It's been a while since I've done one of these, huh? The next block is going to air on the 2nd of July, a Thursday instead of the previous Sundays. But to be fair, TCM has their Essentials Jr block on Sunday nights in the summer, so it makes sense.
This selection contains some patriotic choices, as well as a couple of vacation-themed picks that are just as right for the time of year. Let's check them out.
8:00- Classic Short Showcase
The March outing only had one classic short in its original Technicolor, as opposed to December's half hour showing of 3, which this month's selection contains, each with a particular summer theme.
First up is 1939's "Beach Picnic", starring Donald Duck and Pluto. It's pretty cute, mainly just the two clowning around on a beach as they wait for a picnic, only for ants to arrive. And you can guess where it goes from there. It's pretty cute, but there's an unfortunate stereotypical Native American yell in there, which dates it a teeny bit. This short is available on the first Chronological Donald and first Complete Pluto set from Disney's Treasures collection.
After that is 1953's "The Simple Things", featuring Pluto's return with his rightful owner. This is another beach short, where Mickey and Pluto are relaxing, fishing. This is when the studio starts to simplify its character designs a little. Mickey and Pluto seem a little broader than before, but the animation is still expressive and charming. A solid compliment to the previous short, this is found in the Treasures' Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume 2 set.
Rounding out this trio is 1937's "Hawaiian Holiday", another short concept cartoon. This contains the classic five in Hawaii, enjoying their day on the beach together. Goofy surfs (hence the iconic title card), Mickey plays the ukulele, and Donald is traditionally a dick. It's pure fun, and caps off this set of shorts. This was also the first Disney short to be released by RKO, rather than their previous distributor, United Artists. It's available as a part of the first Mickey Mouse in Living Color set.
8:30- Johnny Tremain
This 1957 release was originally intended to be a part of Walt's television program, but he recognized something special about it, so he decided to release it to theaters. Of course, it was eventually shown on the program a year later, in two separate episodes cutting the film in half. The DVD comes with Walt's introductions for both episodes, as well as our next scheduled episode, which I'll get to after I write about the movie itself.
Johnny Tremain was adapted from a 1940's children book of the same name, in which an adolescent Johnny works as a silversmith's apprentice, but has his hand burned during work before he can advance any further. Unable to find a steady job with a damaged hand, Johnny works his way through American progress in this pleasant film. I had only seen the film about a decade ago, when my eighth grade class read the novel it was based on and watched the film later. From what I recall, it was decent, but almost feels like two smaller films combined into one. This explains the Disneyland roots, but I'm excited to give the film another shot. Even though I'll probably have to watch it later, as my class will prevent me from watching it live.
One other interesting facet is that Luana Patton, the little girl from Song of the South, So Dear to My Heart, and Fun and Fancy Free, returned to Disney in an adult role here. I don't recall her performance here, but I'm quite familiar with her younger roles, so it'll be interesting to see. This is also Robert Stevenson's, the director of Mary Poppins, The Love Bug, and the previously screened Darby O'Gill and the Little People, first film for Disney. And additionally, the film seemed to be a loose inspiration for Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square, a concept that Walt wanted for Disneyland in a smaller format alongside Main Street. This will be brought up in
10:00- Disneyland- "The Liberty Story"
The first half of this classic episode, the part that contains information towards Johnny Tremain, was a part of the film's DVD release. It contains some information on the film and its ties to American history, and even contains a bit of Walt's concept for Liberty Street, as well as brief footage from their 1952 film, The Story of Robin Hood.
The other part of the episode was the two-reel short "Ben and Me", released in 1953 as the studio's first short of that length. This 20-minute short follows Amos Mouse as he keeps an eye on Benjamin Franklin during some of the revolutionary period's key moments. It's a cute little thing, and if the short's appearance on TCM's page for this lineup is any indication, this might actually be shown in its original Technicolor, as opposed to the program's B&W airing. This was a part of Disney Rarities Treasures set.
11:00- The Living Desert
This Oscar-winning True-Life Adventure is actually what "Ben and Me" was actually attached to as a short. Released in 1953, this was the first True-Life feature film, as it was set in the Arizona desert, showing off some of its wonders. An exciting scorpion dance and a fight between a tarantula and wasp are among its highlights. This was a part of the second True-Life Adventures Legacy releases, containing the majority of these documentary pieces done by the studio.
12:15- The Great Locomotive Chase
This 1956 outing is based on the same Civil War locomotive heist that Buster Keaton used as the base for his masterpiece, The General. While that is a perfect mix of slapstick and pathos, this film is a straight drama, done with the same heart, respect, and admiration that made many of the studio's films at the time so endearing. And some pretty legit thrills.
This stars Fess Parker as another vehicle for Mr. Crockett, and while he does a solid job, it's the supporting cast that shines in this role, thanks to stronger writing. This was also apparently a film concept Walt wanted to explore when he built his studio for live-action films, and tried to sell it off to his partners alongside 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. While the latter did come first, this wasn't forgotten either. Not a surprise, given Walt's love of trains. The film is also available on DVD, but as a barebones release.
2:00- Treasure of Matecumbe
This 1976 outing was based off of a novel by Robert Lewis Taylor, in which 2 boys search for treasure in Florida, after the Civil War. This wasn't a very popular release, nor is to that easy to find, only being released on DVD as a part of the Disney Movie Club. The most interesting fact that I can find is that part of it was shot at Disney's abandoned Discovery Island water park. Now that's pretty cool.
4:00- Rascal
Rounding out the block is this 1969 film, in which a lonesome boy befriends a raccoon. There doesn't seem to be much more to it, but it seems nice enough, if you're able to get into movies about a boy and their pet friends. Given a barebones release, this seems like a good way to introduce what looks like a cute film.
Alright, a pretty decent lineup. Some gems, some underappreciated choices, and enough stuff to fill out a nice night of Disney.
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