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.
Showing posts with label true life adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label true life adventures. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, December 20, 2014
A Crash Course to the Treasures in the Disney Vault- December 2014 Edition
If there's one thing I love besides How I Met Your Mother and metal music, it's Disney. Thank living in Central Florida for all of my life and appreciating animation for just as long, but I admire much of the company's output, mainly during Walt's time.
And if there's something else I love, it's Turner Classic Movies. Keep in mind that I'm a film major, and the movies only continue to amaze me today, so TCM's vast library and out pour of support never ceases to amaze me.
So naturally, seeing Disney and Turner combine forces makes me happy, as now the channel is helping to maintain The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios, while Disney is allowing TCM to show material from their vast history in various installments. This isn't the first time the two have combined forces- TCM used to own the broadcast rights to many of Disney's films up into the early 80's, and they usually show at least a couple of the studio's movies during TCM's Classic Film Festival every April (this year included The Jungle Book, along with anniversary screenings of Mary Poppins and The Muppet Movie).
But on this scale? Dude. Besides, TCM is also going to air classic shorts and even episodes from Walt's television program, both of which are completely welcome, years removed from TV.
Since a surprising amount of people aren't as familiar with the studio's older output, I figured that I'd make introduction posts to these various blocks that TCM plans to air. These won't be heavily detailed, but I hope to give readers the basic gist of what to expect, and whet your appetite for a night of classic Disney. Expect these tomorrow, Sunday December 21st, starting at 8 PM!
8:00- Classic Short Showcase
Three winter-themed shorts from the studio's massive animated library start this block up. First is the 1947 short "Chip an' Dale", which features the first named appearance of the two chipmunks, as they protect their acorn stash from Donald Duck during a winter storm. The two had appeared twice before to mess with Pluto and Mickey in other cartoons, but they're probably best known for, besides being a pair of Rescue Rangers, their feuds against the easily temperamental Donald. As I'm actually working while the block starts, I watched the short again to refresh myself, and it's still a fun, if typical for Donald, cartoon that'll please those hoping for a nice laugh. This short was originally put out on the third Chronological Donald set from the Disney Treasures line.
Next is "Santa's Workshop", the 1932 Silly Symphony short that, as you can guess by the title, shows Santa Claus working on this year's toys for all the good girls and boys. This is a cute enough short, but like many cartoons of its kind from the early 30's, there isn't that much to it besides nice animation and music. But if that's what you like to see in a cartoon, especially during Christmas time, this will please, and it's hardly a dud worth skipping in between the half hour.
Although, the original print does contain Jewish and black stereotypes, which the print I viewed doesn't have, but don't be surprised if TCM, who pride themselves on showing unedited content, doesn't skip over these. In Scandinavian countries that still annually show their Disney Christmas special, the short is still routinely played, even though the aforementioned caricatures are removed. This short was placed in the More Silly Symphonies Disney Treasures set, as a "From the Vault" option.
And rounding out this set is "On Ice", a Mickey and the gang short from 1935. This was just before Donald and Goofy were starting to eclipse Mickey in popularity, but still when they were being given good placement in his shorts. But it's a fun bit where the three of them, along with Minnie and Pluto, go ice skating together. There isn't much else to it, besides Donald being a major dick to Pluto, but that's the fun, I'd figure. Being one of the first Mickey shorts to be done in color, this is properly a part of the first Mickey Mouse in Color Treasures set, as well as the first Chronological Pluto set.
8:30- Disneyland- "The Disneyland Story"
Well, it's been 60 years since Walt's iconic Disneyland program premiered on ABC, and since this is the first block in TCM's Disney series, why not air the first episode of this iconic program? I'll also be missing this, but I've seen the episode a few times before, anyway. In fact, I actually got to see a bit of color footage of Walt rehearsing for the opening speech he presents when I went to the D23 Fanniversary event from this year. This footage was actually silent, but the Archivists used audio from the speech in question to bring the illusion to life.
But beyond that, though, the episode had Walt introduce the concept of the show to audiences, telling them about the Disneyland park, which was the real reason he made the show, as ABC promised to help fund its making if Walt sold them the show. You can see a gleam in his eyes as Walt talks about his aspirations for the park, and the hope that it would arrive that year
But besides the Disneyland park, the first half of the episode also contained previews of some of the episodes to air later that year, as well as movies currently in production. The second worked as a telling of the story of Mickey Mouse, and how everyone's favorite rodent (unless you're more of a Tom & Jerry person, of course!) came to life. Like many of the show's hourlong episodes, it's a fun watch, trading advertisement with sincere entertainment. This was released on the Disneyland, USA Treasures set.
