I was shocked to learn that Gary Dubin has passed away at the age of 57. In addition to providing the role of Talouse in the Disney animated feature The Aristocats, Gary appeared in numerous movies and television shows. You can hear an interview I did with Gary back in 2009.
Yo ho everybody! I thought you’d enjoy this rare concept art by Marc Davis for the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. Marc was my favorite artist and responsible for creating so many of the classic scenes you see in attractions such as Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and so much more. Marc started working for Disney as an animator and the first thing he animated was a scene in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” While he created characters such as Tinker Bell and Cruella De Ville, some of my favorite pieces were Marc’s characters that seemed to leap off the page – such as the various bears for the Country Bear Jamboree attraction. This Pirates artwork is a rough sketch for a scene that didn’t make it in the final attraction. I love it because it’s so rough, and different than a lot of Marc’s typically seen works, but still tells a story with humor. I’m grateful to Marc’s wife, Alice, another Disney Legend, for allowing me to scan it.
It was on this day in 1971 that Walt Disney World opened to the public. Learning from all the troubles they had at Disneyland’s opening day, it was decided to hold the grand opening festivities until later in the month. When WDW began, the Magic Kingdom was the sole park. There was no Epcot, no Disney’s Hollywood Studios, nor Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As for Resorts, there were no All-Star Resorts, no Grand Floridian, it was the Contemporary Resort and the Polynesian Village. Enjoy this map to explore the World as it was in 1971. (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW)
Although he’s skilled in the media, having had his own television shown and movie appearances, he has no political experience, zero knowledge of foreign polices, he’s not up on the latest technology, and, well, he’s got very-little brains. Yet, I believe this candidate could actually have a chance if he ran today. Of course, I’m talking about Winnie the Pooh. Back in 1968 (above, left), Sears stores launched a Pooh-litical marketing campaign, as it was the main headquarters of Winnie the Pooh merchandise. In 1972 (above, right), Disney took “Pooh for President” to a whole new level, with Disneyland events and even a national tour! (See images below)
Come join our Mouse Clubhouse Facebook group page! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mouseclubhouse/
Here’s a throwback Thursday to a picture I took on Disneyland’s 40th anniversary. Lady and Tramp and other characters towered over Main Street on July 17, 1995. With the opening of the Indiana Jones Adventure as the newest attraction, the theme of the year was “40 Years of Adventure.”
I just posted my interview with Harriet Burns. In this conversation, Harriet talks about working on the movies “Babes in Toyland” and “Mary Poppins.” CLICK HERE for the interview and more images.
“Thank you, Mickey, thank you Donald, let’s all give a cheer! The whole world wants to thank you, thank you for 30 happy years!” are the opening lyrics to this 1985 parade celebrating the 30th anniversary of Disneyland. Here’s a couple photos I took back in the day.
I just posted my interview with Jack Gladish. In this conversation, Jack discusses the detailed process of creating Jungle Cruise animals for Disneyland back in the 1960s. CLICK HERE for the interview.
With the official announcement of the beloved Electrical Parade returning to Disneyland, I thought I’d post some fascinating history about it! How was a football game responsible for the parade’s closing fanfare? Whose idea was it to have the park lights dim in perfect synchronization with the parade’s musical introduction?
All this and lots more Disney entertainment history is in my interview with Don Dorsey! CLICK HERE for the interview and more photos
I want to let you know about this cool event! The La Mirada Symphony will present the first annual Golden Clef Awards Gala Saturday, August
20, 2016 in California at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The event honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant and lasting impact on concert music and the musical arts. Honored include performer Shirley Jones and composer Paul Williams. Roy Disney will be honored posthumously, represented by the Disney family with special guest, Dave Bossert and a special screening of the animated short “Destino.” Supervisor Don Knabe will also be honored for his lifetime support of the arts over the course of his public service career.
Broadway performers Rex Smith and James Mulligan along with Carly Bracco, Impressionist, Paul Boland, and Richard Allen at the piano will provide a musical tribute to the honorees. An after show reception will be held for patrons to meet the honorees.
Hostess for the evening will be actress, speaker, Morgan Brittany.
All proceeds support the admission free concerts during the La Mirada Symphony season. Since 1963 the La Mirada Symphony has been providing classical music and arts education to the Southern California community.
For tickets visit the La Mirada Theatre website at http://lamiradatheatre.com/pr_lms.htm.
For more information or an interview contact La Mirada Symphony Board President and event coordinator, Joseph Yakovetic at 909-241-6088
or his email address at yak_pro@yahoo.com.