Page "Al Capp" Paragraph 46

Capp is often associated with two other giants of the medium: Milton Caniff ( Terry and the Pirates, Steve Canyon ) and Walt Kelly ( Pogo ).

The three cartoonists were close personal friends and professional associates throughout their adult lives, and occasionally referenced each other in their strips.

According to one anecdote ( from Al Capp Remembered, 1994 ), Capp and his brother Elliot ducked out of a dull party at Capp's home — leaving Walt Kelly alone to fend for himself entertaining a group of Argentine envoys who didn't speak English.

Kelly retaliated by giving away Capp's baby grand piano.

According to Capp, who loved to relate the story, Kelly's two perfectly logical reasons for doing so were: a. to cement diplomatic relations between Argentina and the United States, and b. " Because you can't play the piano, anyway!

" ( Beetle Bailey creator Mort Walker confirmed the story, relating a slightly expanded version in his autobiography, Mort Walker's Private Scrapbook, 2001.