9:30- The Reluctant Dragon
This 1941 film contained a totally scripted, yet enjoyable and informative, look into the studio's animation department at the time, as Robert Benchley goes through the studio in hopes of finding Walt to convince him to make a film out of the Reluctant Dragon story. Containing memorable looks at the animation process, as well as little trinkets from future animated films and even a performance of Donald and Clara Cluck by Clarence Nash and Florence Gill themselves, there is much to admire about the live-action portions. Although keep in mind that this was made and released around the time animators for the company were striking, so more "employees" were merely actors than not.
Even if the animated ones are better remembered. The film contains a few shorts, including a brief look at one featuring Casey Junior, the train from Dumbo, before more substantial cartoons are shown. Such as "Baby Weems", a cartoon about a baby senator that never made it past storyboard, but is still present here. This actually was Jay Ward's inspiration for Rocky & Bullwinkle, as he admired the way an entertaining story was made without being fully animated by Disney's usual top standards. Then there's the classic "How to Ride a Horse" Goofy short, which shows him trying to, well, ride a horse. This is such a fun short, in the typical instructional Goofy fashion, that it was eventually released as its own short.
But the key piece here is The Reluctant Dragon itself, a featurtte in which a young boy coerces a dragon to fight a "brave" knight, to prove its existence. This is a delightful story, so much so that it has been released and shown on its own in the years since the film's disappointing release. Which is a shame that the film didn't become a hit, since there's much to enjoy. Definitely worth a look for fans of the era, and it was the centerpiece of the Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studios Treasure release. The film was also recently pushed on as a bonus feature for the Blu-Ray double feature of Fun and Fancy Free and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, a release that I own, which makes the fact that I'm arriving home a half hour or so in not sting that much.
11:00- Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
Easily the biggest phenomenon to premiere not only in the first season of Disneyland, but on the show as a whole were the Davy Crockett episodes, showing the occasionally frantic, always interesting, life of this frontier icon. Wonderfully brought to life by Fess Parker, Crockett's tales take us around the US, up into a final battle at the Alamo, complete with a congress trip, to boot!
The Crockett phenomenon sold an obscene amount of coon skin hats and kept its theme song on the top of the charts for a long time, and would later inspire two rides that both US Disney coasts would obtain- while neither Disneyland or Magic Kingdom still have the Mike Fink Keel Boats (although Disneyland Paris has a similar attraction, not tied to Crockett), Disneyland still has the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, which they usually save for busy summer days. Keep that in mind the next time you want to row a canoe while in Anaheim!
The first three episodes that aired during the show's inaugural season were later sliced into a 90 minute film, released into theaters and making a lot in the box-office, despite having aired to big ratings not too long ago. Maybe fans just wanted to see it in color, as it was originally filmed in. This version is what is going to show tonight, and is worth sticking around for, even if the original episodes are where it's at. A Treasures set containing all 5 episodes was released, but a cheaper DVD containing both edited films is still around to find.
12:45- The Vanishing Prairie
Disney's second True-Life Adventure, which contained fascinating documented looks at wild life with almost no bullshit, introduces audiences to animal life in the prairie, or what little can still be found. This Academy Award winning film is going to be new to me, as much of their True-Life films are, so I hope you enjoy it yourselves. You can find this in the second of four True-Life Adventure DVD releases.
2:00- Third Man on the Mountain
This 1959 release is probably best known for being the inspiration behind the Matterhorn at Disneyland, the first roller coaster for the park, and the only one Walt got to see made in his lifetime (although he had a helping hand during the very early stages of Space Mountain). This is a likable, inspirational film about a young Swiss man who trains to climb the Citadel, a giant mountain that killed his father during his attempt to climb it. This was made before every live-action film Disney made would either become a juvenile yukfest or an attempt to build a franchise for testosterone-filled boys who want action they can see in theaters. Or the fairy tale revisionist thing Disney has been cashing in on above all else, even using their own films.
Walt had a great time traveling to Switzerland to shoot the film, even though similarly to The Reluctant Dragon, it wasn't quite a hit. But in terms of entertainment and importance to the parks, Third Man on the Mountain has some staying power, enough for me to recommend staying up for if you can. It is also available on DVD, though.
4:00- Walt Disney Presents- "Perilous Assignment"
Aired during the sixth season of Walt's program, this episode was used to promote the film by featuring its mountain climbing guide, Gaston Rebuffat, as he shows the audience some of his mountain climbing know-how. I actually haven't seen this before as it just doesn't show up that often, nor is it on DVD, but it sounds like a nice cap-off to an awesome night of classic Disney.
