TAGTOONZ

Walt meets an ancestor? - 1951

2012-01-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

From the reverse side:

Walt Disney pauses to examine one of the crypts in a small church in Ireland. Disney's forebearers originally came from Ireland, and during his trip to Europe in 1951 he made it a point to visit the farms, villages and churches of his great-grandfathers.

If you look closely at around where Walt's right hand is you'll make out the name Disney, at least it looks like it says Dsiney.

More OSWALD advertising

2012-01-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone, it occured to me yesterday that this year will mark the 85th anniversary of Oswald The Lucky Rabbit. Here are a couple of ads from the Universal Weekly, I find it odd that a/ the artwork looks nothing like the character and b/ that the Disney artists weren't paid to do it.

Some original Gottfredson strips.

2011-12-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say I owned these, but no, I found them in my files as I've been clearing hard drive space for the upcoming year of work and backing up onto an external drive. I may have posted a couple in the past but they're worth seeing again. Enjoy.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays to all, may the New Year be filled with interesting discoveries and adventures.

More Early Walt

2011-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here Walt depicts a drinking fountain that's been rigged to spurt water in the eyes of green freshmen. Note the patriotic reminders to buy war saving stamps.

In Memorium

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Forty five years ago today one of if not the most influential men of the past 100 years passed away and his influence is still felt in the work being done at his own studio and others, even in my own work. Imagine our world had Walt not been born or not found his passion, how would we have dealt with the dark days of World War II and beyond? Who would have inspired the rest of us, inspired George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and John Lasseter just to name a few?

I've had this photo for a while now and thought it would be fitting to share today, unfortunately it isn't terribly in focus. The news snipe reads:

Springfield, Ill., Nov. 19 1963. DISNEY TELLS OF LINCOLN FIGURE - Walt Disney, center, arms folded, said Tuesday at a news conference he staked his reputation that an animated figure of Abraham Lincoln he created for the Illinois exhibit at the New York World's Fair would be dignified.

1932 - MICKEY MOUSE TRADE AD

2011-12-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

I just saw this English trade ad up on e-bay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-VINTAGE-Silly-Symphonies-Mickey-Mouse-Minnie-Mouse-Disney-ORIGINAL-/330654087479?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfc84f937

Happy 110th, Walt

2011-12-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Any idea who's with Walt in above photo?

To celebrate what would have been Walt's 110th birthday (it's already the 5th here in Australia) here are some photos from my collection which I don't think I've posted before. Some we've all seen before, but I like them anyway . . . Happy Birthday Walt.

OSWALD AD - June 25, 1927

2011-11-29T01:02:00.000-08:00

With all the discussion about the 'lost' Oswald cartoon going under the hammer in the UK, I thought I might share this ad from the UNIVERSAL WEEKLY of June 25, 1927 - Oswald's early days.

Disney Exhibitors Book

2011-11-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

This fascinating item went under the hammer last week as well, it's an exhibitors book which was sent out to theaters to promote upcoming product and entice theaters to book the films inside. This one's post Snow White, probaby 1938 based on the shorts.

Walt - 1933

2011-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I missed this photo which went under the hammer last week:

On the reverse:

Walt Disney, famous creator of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, is presented with a diploma of honor from the National Academy of Fine Arts of Buenos Aires by Dr. H. C. Niece, Argentine Consul.

O-ZELL stock certificate

2011-10-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

We've all read about Walt's father's many failed business ventures especially the O-ZELL venture which one historian said was hoped would rival Coca-Cola. An amazing archive of material from Ruth Disney Beecher(Walt's sister) has come up for auction:

http://liveauctions.holabirdamericana.com/search.aspx?p=1&q=disney

What's even more exciting than the O-ZELL material is the Walt original from his McKinnley High, "The Voice" days or maybe a sample he used to try and find work at The Kansas City after returning from France.

By Walter Disney

2011-10-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

For anyone wanting to accomplish something in life and who only sees the difficulty ahead should really look at the life of one Walter E. Disney who in 1917 and 1918 found himself listed last in the art staff credits of the McKinley High School magazine "The Voice."

In these pages we see the very genesis of the artist and genius who would change the shape of entertainment forever, but at that time Walt Disney's dream was simple, he wanted to draw and become a cartoonist like some of his heros, Carey Orr and George McManus, possibly even George Herriman.

World War I rages on in Europe and his brother Roy is in the navy, patriotic themes occupy much of his work at the time, like this piece which depicts two loafers talking with a soldier, in the background police can be seen waiting to nab them. The drawing seems to attempt to emulate McManus right down to the shapes of the characters. Of course Walt is only 16 at this point and hasn't found his own style and voice, you can see him searching though.

This drawing of McKinley High seniors heading to a "Hard Time" prom dressed as hoboes get in trouble with a cop who thinks they are real hoboes, shows very subtle differences to the above drawing like the eyes being inked in and a simpler composition. There is certainly a love of drawing in these early Disney pieces, you can see a kid who has taken his first steps forward in a field of his interest and is totally immersed in it.

Not too long after this last drawing, Walt must have left school and enlisted with the Red Cross. Within two years of these drawings he would discover animation and literally ten years in the future a mouse would be born.

