The Quack Flags of Dr. Terminus - from Pete's Dragon 1977

Dr. Terminus with underling Red Buttons
Notice US flag in the background

Pete's Dragon was a Walt Disney film based upon an unpublished short story by Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field. The story centers on the friendship between a dragon and little boy. But the primary villain in the story is Dr. Terminus - a less than scrupulous town to town traveling quack.

American Quackery is something of a cult institution. At the previous turn of the century pharmaceutical agents has to peddle their tonics and drugs from town to town and rely on a certain element of charisma. Some were genuine while others shaded the truth, and some were out right frauds and schiesters.

Fast forward from 1907 to 2007 - American Quackery has reaching new heights of selling the public drugs they may or may not need. Again the same basic formula continues with with snappy sales pitches, paid actors, and enchanting music. Some of it useful, some not necessary, some play on fears, anxiety, ego and charm. But as it was then and more so now - some are a few outright frauds.

Drink this tonic or swallow this pill and you'll feel great!

Flags in Pete's Dragon

Light House of Passamaquoddy
US Flag with Elliot the Dragon




















A plain blue flag at the 'town hall look out'










Appropriate Flag with US Flag
Notice President Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909

M.C. Escher Flag - Concave and Convex 1955

Escher Cube Flag

At the moment the artwork of M.C. Escher has hit a high note in classrooms across America - honored by art and math teachers. M.C. Escher takes two subject areas from opposite poles. Math is linear, objective as a matter of fact logical way pallet, while art is a limitless expression equated with the non-logical in the heart of the beholder.
What is it that teachers and young adults like about his mind bending artwork?


To the right is a close up of the flag from his lithograph Concave and Convex 1955. The flag features three blocks reminiscent of the old Q*bert game neatly placed in a 'hexagonal box.' However the blocks can shift position within the mind's eye. It can look like black blocks facing towards to top, black blocks facing towards the bottom, like a six pointed star in two dimensions? If you don't see it give it a moment.

Maurits Cornelius Escher is relatively modern artist from the 20th century who lived from 1898-1972.

Concave and Convex 1955
by Mauritis Cornelius Escher reversed


Is the flag hanging in under the archway? Or is it hanging over a road? I guess it all depends on your point of view.

Of vexillological delight is the hexagonal flag in the corner.







The "Escher Flag"














Wouldn't be cool game if they could combine Escher Art with Q*bert?

The Great Muppet Caper - Flags from the movie

UK Flag - Inside the Happiness Hotel
The Great Muppet Caper 1981













Kermit Dancing on the Bed - ready for his big date
notice UK Union Flag













Happiness Hotel from the outside












Rats cheering the Muppets with red pennants
during the Baseball Diamond event

Cool Flags in somebody's home brew video of Christopher Cross' Sailing Song

The unofficial anthem of modern vexillology.