Q: My grandfather, Clyde White, was an early artist who drew Mickey Mouse for Walt Disney — probably in the mid to late 1930s (but not sure of the exact dates). Do you have any record of my grandfather? Maybe a picture or something showing his name? It would be really great to see this!
Farida, Long Beach, California
A [Dave Smith]: Clyde R. White was in training as an animator at the Disney Studio beginning on May 26, 1939, but he left on July 8 of that year before being given a full-time job.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Former Mouseketeer: Cheryl
Q: Could you please tell me what happened to former Mouseketeer Cheryl? I saw her listed in the "In Memoriam" section of the SAG Awards.
Laura, Casper, Wyoming
Laura, Casper, Wyoming
A [Dave Smith]: Mouseketeer Cheryl Holdridge sadly passed away on January 8, 2009, at her home in Santa Monica, California, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was 64
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Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.
Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
What kind of relationship Walt had with his Parents
Q: Dave, can you tell me what kind of relationship Walt had with his parents? I've been told that he didn't like his mother, but I don't ever recall hearing that! Is this true?
John, Belvidere, Illinois
A [Dave Smith]: When Walt Disney was growing up, he was very close to his parents, especially his mother. He never disliked her. Flora even agreed to help Walt get into the Red Cross at the time of World War I, even though he was underage. Walt's father was more strict, and there were times that he and Walt clashed.
[Marcio Disney]
1918: A young Walt Disney forges his parents' signatures to enlist in the American Ambulance Corps (part of the Red Cross). He changes his birth from 1901 to 1900. See the details above!
Walt Disney in the American Ambulance Corps
The summer of 1918 was the best that Walt had known. His hours for the post office were long, but there was no drudgery to the work, and he was outdoors most of the time. At night he took girls from McKinley High School to movies and vaudeville shows.
For the first time in his life, Walt had enough money to indulge himself, and he contemplated buying a movie camera or a canoe. A girl friend urged him to buy a canoe, but he decided on the camera. He mounted it on a tripod in an alley and photographed himself in imitations of Charlie Chaplin. To please his friend, he joined another boy in buying an inexpensive canoe; it was so small and unwieldy that he and the girl were swept out into the lake on a windy Sunday.
By late summer, the Allies had stopped the Germans in the second battle of the Marne, and Marshal Foch bad ordered a counterattack. Walt grew more impatient to get in uniform, telling his parents, "I don't want my grandchildren asking me, 'Why weren't you in the war? Were you a slacker?' " The Navy had transferred Roy to Charleston, South Carolina, then assigned him to voyages between New York and France. Ray Disney had joined the Army. Walt wanted to take part in the same adventure; he couldn't conceive of returning to high school for another year. A friend at the post office, Russell Maas, shared his feelings. They decided to cross the border and enlist in the Canadian Army, which accepted younger recruits. Their plot was thwarted when Russell's mother discovered his packed suitcase; her son admitted the plan and she warned Flora Disney. One day Russell arrived at the post office and told Walt excitedly. "There' s something forming here that you and I can get into. It's a volunteer group called the American Ambulance Corps, part of the Red Cross. They need drivers, and they're not fussy about how old you are."
At noon, the two young men hurried to the headquarters of the American Red Cross. They learned the age limit for ambulance unit volunteers was seventeen. Both were sixteen, but they falsified their ages and applied as the St. John brothers, Russell and Walter. The ruse succeeded until the applications for passports which required their parents' signatures. Walt was forced to disclose his plan to his parents. "I will not sign any permission" Elias Disney declared. "It's signing a death warrant for my son."
Flora Disney argued that three of their sons had left the family home by stealth and she didn't want Walter to go the same way. "The boy is determined," she said "I would rather sign this and know where he is than have him run off."
"Well, you can sign it for me---I won't!" Elias replied, and he stalked from the room. Flora forged his name on the passport application, and Walt altered his birth date to read "1900." He and Russell Maas returned to the Red Cross, and their applications were accepted. The two boys received uniforms and reported to a tent encampment at a burned-down amusement park near the University of Chicago. Mechanics from the Yellow Cab Company taught them how to repair motors and drive cars over rough terrain.
Click here to read the complete story or visit: http://tinyurl.com/2vouzaj
Saturday, August 28, 2010
A Master Sculptor for Kitchen Kabaret, Mickey atop the World and More!
Q: I have a friend whose father, Perry Russ, used to work with Imagineer sculptor Blaine Gibson. As I understand it, Mr. Russ worked here in Florida on Epcot projects and then later on other projects around Walt Disney World (including the Magic Kingdom). Can you tell me anything about Mr. Russ and the projects that he worked on?
Brian, Kissimmee, Florida
Brian, Kissimmee, Florida
A [Dave Smith]: I remember Perry well. He was a well-liked master sculptor at Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Imagineering for 20 years, beginning in 1972. Besides working on Emporium window displays and sculpting figures for merchandise, he created the cast of talking fruits and vegetables for the Kitchen Kabaret at Epcot, the Mickey atop the world on the Crossroads of the World pylon at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the original bronze Tinker Bell figure I among others received as a 25-year Disney service award. Perry was noted for his tremendous talent and artistic judgment.
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Cinderella Cel to Betty Craig
Q: My parents purchased a Cinderella cel. This cel has the original background of the stairway with the Cinderella cel superimposed on the background. The cel was also signed by Frank Thomas, Mark Davis and Ollie Johnston. Before these three cartoonists signed the cel, it was signed by Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney wrote, "To Betty Craig Cordially, Walt Disney." My question is, who is Betty Craig? I have looked everywhere but can't seem to tie her to Cinderella or anything with Disney.