Walt - c. World War II

2011-10-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

I recently bought this photo and am wondering if anyone has any idea who that is with Walt? I would peg the photo as having been taken around 1942, note the storyboard for the Thumper springtime sequence from Bambi behind them. We know that the Disney artists didn't start work on military projects until after Pearl Harbor and Bambi was released in 1942 so it would be sometime in that period.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

I think it's important to stop for a moment and reflect on the passing of Steve Jobs. He was a true visionary who like Walt Disney dragged us mere mortals along for the ride. His self belief and tenacity as a leader changed the world in immeasurable ways, the repercussions of his life will be felt for decades to come. And, like other great visionaries before him he will continue to inspire the rest of us.

His work here is done, RIP and thank you.

On e-bay

2011-08-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

Currently up on e-bay . . . if you have $750 to spare.

Walt in Kansas - 1922 (REDISCOVERED)

2011-08-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall my post on March 30 in which I posted the above photo of Walt directing and Red Lyon filming the Cowles children for what I believed to be one the child filming services Laugh-O-Grams offered at the time.

Funny thing happened, I got a response from a Cowles family member regarding said photo:

I have this photo and others. this and other photos were taken at my granfathers home The childern are Minnie Jeanett Cowles ( my mother) John V. Cowles 11 and Virginia Cowles. My Grandfather Dr. John Vance Cowles took the photo of Walt & Rory Disney(actually Red Lyon)

After a follow up post:

http://msonntag.blogspot.com/2011/04/walt-in-kansas-1922-follow-up.html

I heard from Dr. Cowles grandson via e-mail and not only that he was kind enough to send me scans of the other photos he mentioned with the following note:

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. about my mothers birthday party in Kansas Mo., at my Grandfathers home my mom said Truman is in one of the photos as Grandfather was also Truman's Doctor as you know my uncle designed a portion of Disneyland in Ca. I was there while it was under construction my grandmothers name was Minnie as in Minnie Mouse. I believe the photos were taken in 1922, while he (Walt) was still involved in Laugh o gram.

Looking at the photos it's almost easy to imagine it being in the warmer months in Kansas, Walt's got his sleeves rolled up probably doing this as a favor to Dr Cowles who was by then Treasurer of Laugh-O-Gram Films. In the back of his mind are the cartoons back at the studio which he's eager to finish, Rudy Ising and Hugh Harman could be over there at that moment working.

Of course I am only assuming that these photos were taken prior to September 1922 as Dr Cowles was in New York with Leslie Mace when the deal with Pictorial Clubs was closed on September 16 according to Tim Susanin's research. If so then Walt's filming of the Minnie Jeanett Cowles' birthday must have been a favor rather than a service since he didn't advertise the child photographing service until October 1922. Of course it is always possible to still be reasonably warm in October, though I get the impression we are looking at summer here.

It's remarkable to see these photos, here's Walt at the very begining, in just over a year he would begin his upward journey in Hollywood.

Tim Susanin's WALT BEFORE MICKEY is a must read for more information on Dr Cowles and Walt's time in Kansas. I also recommend Merritt and Kaufman's WALT IN WONDERLAND and Michael Barrier's THE ANIMATED MAN (and his website) are also full of solid research into Walt's formative years. And finally, several volumes of Didier Ghez's WALT'S PEOPLE series contain interviews with people who knew Walt at that stage.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this photos as much as I have. Thank you very much to the owner, Dr Cowles' grandson for sharing.

South of the Border Sunday - April 25, 1943

2011-08-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

South of the Border Sunday - April 4, 1943

2011-07-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

Up until I recently when I found a few Jose Carioca Sunday strips on e-bay, I had no idea that any strips based on the South American features existed. I love The Three Caballeros so I really couldn't resist. I have a few to share so stay tuned. Anybody have any idea who the artist was?

DONALD Sunday - October 18, 1937

2011-07-24T04:52:00.000-07:00

Walt Comes Home - October 1919

2011-07-21T02:10:00.000-07:00

Something I found on flickr this morning, the passenger manifest for the S.S. Canada sailing from Marseilles, France on September 4, 1919 and arriving in New York City October ? 1919. On board, one Walter Elias Disney from Chicago, born December 5 1900, returning home from Red Cross duty and unknown to him towards a destiny beyond even his wildest dreams.

DONALD Sunday - August 29, 1937

2011-07-16T21:39:00.001-07:00

DONALD Sunday - August 15, 1937

2011-07-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

DONALD Sunday - August 8, 1937

2011-07-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Bucky Bug & Mickey Sunday - March 4, 1934

2011-06-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

First up, sorry for not posting any Sunday strips the last couple of weeks but I've been busy meeting some storyboard deadlines which can be lots of work in a short space of time. Anyhow, I'm back with a bit of a treat, a full Sunday page from March 4, 1934 starring Mickey Mouse and Bucky Bug, actually this is Bucky's last Sunday appearance. He would reappear later in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories.

As a second treat I've added the original production proof below which highlights the artistry of the Disney comic strip department. I hope you enjoy.

NON DISNEY, DISNEY PROJECT 2

2011-06-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

Back on October 10, 2008 I posted a few pages of documents I have regarding a Samuel Goldwyn produced Danny Kaye vehicle titled Up In Arms for which Disney was to create an animated sequence. From one of the comments I received animation was created but I'm not sure if it ended up in the movie.

Here are a couple more documents I recently aquired, you can find the others at the link below:

http://msonntag.blogspot.com/2008/10/non-disney-disney-project.html

DONALD Sunday - July 18, 1937

2011-05-29T14:30:00.001-07:00

DONALD Sunday - July 11, 1937

2011-05-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

ALICE COMEDIES ad June 21, 1925

2011-05-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

From the June 21, 1925 edition of Film Daily. Margie Gay had at this point taken over the role of Alice.

