The S.S. Leon

Frank Tashlin and his unknown writer pull off an inside reference that turns out to close to the truth in “Porky’s Railroad” (1937). Porky and his train head over the bow of the S.S. Leon and come away with one of the ship’s life preservers.



“Leon,” of course, refers to studio head Leon Schlesinger, who was a recreational boatsman. Daily Variety of May 28, 1937 reveals “The Leon Schlesingers pull out today for Coronado.” And the trade paper flashed on April 13, 1939 “Now it's Skipper Leon Schlesinger. Cartoon producer has bought Richard Arlen's yacht, Dijo, and rechristened it The Merrie Melody.”