclerosis, a condition that affects the arteries and can lead to severe complications.

In late November 1963, Hatlo was hospitalized for a kidney condition. Tragically, he passed away from a stroke on December 1, 1963, at the age of 66. His death marked the end of an era in the world of cartooning, leaving behind a rich legacy of humor and insight that continues to inspire artists and entertain audiences today.

Awards and Cultural Impact

Throughout his illustrious career, Jimmy Hatlo received recognition and accolades for his contributions to cartooning. He was honored with the National Cartoonists Society’s Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award in 1957 and 1959, underscoring his mastery of the medium and ability to connect with readers through his witty and insightful cartoons.

In addition to professional recognition, Hatlo’s work left a lasting impression on the cultural landscape. The Banshees, a renowned group of cartoonists, bestowed upon Hatlo their prestigious Silver Lady Award, further solidifying his status as a luminary in the world of comics.

The impact of Hatlo’s work extended beyond cartooning, influencing artists and writers across different mediums. Canadian cartoonist Seth paid tribute to Hatlo’s legacy in his graphic novella “It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken,” highlighting the enduring appeal of Hatlo’s unique style and humor.

In 2016, the centennial celebration of Carmel-by-the-Sea honored Hatlo as one of the town’s notable cartoonists, recognizing his contributions to its rich cultural heritage. His move from Carmel to neighboring Pebble Beach in 1953 marked a significant chapter in his life, symbolizing his enduring community presence and lasting impact on the local artistic scene.

Bibliography

Throughout his career, Hatlo authored numerous books and collections showcasing his cartoons, including “They’ll Do It Every Time” and “Little Iodine.” These publications are enduring testaments to his talent and creativity, ensuring his legacy lives on for future generations.
1. “They’ll Do It Every Time” by Jimmy Hatlo, David McKay, 1943.

2. “They’ll Do It Every Time Book Number Two” by Jimmy Hatlo, David McKay, 1945.

3. “They’ll Do It Every Time” (Pocket Book Edition) by Jimmy Hatlo, Pocket, 1945.

4. “They’ll Do It Every Time” (Paperback Edition) by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1951.

5. “Little Iodine” (Coloring Book) by Jimmy Hatlo, Whitman, 1951.

6. “The New Jimmy Hatlo Book” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1952.

7. “Jimmy Hatlo—Calendar for 1954” (Comics) by Jimmy Hatlo, King Features, 1954.

8. “Brand New Cartoons by Jimmy Hatlo” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1955.

9. “Cartoons by Jimmy Hatlo” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1955.

10. “Hatlo Cartoons” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1956.

11. “Little Iodine” by Jimmy Hatlo, Dell, 1955.

12. “Another New Jimmy Hatlo Book” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1957.

13. “Jimmy Hatlo’s Office Party” by Jimmy Hatlo, Grosset & Dunlap, 1957.

14. “Little Iodine: All Brand-New Stories” by Jimmy Hatlo, Dell, 1957.

15. “More They’ll Do It Every Time” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1957.

16. “The Newest Jimmy Hatlo Book” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1959.

17. “Office Hi-Jinks” by Jimmy Hatlo, Avon, 1961.

Jimmy Hatlo’s contributions to the world of cartoons are immeasurable, and his impact continues to be felt by audiences around the world. Through his keen observations and humorous insights, he brought joy and laughter to countless readers and left an indelible mark on the history of comic art.

References

1. “Jimmy Hatlo: Man of Many Hats,” Hogan’s Alley, 2010.

2. Runyon, Damon, introduction. “They’ll Do It Every Time.” David McKay, 1943.

3. Markstein, Don. “THERE OUGHTA BE A LAW!,” Toonpedia. Accessed October 22, 2018.

Read also

• They’ll Do It Every Time (1929-2008): Unveiling the Long-Running Success
• Al Scaduto (1928-2007): The Legendary Cartoonist Behind “They’ll Do It Every Time”
• Bob Dunn (1908 –1989): Pioneering Cartoonist, Entertainer, and Gagwriter

Frequently Asked Questions about Jimmy Hatlo:

Who was Jimmy Hatlo?

James Cecil Hatlo, better known as Jimmy Hatlo, was an American cartoonist renowned for creating the long-running comic strip and gag panel “They’ll Do It Every Time.” He was born on September 1, 1897, in East Providence, Rhode Island.

What is “They’ll Do It Every Time”?

“They’ll Do It Every Time” was a famous comic strip and gag panel created by Jimmy Hatlo in 1929. It featured humorous observations about everyday life and often credited readers who contributed ideas for the cartoons.

What was Hatlo’s approach to engaging his audience?

Hatlo pioneered an innovative approach by involving his audience in the creative process. He encouraged readers to submit ideas for his cartoons and credited each contributor by name, turning his audience into active participants.

What other notable works did Hatlo create?

In addition to “They’ll Do It Every Time,” Hatlo created “The Hatlo Inferno,” a supplementary panel depicting life in Hell, which ran alongside his main comic strip for five years. He also created the spin-off comic strip “Little Iodine,” which gained popularity and was adapted into a feature-length movie in 1946.

What was Hatlo’s impact on the world of cartooning?

Hatlo’s innovative approach to engaging his audience and his ability to capture the humor and humanity of everyday life solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of cartooning. His cartoons appeared in over 400 newspapers worldwide, reaching a vast audience and earning him widespread acclaim.

Did Hatlo receive any awards or recognition for his work?

Yes, Hatlo was recognized for his contributions to the world of cartooning with awards from the National Cartoonists Society, including the Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award in 1957 and 1959. He also received the Banshees’ Silver Lady Award for his work.

What was Hatlo’s personal life like?

Hatlo was known for his lifelong love of smoking and was featured in advertisements for Lucky Strike cigarettes. In his later years, he battled health issues related to atherosclerosis but continued to produce cartoons until his passing on December 1, 1963, at the age of 66.

What is Hatlo’s cultural legacy?

Hatlo’s work continues to be celebrated and referenced in popular culture, with his cartoons remaining timeless reflections of the human experience. His legacy as a cartooning legend endures through his iconic creations and lasting impact on the world of comic strips.