Jonathan, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Jonathan, Warminster, Pennsylvania
A [Dave Smith]:Walt Disney was often asked to sign artwork for business clients or for friends and relatives of Disney employees. We do not know who Betty Craig might be.
Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.
Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.
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ºoº Marcio Disney Family Sites Network ºoºThursday, August 26, 2010
Two Brothers Tunemakers / Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Q: I've just read that the now have their own window on Main Street, U.S.A. (as well they should, after all they're Disney Legends!). I was wondering, however, if you knew exactly which park it's in (Disneyland or Magic Kingdom), where exactly it's located and what type of business it's disguised under?
Kaitlin, Bolton Landing, New York
Kaitlin, Bolton Landing, New York
A [Dave Smith]: The window is located on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, where it was dedicated on March 11. It is on a door at the 20th Century Music Company shop, and reads: Two Brothers Tunemakers/Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Proprietors/"We'll write your tunes for a song."
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Enjoy a look back at these talented brothers singing the Carousel of Progress theme with Walt Disney himself.
Enjoy a look back at these talented brothers singing the Carousel of Progress theme with Walt Disney himself.
Legendary Sherman Brothers Honored with Window on Main Street, U.S.A.
posted on March 11th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
Today, Main Street, U.S.A. was buzzing with the tune of several familiar songs as Richard and Robert Sherman were honored with their own window. A window dedication, by the way, is the highest honor a cast member can receive at Disneyland Park. The window dedicated to the Sherman Brothers reads “Two Brothers Tunemakers,” with their names inscribed underneath. Check it out next time you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. The famous brothers are the creative minds behind the song “it’s a small world (after all),” and the theme songs for several attractions (The Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress) and songs from the movies “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Aristocats” and “Winnie the Pooh.” Richard Sherman was at the ceremony today. Take a look at this video and hear what Richard had to say at this heartwarming celebration of the Sherman Brothers’ amazing work.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
1976 Movie - No Deposit, No Return
Q: In the early '60s, Disney used to send me a newsletter, in one of which was mentioned a movie called Double Trouble. Was this movie ever released?
Louise, San Francisco, California
Louise, San Francisco, California
A [Dave Smith]: Double Trouble was the working title for the film that was finally released in 1976 as No Deposit, No Return, starring David Niven, Darren McGavin, Herschel Bernardi, Barbara Feldon and Don Knotts.
[More to See - Marcio Disney]
No Deposit, No Return is a 1976 comedy film directed by Norman Tokar. It was written by Arthur Alsberg and Don Nelson. It is the story of two children (Tracy and Jay) who hold themselves for ransom, reluctantly aided by an expert safecracker and his sidekick (Duke and Bert).
Don Knotts said that one day, while he was filming scenes for this project in the San Francisco airport, a director approached him and said he would like to cast him in a dramatic film one day. Although it never happened, Knotts said he was flattered by the offer. The director was Sam Peckinpah.
Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.
Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.
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Disney Picture of the Day
Vinylmation of the Day
http://vinylmationoftheday.blogspot.com/
Disney Fun Fact of the Day
http://tinyurl.com/MDFunFactToday's Past in Disney History
http://tinyurl.com/PastDisney Disney Tales [5 Weekly tales]
The Disney History
Marcio Disney Blog
Disney Pin of the Day
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Why Goofy can talk?
Q: Why is Goofy the only Disney dog that can talk?
Alicia, Stockton, California
Alicia, Stockton, California
A [Dave Smith]: Goofy was actually created as a human character, with dog-like characteristics, so, yes, he wears clothes and talks. But there are other Disney dogs that talk — witness the casts of Lady and the Tramp, Oliver and Company, The Fox and the Hound, etc.
Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.
Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.
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The Walt Disney World Picture of the Day
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Pictures / Videos / Audio / Cartoons / Books
Pictures / Videos / Audio / Cartoons / Books
Disney Fun Fact of the Day
http://tinyurl.com/MDFunFactToday's Past in Disney History
http://tinyurl.com/PastDisney Disney Tales [5 Weekly tales]
The Disney History Blog
Marcio Disney Blog
Saturday, August 21, 2010
"Mater" as the name of the tow truck in Cars
Q: What is the significance, if any, of the name "Mater" as the name of the tow truck in Cars? Is it a reference to the "country" term for tomato?
Jim, Myersville, Maryland
Jim, Myersville, Maryland
A [Dave Smith]: The name, Mater, was actually taken from the nickname of Douglas "Mater" Keever, a devoted fan at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina. Cars director John Lasseter met Mater, and was impressed by him, on a research trip for the film in 2001. Keever had received the nickname as a kid working with "tuh-maters" on his parents' farm.
[More to See - Marcio Disney]
Lowe's Motor Speedway:
http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/
Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.
Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.
ºoº
ºoº Marcio Disney Family Sites Network ºoºDisney's Dream Makers
Disney Picture of the Day
Vinylmation of the Day
http://vinylmationoftheday.blogspot.com/
Disney Fun Fact of the Day
http://tinyurl.com/MDFunFactToday's Past in Disney History
http://tinyurl.com/PastDisney Disney Tales [5 Weekly tales]
The Disney History
Marcio Disney Blog
Disney Pin of the Day
Marcio Disney Digital Media
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Man Behind the Myth
Q: My cousins told me about a great documentary that was made about Walt Disney. They also told me it was directed by his grandson. Do you know where I can find it?
Gavin, Auburn, Indiana
A [Dave Smith]: You are referring to Walt: The Man Behind the Myth. It was released on video cassette in 2001 and DVD in 2002, and they may still be available. You can also find copies on eBay. The executive producer was Walter Elias Disney Miller, Walt's grandson, for the Walt Disney Family Foundation.
Click Here to watch the full movie!
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