PLANE CRAZY write up

2011-05-17T02:58:00.000-07:00

THE SKELETON DANCE ad

2011-05-17T02:56:00.000-07:00

Seeing these ads in the Film Daily pages is really like a window to the past, it's easy to imagine walking into a theatre when these cartoons were new. Probably not much different from the blockbusters of today.

ALICE GETS IN DUTCH review

2011-05-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

Last week Cartoon Brew posted that whole volumes of the trade magazine FILM DAILY have been scanned and are viewable online. I couldn't help myself and had a browse and found some interesting material like this review (bottom left) from October 26, 1924 for Alice Gets in Dutch.

I saved loads more which I'll share over the coming week or so. Check out these ads for the

ALICE COMEDIES:

Below is a list from early in the life of the series, I guess this was for would be exhibitors or distributors, remember they were released on a states rights basis and not through a major. Only three shorts are listed as is Walt's name:

It's interesting how Walt is barely mentioned in any Alice material I found, at least not until later. Didier Ghez will be posting some more ads I found in the next day or so.

DONALD Sunday - July 4, 1937

2011-05-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry I'm late with this again, I've been busy working on storyboards, trying to meet deadlines which is always fun and then I also couldn't sign into the blog for a few days. Anyway, here is this week's Sunday.

DONALD Sunday - June 27, 1937

2011-05-09T00:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay, I have had issues with the blog settings.

Letter from Charles Mintz

2011-05-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

The upcoming PROFILES IN HISTORY auction is loaded with great relics, Walt's letter to Ub Iwerks among them. Here's another interesting piece, a letter from Charles Mintz to Virginia Davis' mother. Note the Alice Comedy logo in the top right corner.

DONALD Sunday - June 20, 1937

2011-04-30T23:08:00.001-07:00

Roy's Draft card and Walt's Passport application

2011-04-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

Also on Flickr, Roy's draft card above, from 1917 and Walt's 1918 passport application below. NOTE: Walt's fake birth date.

Walt's census records

2011-04-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's quite amazing what one stumbles across on the internet. I found these on Flickr. They are the 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records.
I should point out in the 1920 census Edna Francis and her family are listed seven family names above the Disneys.

Walt in Kansas - 1922 (follow up)

2011-04-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I posted a photo of what I believed was Walt filming the Cowles children, I recieved the following comment:

Anonymous said...

I have this photo and others. this and other photos were taken at my granfathers home The childern are Minnie Jeanett Cowles ( my mother) John V. Cowles 11 and Virginia Cowles. My Grandfather Dr. John Vance Cowles took the photo of Walt & Rory Disney

This was really exciting for me and a few well known Disney historians, I am writing this post in the hope that the anonymous reader please get in contact with me, I know a few people who would really like to speak to you.

Filming MARTHA - 1922

2011-04-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

I've been browsing the Baron Missakian collection in the University of Missouri Digital Library. This photo really interests me, here is the description:

Anywhere in record ; Box # 5; Number of Copies = 1; 192[3?]; "A group of people filming the song-o-reel ""Martha"""; 7x5; Laugh-O-Gram Films/Disney Studio; 011; "Kansas City, Missouri"; ; ; UMKC Special Collections; missakianic

Location "Kansas City, Missouri"

Box Number Box # 5

Publisher UMKC Special Collections

Date 192[3?]

Photo ID 011

Copy Number of Copies = 1

Event Laugh-O-Gram Films/Disney Studio

Description "A group of people filming the song-o-reel ""Martha"""

Dimension 7x5

First, I'd say the photo was taken in 1922. Now - who are the people? I have no idea, but zooming in on the carriage the man in the carriage looks very much like Walt.

Barron Missakian was the photographer husband of Nadine Miassakian (seen below with Ub and Roy) who occasionally did some bookkeeping for Walt at Laugh-O-Grams.

DONALD Sunday - June 13, 1937

2011-04-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

DONALD Sunday - May 30, 1937

2011-04-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

DONALD Sunday - May 23, 1937

2011-04-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

As I continue posting some of the Silly Symphony Donald Duck Sunday strips, I am struck by how well they are drawn and just like the Mickey strips of the 30's in some way resemble the Donald of the shorts. I wonder how much of that was because the strips were drawn at the Disney studio. Maybe one day Al Taliaferro will get a collection.

Don't get me wrong I love Carl Barks' work, but I think the Donald strips are an important part of Donald's comic history which is usually just glossed over. They don't tell serial adventure type stories and the characters are not terribly well rounded as in the later comic books, but they are a good example of a gag strip.

Walt and the King of the Leprechauns

2011-04-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun little piece to start the weekend with, from the February 1959 issue of Walt Disney's Magazine.

Of course Walt didn't write the article, in fact it reads like a virtual transcript from his TV segment titled I Captured The King Of The Leprechauns which can be seen as a special feature on the Darby O'Gill and the Little People DVD.

I have something of a soft spot for this Disney live action film and from this vantage point in time it's a bit odd seeing 'James Bond' singing. OK Sean Connery's first apprearance as Bond was still about 4 years away.