And if there's something else I love, it's Turner Classic Movies. Keep in mind that I'm a film major, and the movies only continue to amaze me today, so TCM's vast library and out pour of support never ceases to amaze me.
So naturally, seeing Disney and Turner combine forces makes me happy, as now the channel is helping to maintain The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios, while Disney is allowing TCM to show material from their vast history in various installments. This isn't the first time the two have combined forces- TCM used to own the broadcast rights to many of Disney's films up into the early 80's, and they usually show at least a couple of the studio's movies during TCM's Classic Film Festival every April (this year included The Jungle Book, along with anniversary screenings of Mary Poppins and The Muppet Movie).
But on this scale? Dude. Besides, TCM is also going to air classic shorts and even episodes from Walt's television program, both of which are completely welcome, years removed from TV.
Since a surprising amount of people aren't as familiar with the studio's older output, I figured that I'd make introduction posts to these various blocks that TCM plans to air. These won't be heavily detailed, but I hope to give readers the basic gist of what to expect, and whet your appetite for a night of classic Disney. Expect these tomorrow, Sunday December 21st, starting at 8 PM!
8:00- Classic Short Showcase
Three winter-themed shorts from the studio's massive animated library start this block up. First is the 1947 short "Chip an' Dale", which features the first named appearance of the two chipmunks, as they protect their acorn stash from Donald Duck during a winter storm. The two had appeared twice before to mess with Pluto and Mickey in other cartoons, but they're probably best known for, besides being a pair of Rescue Rangers, their feuds against the easily temperamental Donald. As I'm actually working while the block starts, I watched the short again to refresh myself, and it's still a fun, if typical for Donald, cartoon that'll please those hoping for a nice laugh. This short was originally put out on the third Chronological Donald set from the Disney Treasures line.
Next is "Santa's Workshop", the 1932 Silly Symphony short that, as you can guess by the title, shows Santa Claus working on this year's toys for all the good girls and boys. This is a cute enough short, but like many cartoons of its kind from the early 30's, there isn't that much to it besides nice animation and music. But if that's what you like to see in a cartoon, especially during Christmas time, this will please, and it's hardly a dud worth skipping in between the half hour.
Although, the original print does contain Jewish and black stereotypes, which the print I viewed doesn't have, but don't be surprised if TCM, who pride themselves on showing unedited content, doesn't skip over these. In Scandinavian countries that still annually show their Disney Christmas special, the short is still routinely played, even though the aforementioned caricatures are removed. This short was placed in the More Silly Symphonies Disney Treasures set, as a "From the Vault" option.
And rounding out this set is "On Ice", a Mickey and the gang short from 1935. This was just before Donald and Goofy were starting to eclipse Mickey in popularity, but still when they were being given good placement in his shorts. But it's a fun bit where the three of them, along with Minnie and Pluto, go ice skating together. There isn't much else to it, besides Donald being a major dick to Pluto, but that's the fun, I'd figure. Being one of the first Mickey shorts to be done in color, this is properly a part of the first Mickey Mouse in Color Treasures set, as well as the first Chronological Pluto set.
8:30- Disneyland- "The Disneyland Story"
Well, it's been 60 years since Walt's iconic Disneyland program premiered on ABC, and since this is the first block in TCM's Disney series, why not air the first episode of this iconic program? I'll also be missing this, but I've seen the episode a few times before, anyway. In fact, I actually got to see a bit of color footage of Walt rehearsing for the opening speech he presents when I went to the D23 Fanniversary event from this year. This footage was actually silent, but the Archivists used audio from the speech in question to bring the illusion to life.
But beyond that, though, the episode had Walt introduce the concept of the show to audiences, telling them about the Disneyland park, which was the real reason he made the show, as ABC promised to help fund its making if Walt sold them the show. You can see a gleam in his eyes as Walt talks about his aspirations for the park, and the hope that it would arrive that year
But besides the Disneyland park, the first half of the episode also contained previews of some of the episodes to air later that year, as well as movies currently in production. The second worked as a telling of the story of Mickey Mouse, and how everyone's favorite rodent (unless you're more of a Tom & Jerry person, of course!) came to life. Like many of the show's hourlong episodes, it's a fun watch, trading advertisement with sincere entertainment. This was released on the Disneyland, USA Treasures set.
