OBAMA VICTORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney - 1933

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.