Here's a bit of trivia, Walt was apparently friends with Albert R Broccoli, the producer of the Bond films. He also reportedly went to Walt for advice when he was producing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

DONALD Sunday - April 11, 1937

2011-04-03T01:24:00.000-07:00

Walt in Kansas - 1922

2011-03-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

I've had this for about a year, it was supposedly scanned from the original photo belonging to the Cowles family.

Walt can be seen at the far right of the photo filming the the Cowles children. That's probably Mrs Cowles in sand pit with the kids. One of Walt's principal backers in the Laugh-O-Grams venture was Dr. John V. Cowles and this is no doubt his family. It was also in 1922 that Laugh-O-Grams placed an add in the Kansas City Star offering their services to photographing babies.

The upcoming "Walt Before Mickey" will cover this and more, hopefully in more detail than we've read before, I can't wait for that one.

DONALD Sunday - March 28, 1937

2011-03-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

THE THREE CABALLEROS publicity stills

2011-03-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

I recently bought these two stills mostly because I really liked the way Donald was integrated into the photo. Easy to do today, but back then it would have required careful airbrushing.

Looking at the photo it is hard to imagine that just beyond the wall is Burbank, and that the set itself is sitting on the Disney parking lot. On the The Three Caballeros laserdisc is some great color behind the scenes footage of this sequence being shot. I wonder why it never appeared on the DVD release. In the footage B-52s can be seen flying by in the sky.

Now, is it true that the girls in these photos and the actual sequence are the ink and paint girls? I believe I heard somewhere that they were asked to bring their own swimsuits for the shoot.

Walt's letter to Ub

2011-03-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Exciting news through Cartoon Brew this morning for Disney historians and collectors. Going under the hammer on May 14th and 15th amongst other animation artifacts is the often quoted letter from Walt to Ub, happy that Ub had finally accepted his offer to come out to Hollywood.

If Walt's letter to Virginia Davis' mother in the Phil Sears collection is the most important document in animation history then this must be the second.

More details are on Cartoon Brew and on the Profiles In History website.

Return of the Disney Sunday

2011-03-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted a Disney Sunday page, over the last couple of years I've aquired quite a lot of them, partly as research for developing my own strip based on a film I'm trying to get finished and then simply because I love them.

With so many wonderful books now collecting daily strips and the Mickey collection arriving very soon I've been inspired to start posting again. Hopefully we'll eventually see book collections of the Disney Sunday strips.

Here's Donald from March 21, 1937.

OSWALD AD - June 25, 1927

2011-02-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

With the size of the Walt Disney Company today it's quite easy to forget the humble beginnings of the company and it's founder. You could easily miss the small blurb for 'Walter Disney's' Oswald The Lucky Rabbit amongst the rest of the short subjects Universal was offering in their trade magazine, Universal Weekly back on June 25, 1927.

Walt Disney - February 9, 1939

2011-01-22T23:23:00.000-08:00

This photo is something of a mystery to me, mostly because I haven't been able to find out anything about the development of the project Walt is signing his name to. Here's what the snipe on the reverse reads:

SPORTSMEN LAY PLANS FOR NEW STADIUM

LOS ANGELES, CALIF - Walt Disney yesterday brought something besides talk into the Madison-Square-Garden of the west picture, when he signed a $3,500,000 lease for a 34-acre Hancock Park site. Disney represented the Hollywood Sports Gardens as president in completing a 50 year contract lease for most of the property which the arena will be built on.

PHOTO SHOWS: (left to right seated) Bing Crosby and Walt Disney. Standing left to right - attorney Richard Bailey and Everett Crosby.

Does anybody know anything about this project or whether or not it ever happened? I'd imagine it may have been related to Walt's polo activities. Bing Crosby was known for breeding and racing horses.

Walt Disney - January 22, 1937

2011-01-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

January 22, 1937

WALT DISNEY GIVEN AWARD

Applause of a nation was bestowed last night on Walt Disney, originator of Mickey Mouse and other delightful characters, which have flashed across screens throughout the world. The occasion was the presentation of the National Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce at a banquet at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Photo shows Walt Disney and Walter E. Holman who mad the presentation.

PLUTO'S JUDGEMENT DAY - publicity flyer 1935

2010-12-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

This by far has got to be one of my favorite Mickey shorts, the art deco design of the layouts and just plain entertainment value of the film. The pencil test available on MICKEY MOUSE IN LIVING COLOR - Volume 1 is real treat.

GULLIVER MICKEY - 1934 publicity flyer

2010-11-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

Finally after much fussing around, moving house, work etc here is the publicity flyer for GULLIVER MICKEY.

MICKEY'S SERVICE STATION - 1935 publicity flyer

2010-09-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

1935's MICKEY'S SERVICE STATION has got to be one of my favorite Mickey shorts along with THE BAND CONCERT, THE MAD DOCTOR and PLUTO'S JUDGEMENT DAY. It is also the last Mickey to be produced in black and white.

I recently purchased a few of the publicity flyers which were sent out to theater owners. This one is for MICKEY'S SERVICE STATION, as you can see there were stories for the local newspapers and the opportunity to order posters and 8x10s to promote the film. I think one could write about how Disney developed it's marketing machine. Here's an early glimpse.

I've scanned as best as my A4 scanner can without damaging the aging paper, some minor pieces may be cut off. I'll post the other two in the coming weeks.

Early Walt

2010-09-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

October 1917

The freshmen are determined to make a great success this year, and from the early results, we may conclude that their boasts and determination have not been asserted in vain. They are already taking part in the vim and excitement of high school life.