9:30- The Reluctant Dragon
This 1941 film contained a totally scripted, yet enjoyable and informative, look into the studio's animation department at the time, as Robert Benchley goes through the studio in hopes of finding Walt to convince him to make a film out of the Reluctant Dragon story. Containing memorable looks at the animation process, as well as little trinkets from future animated films and even a performance of Donald and Clara Cluck by Clarence Nash and Florence Gill themselves, there is much to admire about the live-action portions. Although keep in mind that this was made and released around the time animators for the company were striking, so more "employees" were merely actors than not.
Even if the animated ones are better remembered. The film contains a few shorts, including a brief look at one featuring Casey Junior, the train from Dumbo, before more substantial cartoons are shown. Such as "Baby Weems", a cartoon about a baby senator that never made it past storyboard, but is still present here. This actually was Jay Ward's inspiration for Rocky & Bullwinkle, as he admired the way an entertaining story was made without being fully animated by Disney's usual top standards. Then there's the classic "How to Ride a Horse" Goofy short, which shows him trying to, well, ride a horse. This is such a fun short, in the typical instructional Goofy fashion, that it was eventually released as its own short.
But the key piece here is The Reluctant Dragon itself, a featurtte in which a young boy coerces a dragon to fight a "brave" knight, to prove its existence. This is a delightful story, so much so that it has been released and shown on its own in the years since the film's disappointing release. Which is a shame that the film didn't become a hit, since there's much to enjoy. Definitely worth a look for fans of the era, and it was the centerpiece of the Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studios Treasure release. The film was also recently pushed on as a bonus feature for the Blu-Ray double feature of Fun and Fancy Free and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, a release that I own, which makes the fact that I'm arriving home a half hour or so in not sting that much.
11:00- Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
Easily the biggest phenomenon to premiere not only in the first season of Disneyland, but on the show as a whole were the Davy Crockett episodes, showing the occasionally frantic, always interesting, life of this frontier icon. Wonderfully brought to life by Fess Parker, Crockett's tales take us around the US, up into a final battle at the Alamo, complete with a congress trip, to boot!
The Crockett phenomenon sold an obscene amount of coon skin hats and kept its theme song on the top of the charts for a long time, and would later inspire two rides that both US Disney coasts would obtain- while neither Disneyland or Magic Kingdom still have the Mike Fink Keel Boats (although Disneyland Paris has a similar attraction, not tied to Crockett), Disneyland still has the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, which they usually save for busy summer days. Keep that in mind the next time you want to row a canoe while in Anaheim!
The first three episodes that aired during the show's inaugural season were later sliced into a 90 minute film, released into theaters and making a lot in the box-office, despite having aired to big ratings not too long ago. Maybe fans just wanted to see it in color, as it was originally filmed in. This version is what is going to show tonight, and is worth sticking around for, even if the original episodes are where it's at. A Treasures set containing all 5 episodes was released, but a cheaper DVD containing both edited films is still around to find.
12:45- The Vanishing Prairie
Disney's second True-Life Adventure, which contained fascinating documented looks at wild life with almost no bullshit, introduces audiences to animal life in the prairie, or what little can still be found. This Academy Award winning film is going to be new to me, as much of their True-Life films are, so I hope you enjoy it yourselves. You can find this in the second of four True-Life Adventure DVD releases.
2:00- Third Man on the Mountain
This 1959 release is probably best known for being the inspiration behind the Matterhorn at Disneyland, the first roller coaster for the park, and the only one Walt got to see made in his lifetime (although he had a helping hand during the very early stages of Space Mountain). This is a likable, inspirational film about a young Swiss man who trains to climb the Citadel, a giant mountain that killed his father during his attempt to climb it. This was made before every live-action film Disney made would either become a juvenile yukfest or an attempt to build a franchise for testosterone-filled boys who want action they can see in theaters. Or the fairy tale revisionist thing Disney has been cashing in on above all else, even using their own films.
Walt had a great time traveling to Switzerland to shoot the film, even though similarly to The Reluctant Dragon, it wasn't quite a hit. But in terms of entertainment and importance to the parks, Third Man on the Mountain has some staying power, enough for me to recommend staying up for if you can. It is also available on DVD, though.
4:00- Walt Disney Presents- "Perilous Assignment"
Aired during the sixth season of Walt's program, this episode was used to promote the film by featuring its mountain climbing guide, Gaston Rebuffat, as he shows the audience some of his mountain climbing know-how. I actually haven't seen this before as it just doesn't show up that often, nor is it on DVD, but it sounds like a nice cap-off to an awesome night of classic Disney.
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