A Crash Course to the Treasures in the Disney Vault- March 2015 Edition

Alright, so December's first Treasures in the Disney Vault lineup was a success, so it isn't too much of a surprise that we're getting another one, only 3 months removed from the first. The block airs this Sunday, the 15th, and the selection includes:

8:00 PM- Darby O'Gill and the Little People

Alright, here's a good starter! Released the same year as Sleeping Beauty and the original Shaggy Dog, this adaptation of British author Herminie Templeton Kavanagh's short stories delves into the world of the small Irish town Rathcullen, where the sneaky yet likable Darby O'Gill keeps after a nice estate along with his daughter, Katie. O'Gill has chased many a leprechaun in his day, and still hopes to make it big, but first he's losing his job due to his old age by the young, spry Michael McBride. This free time allows for a big adventure and heavy consequences for O'Gill, Katie, and McBride, as the latter two increasingly become smitten.

While the film's take on Irish customs might seem questionable by today's standards, there is much to like here, thanks to some fun visual effects and good humor in the Disney style. It's an enjoyable fairy tale that isn't too far removed from some of Disney's animated classics. Also consider the acting, which features strong turns from Albert Sharpe as O'Gill and Jimmy O'Dea as King Brian of the leprechauns. Both have good chemistry together, which helps to make their time together work. There are also solid turns from Janet Munro, who kept similar fun spirits in Third Man on the Mountain, and a pre-Bond Sean Connery as McBride, who even gets to sing a nice little ditty! The DVD isn't too hard to find, and does come with a few good bonuses, including a new, exclusive interview with Connery, and the following program. Not a bad way to prep up for St. Patrick's Day.

9:45- Disneyland- "I Captured the King of the Leprechauns"

This episode of Walt's program aired in promotion of the film, but it is a little more than just your average promo piece. In this episode, Walt travels to Ireland, along with fellow Irish actor Pat O'Brien, as he hopes to find actual leprechauns. While the mythical creatures aren't found, he does run into Sharpe and O'Dea as they reprise their characters, and maintain for some fun moments. But Walt is the real highlight here, as despite usually sticking to the side in his shows, he's front and center, and allows for his talent to shine. He really was a charismatic human being, and could make almost anything sell. Besides the Darby O'Gill DVD, this was also present in the Your Host, Walt Disney Treasures set. I actually own both releases, so I have two copies of this episode.

10:45- Short Showcase

Only one short this time, the 1932 Silly Symphony "Babes in the Woods". This is a nice little Hansel and Gretel-like story. It's been a while since I've seen this one, but I recall it as an enjoyable early Silly Symphony that should get you ready for the next program.

11:00- Disneyland- "The Story of the Animated Drawing"

Another episode of Walt's program, this one lives up to the title as Walt gives an abbreviated, but surprisingly still informative, crash course in the history of animation. He doesn't start with his works, although they are represented before long, complete with "The Nutcracker Suite" from Fantasia being shown in full black and white. But Walt starts off by discussing cave drawings before working his way up to Gertie the Dinosaur and Felix the Cat, among numerous more examples. Again, Walt's charisma is present as he goes through everything.

And here's a little something extra- Disney acknowledges the existence of Gertie to this day.

I took this when I was at Disney Hollywood Studios the other week. She actually sells ice cream inside, if it's a busy day at the park. Still, it's a nice landmark to look at if you get the chance to visit. And this episode was released in the Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studios Treasures set.

12:00- The Three Caballeros

Time for another classic, this 1944 release was the 7th Disney Animated Classic, the first to air in full on TCM, and was the second of two package films to be made out of Walt's trip to Latin America, done around World War II as many of his animators went to war or were on strike. Between this and Saludos Amigos, Three Caballeros is the more entertaining film, containing sharper sequences and a slightly closer appeal towards an actual narrative. The use of Jose Carioca, Donald's Brazilian parrot cousin, and Panchito, a Mexican rooster, to accompany Donald in wraparound segments, allows for a lot of fun, as these are three lively figures that share fun chemistry, and an incredibly lively musical number together.

While some of the films from this period of Disney's productions weren't always racially sensitive, Walt went out of his way to make sure that these package films were as respectful and informative towards Latina culture as he could, and both original characters remain popular in these countries to this day. You can even see Jose and Panchito join Donald along in the Gran Fiesta Tour in the Mexican pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, a fun ride that shows some of Mexico's gorgeous treasures alongside Jose and Panchito's search for Donald. The two are also known to appear alongside Donald for meet and greets on Cinco de Mayo. They also appear sporadically at other Disney parks around the world, including Disneyland in California.

1:30- Walt & El Grupo

This documentary was among three well-received, informative Disney-oriented docs released in 2008, along with The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story's take on the musical duo's history with the studio, and Waking Sleeping Beauty's detailed look into the Disney Renaissance of the late 80's/early 90's (perhaps these can be shown in future installments, accompanied with Summer Magic/The Jungle Book or Who Framed Roger Rabbit?/The Little Mermaid). This documentary features footage of Walt's aforementioned travels across Latin America, some of which was previously shown in Saludos Amigos, but more detailed and contains plenty of information behind them. I actually haven't seen this documentary yet, but have always wanted to, so I'm excited! It looks rightfully informative.

3:30- The Fighting Prince of Donegal

While Walt & El Grupo will be the last showing to feature introductions from Ben Mankiewicz and Leonard Maltin, this 1966 film is the real capper to the block. The film is about the factual prince Hugh O'Donell, who takes throne of Donegal from his late father. This one is also new to me, and it was only released on DVD from the Disney Movie Club. It didn't seem to be a big hit, despite being among Walt's last films that he got to finish all the way through. If you're still up, it might be worth a look. I'll try my best to give it a shot, myself.