Walter Disney, one of the newcomers, has displayed unusual artistic talent, and has become a Voice cartoonist . . .

And so Walt Disney saw his first public introduction in the McKinley High School magazine The Voice.

Why do I bring that up? Well as you all know I'm a sucker for early Disney material and every now and then I still stumble across something I haven't seen before like the image below which I recently bought from the Chicago Tribune Photo Archive.

A photo of a page from The Voice which I imagine was about April/May 1918 considering Walt started drawing for the magazine in October 1917. I find it interesting how Walt seems to be trying to emulate some of the cartoonists of his day, looking at the faces, the eyes in particular I'm reminded of George McManus' BRINGING UP FATHER strip which began in 1913.

Walt would have probably been exposed to all the great strips of his day.

On the back of the photo is a sample of the printed article, I think dated April 27, 1937. I'd be curious to see the rest of the article.

One Time Alice

2010-06-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have a huge collection of old Hollywood photos alongside my Disney photos, in thumbing through I noticed the name Anne Shirley, I remembered her name being mentioned in Walt in Wonderland . She was one of 4 girls to play Alice in the Alice Comedies as Dawn O'Day, but for only one film.

Who was she? Here's what I found on IMDB.com:

Date of Birth

17 April 1918, New York City, New York, USA

Date of Death

4 July 1993, Los Angeles, California, USA (lung cancer)

Birth Name
Dawn Evelyeen Paris

Height
5' 2" (1.57 m)

Manhattan-born Anne was christened Dawn Evelyeen Paris on April 17, 1918. Her father died while she was still a baby and she and her widowed mother lived a very meager New York existence at first. At the age of 16 months, the child was already contributing to the household finances as a photographer's model, using a sundry of different monikers including Lenn Fondre, Lindley Dawn and Dawn O'Day. With this source of monetary inspiration, her mother sought work for her daughter in films as well, and at the age of 4, Anne (billed as Dawn O'Day) made her first feature with The Hidden Woman (1922). She showed enough promise in the film Moonshine Valley (1922), as a young girl who manages to reunite her separated parents, that she and her mother made a permanent move from New York to California. Scarce work for such a young child but Anne managed to find it with minor roles in The Rustle of Silk (1923) and The Spanish Dancer (1923) for Paramount Pictures. (1925 - APPEARED IN WALT DISNEY'S ALICE'S EGG PLANT) During her adolescence she often appeared in films as the leading stars' daughter such as Mother Knows Best (1928) with Madge Bellamy, The Sins of the Father (1923) starring Jean Arthur and Liliom (1930) with Charles Farrell. Often times times she would play the female star of the film as a child such as Janet Gaynor's in 4 Devils (1928), Frances Dee's in Rich Man's Folly (1931) and Barbara Stanwyck's in So Big! (1932).

After a rash of unbilled parts, Anne was used by Vitaphone for a series of 1930s short subjects. By her teen years she had developed before the very eyes of Hollywood into a petite and lovely young brunette. Casting agents took notice. Following roles in Rasputin and the Empress (1932) (ALSO APPEARED WITH VIRGINIA DAVIS IN 1932s THREE ON A MATCH) with the three Barrymores and The Life of Jimmy Dolan (1933) starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Loretta Young, Anne was tested among hundreds of young aspirants and captured the role of Anne Shirley in Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables (1934) imbuing the character with all the spirit and charm (not to mention talent) necessary. She officially became a teen celebrity after changing her moniker for the final time in conjunction with the release of the film.

Prominant misty-eyed ingénue leads came her way as a result playing a swamp girl in Steamboat Round the Bend (1935) alongside Will Rogers and in M'Liss (1936) opposite John Beal, but her resume became littered with such meek "B" level comedies and/or weak dramas as Chasing Yesterday (1935), Too Many Wives (1937) and Meet the Missus (1937), that did little to advance her career. Finally at age 19, she found a role to match her "Green Gables" success playing Barbara Stanwyck's daughter in the classic weeper Stella Dallas (1937). The interaction between the two was magical and both Barbara and Anne were nominated for Oscars for their superb portrayals (Anne was listed in the supporting category). Both lost, however, to Luise Rainer and Alice Brady, respectively.

During this time of major success, Anne met and eventually married actor John Payne in 1937. The popular Hollywood couple had one child, Julie Payne, who became an actress of her own for a time in the 1970s. Her subsequent career was full of promise but with every quality picture bestowed upon her, such as Vigil in the Night (1940) and The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941), came a faltering one that hurt her career, including Career (1939) and West Point Widow (1941). Especially disappointing was her long-anticipated "Green Gables" sequel Anne of Windy Poplars (1940), which received very lackluster reviews.

The still-young actress finished on top, however, opposite Dick Powell in the classic movie mystery Murder, My Sweet (1944). Divorced from John Payne in 1943, Anne decided to end her career after her second marriage to the movie's producer Adrian Scott in 1945, tiring of the Hollywood rat race she had endured since a child. Never an ambitious actress, Anne stayed with her career as long as she did primarily to please her mother. Her three-year marriage to Scott was unable to sustain the legal troubles of her husband's 1947 blacklisting (he was one of the "Hollywood 10" imprisoned during the McCarthy era for his communist affiliations). Her 1949 marriage to screenwriter Charles Lederer, the nephew of actress Marion Davies, was her longest and most fulfilling. Their son, Daniel, was born the following year. He inherited his father's writing talent and grew up to become a poet.

Never tempted to resume her career at any time, she remained a charming and gracious socialite in the Hollywood circle. A painter on the side, she at one point entertained the thought of becoming a behind-the-scenes worker, such as a dialogue coach, but it was never pursued aggressively. Her husband's sudden death in 1976 triggered a severe emotional crisis for Anne, who turned for a time to alcohol. Recovered, she lived the rest of her life completely out of the limelight, dying in 1993 of lung cancer at age 75. Her granddaughter by daughter Julie (via her marriage to screenwriter Robert Towne) is the actress Katharine Towne, who has appeared in such films as Mulholland Dr. (2001).

As a side note, she was a contract player at RKO in the late 30s and early 40s, Walt was releasing through RKO at the tim.

My New Blog

2010-05-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

For anybody interested I have started up a new blog designed to document the making of my animated short film and introduce the main character. Just click the title of this post to be taken there. Hope to see you there.

Walt and animal protection.

2010-05-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo I bought some time ago, the snipe on the reverse says:

DISNEY HONORED FOR KINDNESS TO ANIMALS

In recognition of his strong appeal for kindness to animals in his film, "Bambi" Walt Disney was given one of the few gold medals ever awarded by the American Humane Association for the Promotion of Kindness to Animals. Joan Bennett is shown making the award on behalf of the association.

I e-mailed this photo to Walt's daughter Diane, she noted that "Joan Bennet was married at that time, I believe, to dad's good friend Walter Wanger." Joan Bennet by the way was a well known actress at the time and Walter Wanger an independant producer the classic "Stagecoach" being one of many productions he produced.

I am very interested in hearing more about Walt and his views on animal welfare if anybody has any stories to tell. Clearly he loved animals but he was well ahead of his time in many ways and in some ways still is

Walt - 1933

2010-04-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

This photo is stamped December 12, 1933 and reads:

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse read over the elaborate diploma of honor recently presented to the artist by the National Academy of Fine Arts of Buenos Aires, in token of Disney's artistry.

Unfortunately, areas of the photo have been whited out for publishing purposes - I think spoils the shot, I'm not quite sure what they were thinking when it came to Mickey's ears.

Walt - late 30s?

2010-04-27T01:56:00.000-07:00

I recently picked up this photo from e-bay, it looks like a candid from the late 30s or early 40s. Does anybody have any ideas as to where and when the photo was taken?

BUCKY BUG - June 25, 1933

2010-03-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted, to be honest the past year has been a busy one, directing does take a lot out of one . . . then there's the issue of a broken down scanner. I am working on a couple of posts including a post about Alice's Day At Sea.

Tell that's ready, here is a production proof I just aquired for the June 25, 1933 Silly Symphonies Sunday strip, I have a few of these I hope to post soon.

Can anyone who the artist was? I believe it was Al Taliafero.

Farewell Roy.

2009-12-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Some sad news, Roy Edward Disney passed away today aged 79.

LA TIMES REPORT.

NEW YORK TIMES

Walt in London - 1934

2009-11-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

I recently bought this great photo of Walt and Mickey there are several dates stamped on back but the written information is dated April 20, 1934 and mentions the following:

LONDON, ENGLAND - George Bernard Shaw, Sir Edwin Luewtens, The Earl of Crawford, Lawrence Binyon and a host of Royal Academicans, artists, architects, sculptors and craftsmen have paid tribute to Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse and the Silly Symphony films, shown above with an enlarged replica of his famed Mickey Mouse. They are members of the Art Workers Guild, which has decided to make Mr. Disney an honorary member because of his great gift to the art of the film and the happiness he has brought to the world with his animated cartoons. It is the first time that the films have been recognized by the British institution.

Can anyone confirm the above date?

Many thanks to David for the following comment regarding this photo:

Check out my blog - you'll see the original photo was taken in September 1932 at a meeting of the Breakfast Club in Hollywood. Walt sits astride the club's mascot, a wooden pony nicknamed: "Ham."

http://www.vintagedisneymemorabilia.blogspot.com

I guess now the question is are there any photos the event described on back of my photo?

Original Floyd Mickey - January 5, 1938

2009-11-04T13:55:00.001-08:00

I always love seeing original artwork be it animation, illustration or comic art. As I've probably mentioned in the past I really love the early Mickey daily and Sunday strips. There is something really special seeing Floyd Gottfredson's original artwork for these strips.

This piece is currently up on auction at Heritage Galleries. The inking is superb, the lines crisp and clear. This work is very much in context with what was happening in the animation department at the time, it is of the very high standards that Walt was pushing in his animators.

Original Tenggren Snow White art

2009-10-05T15:16:00.001-07:00

If you have $250 000 or more to spare, this fine piece of original Tenggren poster art for Snow White could be yours at the Heritage Auctiona Galleries.

Virginia Davis recalls being Alice

2009-09-06T15:30:00.001-07:00

Sadly Virginia Davis passed away a few weeks ago, in sorting through my files I stumbled across this article reprinted in the August 4, 1978 issue of the Disney Newsreel.

Two DONALD sundays

2009-09-03T19:16:00.001-07:00

Walt & Roy - 1940s

2009-08-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a great photo of Walt and Roy which looks to be taken in the 40s on a ship, possibly embarking for Europe. Any ideas?

Walt & Mickey in Chicago

2009-06-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings, without the couragous spirit of those who went into battle that day we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. According to some accounts MICKEY MOUSE was the pass word used by troops on D-Day.

Hardly a surprise when by 1944 Mickey was so much a part of international culture.

Here is a photo of Walt and Mickey arriving in Chicago on a visit to The Chicago Century Of Progress Exposition on July 18, 1933.

Disney in Burbank

2009-06-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

On August 31, 1938 Walt and Roy paid a deposit of $10 000 for the above 51 acres in Burbank. The total purchase price would come to $100 000 for the property which to this day remains the corporate headquarters of the Walt Disney Company.

I imagine the above photo was taken around the time of purchase if not at the outset of construction.

Walt & Staff 1930s

2009-04-26T15:31:00.001-07:00

Here is a great staff photo taken sometime I think in the mid 30s to promote MICKEY MOUSE ICE CREAM. If anyone can put a date to the photo and identify some of the unknown faces I would love to hear from you.

Those that I can identify (hopefully correctly) Back row left to right: Frank Churchill, Leigh Harline, Wilfred Jackson, Norm Ferguson.

Front second from left looks like Fred Moore and just behind him Les Clark. Second from right still in front looks like Pinto Colvig.

My feeling this is 1935 sometime as Donald can be seen on the banner.

Walt in Paris - 1933

2009-04-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

I'm back with more photos.

FROM THE REVERSE SIDE:

WALT DISNEY FINDS THE THREE LITTLE PIGS IN PARIS

Walt Disney, whose animated cartoons are known throughout the world, came to Paris for a rest. This first thing that greeted his eye was a copy Les Trois Petit Cochons (Three Little Pigs to you). They can be found by the dozens (in book form) in any French railroad station.
Mr. Disney is pictured with a French version of his famous movie in book form, on the roof of the Hotel Crillon in Paris. ACME, June 25, 1935

BUCKY BUG proofs

2009-03-02T21:01:00.001-08:00

I just picked up these proofs for the Silly Symphonies Bucky Bug Sunday strip.

HANK PORTER ON E-BAY

2009-03-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

If you like Hank Porter and have about $4000-$5000 to spare either one of these beautiful Good Housekeeping pieces can be yours.

THANK YOU WALT - LAUGH-O-GRAM STUDIO RESTORATION

2009-02-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

First, sorry for the lack of updates, my computer recently broke down and I'm in the process of finding a new one which will meet my needs so unfortunately I haven't been able to scan any new material.

Now, during my regular stops, reading blogs I came to thinking about the restoration of the LAUGH-O-GRAM studio in Kansas City. I tried to log onto the THANK YOU WALT website and found that it appears to be gone.

Does anybody know what has happened to the project? I was really excited about it, the last I heard back in January 2008 I think was that work was about to begin.

BAMBI LAYOUTS

2009-02-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

Like so many other animation and Disney enthusiasts, I love both BAMBI and PINOCCHIO, they represent animation art at its finest. Don't get me wrong there are many fine animated films, but of the early features they are my favorite.

Unfortunately Disney had to produce a sequel to BAMBI, fortunately for me, I worked on it as a layout artist and had a chance to see some very hi-res scans of the original backgrounds and layouts.

What is so amazing is the beauty of the artwork, the layout and background artists really did their best to capture that dreamy feel of the Tyrus Wong concepts. Here are a few pieces that really impressed me.

SEARCHING FOR WALT & LILLY PHOTO

2009-01-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Does anybody know who may own a print or an original print of the above photo?

BAMBI - publicity sketches part 3

2009-01-09T23:41:00.001-08:00

This is the last of the 8x10s I have for now, when I find more I'll be sure to post them. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

BAMBI - publicity sketches part 2

2009-01-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

These are my favorites, Happy New Year ! ! !

BAMBI - publicity sketches part 1

2008-12-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

Four years ago when I was assigned to work on BAMBI II I started scouring e-bay to find material, I found some 8x10s with what look like Marc Davis drawings, naturally I picked them up. Taking a leaf from Michael Sporn's BAMBI posts I thought I'd share these photos with you.

Recently I've begin to expand the collection, partly to put me into the mood to write my own film but also because I just love these drawings, can anybody confirm that these are Marc Davis drawings? If they are not, then maybe who drew them?

WALT IN ARGENTINA

2008-12-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of Walt in Argentina which I recently acquired, the snipe on the reverse side reads:

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA . . . . WALT DISNEY,

movie animated cartoon tycoon, is shown (center)

sampling "yerba mate", the "tea" of South America,

at a gaucho barbeque near BUENOS AIRES. DISNEY

is brewing the mate in the gourd in approved style

while gauchos in working clothes provide the setting.

HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON

2008-12-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

I know it's a bit late, but believe me I've been very busy since my last post. I wish everyone all the best for the festive season and all the very best for the New Year!!!

When MICKEY broke the sound barrier

2008-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning November 19, 1928, THE NEW YORK TIMES appeared on the news stand, none of the headlines indicated that cultural history had been made the night before. Buried amongst the reviews for new films on page 16, is a small paragraph that mentions the name of a man named Walter Disney and a new cartoon character named MICK(E)Y MOUSE .

The Great Depression was barely a year away from starting, and that mouse and his owner would soon shine a light of hope and joy during the dark years ahead.

Eighty years on not much has changed and another difficult time is upon us, but at least we still have the mouse and his friends, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY.

WALT at PARAMOUNT

2008-11-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

A photo I recently picked up dated December 10, 1939. Reverse reads:

"CHILLY VISIT - Walt Disney all garbed in furs and galoshes, found the weather chilly when he visited with Patricia Morison, young Paramount actress, on the winter location set of 'Untamed', Technicolor drama of the north woods. Miss Morison plays the feminine lead opposite Ray Milland and Akim Tamiroff."

OBAMA VICTORY

2008-11-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

I just had to write about this historic day, and am inspired by Didier's blog of two days ago. Obama's win is America at it's finest, democracy in it's truest sense where anyone can rise to the top. With all the things happening in the world today we all need to see that hope.

For me this is a defining moment in American history if not world history, as important as the war of independence and the end of slavery during the American Civil War. It puts a lump in my throat to be able to witness the tears of joy among African-Americans live on TV, this is their day, and we on the other side of the world are the privileged spectators.

PLANE CRAZY 'storyboard' pages

2008-11-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Back in late 1997 I bought a great drawing from PLANE CRAZY the actual first MICKEY MOUSE cartoon. At the time, the gallery I was dealing with in New York was also selling the PLANE CRAZY 'storyboard' pages (storyboards were not really used until about 1932, but these pages are a precursor) on behalf of the Museum of Cartoon Art which was trying to raise funds to complete construction of the museum itself. The $3.75 million price tag was a little beyond my reach, but I was lucky enough to be sent a prospectus.

The pages are drawn by Ub Iwerks and were originally found amongst the papers of THREE LITTLE PIGS director Burt Gillette. With the 80th birthday of the world's most famous mouse fast approaching, I hope enjoy this glimpse into his origin.

HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY TO THE DISNEY COMPANY

2008-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY and I can't think of a better way to celebrate it than to once again remind people of these goodies from the Phil Sears Collection.

NON DISNEY, DISNEY PROJECT

2008-10-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired the above three documents outlining a proposed animation sequence to be done by Disney for the 1944 Sam Goldwyn movie UP IN ARMS starring Danny Kaye. I haven't found anything regarding Disney's involvement but to my surprise I found that the Gunther Lessing letter (which I had e-mailed Didier Ghez some time ago for posting) seems to confirm it.

I don't remember ever seeing the movie, does anybody know if the sequence in question was ever produced? or, know where I can find a clip?

1943 fits into the period where Disney's finances were at it's lowest ebb during the war, it would be interesting to know how many non Disney projects the studio was involed in. From the silent days up to the war. We know there were animated titles for Leon Schlesinger (would be cool to find that footage) and THE HOLLYWOOD PARTY. Any thoughts?

SUNDAY DONALD

2008-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

I thought a change of pace would be good with a few Donald sunday strips by Al Taliafero.

For me Al's work is up there with Carl Barks, Don Rosa and Daan Jippes. Certainly the Sunday Donald is not as developed as the comic book Donald, in fact the strips resemble the Donald of the animated shorts which is where the appeal really stems for me.

Walt Disney - 1933 part 2

2008-09-21T01:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more Clarence Sinclair Bull photos which were recently sold on e-bay.

Walt Disney - 1933

2008-09-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired this great portrait of Walt by famed 1930s Hollywood photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull, dated September 10, 1933. Through corresponding with Walt's daughter Diane I discovered a whole series of photos were taken of Walt by Bull including the iconic Walt with Mickey's shadow photo.

I know of another photo in Christopher Finch's ART OF WALT DISNEY showing Walt and Lilly at home with their pet chow. Does anybody know what other photos were taken by Bull and perhaps what they were used for? I imagine a magazine article.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT at DISNEY - part 4

2008-09-04T14:57:00.001-07:00

This is the last of the Frank Lloyd Wright pages, unfortunately a couple of pages seem to be cut short at the bottom. I have a pile of these transcripts which I hope to share over the coming weeks and months, I find them quite eye opening - - they almost take me there to the day.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT at DISNEY - part 3

2008-09-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT at DISNEY - part 2

2008-08-31T15:11:00.001-07:00

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT at DISNEY - part 1

2008-08-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about working at an animation studio, especially Disney are the lectures and people who come in lecture. Even at Disney Australia we had the likes of Glen Keane, Andreas Deja and others from features drop by.

We're all aware of the classes back in the 30s as the studio began to push forward into features, some of the most notable people in their respective fields took the time to visit the Disney studio and give talks to the artist. On February 25, 1939 famed architect, writer and lecturer FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT came to the studio, above is part 1 of the transcript.

Note the person to open the discussion is Pfeiffer, who can only be Walt Pfeiffer, Walt Disney's boyhood friend who worked at the studio for many years.

MICKEY SUNDAY - part 14

2008-08-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted one of these, but I've been juggling a few projects lately and have been busy trying to meet deadlines. Sorry for the delay.

DISNEY - 1934 part 4

2008-08-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Finally, here is the final part to this in depth article, note the cost estimate for Snow White towards the end. It's also interesting to consider the fact that Walt and Roy were truly devoted to improving the quality of their product and expanding the business, they could very well have kept most of the proceeds (which seem ample) and lived like rich men. Thankfully for us, that's not what they did . . . nor who they were.

DISNEY - 1934 part 3

2008-08-09T01:15:00.001-07:00