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By the time Walt Disney released Cinderella in 1950, the imaginative impresario was well known as the past master of the animated fairy tale. But few realized just how far back into the past—dating back to the Roaring Twenties in Kansas City, Missouri—Walt first used the relatively new medium of animation to retell the old tales.
This “once upon a time” began in 1921
. . . when the fledgling animation producer was employed at Kansas City Film Ad. “But I wanted to experiment with making theatrical cartoons,” Walt later recalled, “so I started experimenting at night and I worked on a little idea that I had that I wanted to sell to the Newman theaters. I called the things Newman Laugh-O-grams.”
The 19-year-old singlehandedly created a pilot film demonstrating his concept of short bits of animation that could be incorporated into exhibitor Frank Newman’s series of weekly newsreels. Mr. Newman was sold on the idea and contracted Walt to create a weekly one-minute film. The test film, containing one of the only known pieces of animation Walt completed himself, can be seen below. Encouraged, Walt established the Laugh-O-gram Films company in 1922 to animate modernized fairy tales with a Jazz Age flair. One of the last of these Laugh-O-gram fairy tales—made before the enterprise went bankrupt and Walt headed for Hollywood in 1923—was Cinderella.
There have been a whole series of Disney U.S. postage stamps recently, but the earliest Disney stamp was the commemorative issue honoring Walt himself in September 1968, less than two years after the great showman’s passing.
The norm had been to so honor individuals (except U.S. Presidents) who were dead for a significant time (it’s varied from five to 10 years). But persistent efforts from congressmen, senators, and everyday citizens sought an exception for Walt. Then California governor Ronald Reagan wrote a letter to the Postmaster General—the handwritten draft is in the Walt Disney Archives—reading in part, “…his contributions to humanity… can be summed up by simply saying that because of him the world is a richer, better place.” The first-class art for the resulting stamp was created by Disney artists Paul Wenzel (the portrait) and Disney Legend Bob Moore (the international cast of children from around the world).
The “First Day of Issue” ceremonies took place in Marceline, Missouri. Postmaster General W. Marvin Watson and Mrs. Lillian Disney—who attended with 16 other members of the Disney family—unveiled a plaque reading, “Commemorative Stamp Honoring Walt Disney, Marceline’s Favorite Son, was Issued From This Post Office September 11, 1968.” As a fitting postscript (so to speak), the Marceline post office was officially renamed “The Walt Disney Post Office” by the USPS on August 23, 2004.
Walt Disney’s mustache was as distinctive a part of his look as round ears are for Mickey Mouse.
His toothbrush mustache became a permanent visage trademark starting in April 1925, when he first grew it on a bet. So it’s all the more surprising to see a photo of Walt without whiskers, such as this informal early-1940s shot of the impresario manning a rider mower at his then new Burbank Studio. Think you see the famous facial hair? Look again. The Disney publicity department actually drew in the mustache on a shot of the clean-shaven moviemaker. But why was Walt sans his signature ’stache in the first place? The photo may well have been taken after the infamous incident in which legendary Disney artist Ken Anderson accidentally singed the famous facial hair off while trying to light Walt’s cigarette with a faulty lighter during a story meeting for Victory Through Air Power (1943)—in front of an armada of visiting admirals, no less. Of course Walt himself was aware of how well known his mustache was.
Once before taking a trip to Europe, Walt asked studio barber Sal Silvestri to do something different so he wouldn’t be so easily recognized. When Sal offered to shave off Walt’s mustache, the great man balked—he didn’t want to look that different.
What’s in a name? That’s what Disney Imagineers were forced to ask as they created the roster of pavilions for Epcot Center. During the park’s development, the pavilions were usually referred to by the field of study they were designed to address: Transportation, Energy, the Seas, and so forth. But for opening day, they needed something with a bit more panache. And so began a round of brainstorming that produced results ranging from the sublime to the zany—and they’re all quite entertaining.
Let’s start with The Land, Epcot’s agricultural showcase. While Imagineers preferred to call the pavilion “Listen to the Land,” this list of alternatives was produced by Disney’s writing staff. Some are serious (“Horizons of Harvest,” “The Good Earth”); some are futuristic (“Terravillion,” “Eden II”); and some are simply amazing (“Avant Gardens,” “Land Alive!”). So next time you’re sailing through The Land’s high-tech greenhouses at Epcot, stop and think: Land Alive!
After a brief flirtation with “The Land Experience,” Imagineers suggested simply “The Land.” It was simple, solid, and elemental. They felt it reflected a quality similar to Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth.
Many fans already know that the popular Horizons pavilion had several “official” names during its development. Originally called Century 3, it later became FutureProbe; never completely happy with the names, Imagineers created this list with other potential titles. For a while they considered “Great Expectations.” I’m amused by the enigmatic “Soon, If.”
After a lot of back and forth, and many folks throwing their suggestions into the ring, the team decided upon Horizons. Simple and forward-looking, the name evokes the ride’s theme of an achievable future.
Finally we come to World of Motion, Epcot’s original transportation pavilion. Here we see another list of proposals riffing on themes of futurism and mobility, some more successful than others (“The Progress of Man in Motion”?). But perhaps the most hilarious list of potential pavilion names came from Disney Legend and World of Motion contributor Ward Kimball:
The notoriously unconventional Ward Kimball came up with this list of ideas for the transportation pavilion, and justifications for each. Needless to say they’re all rather amazing. Whether you prefer the futuristic (“Transporama,” “Futuramble”); the patriotic (“American Cavalcade of Transportation,” “Freewheeling America”); or the completely bonkers (“Transposanctorum,” “Panoramble”), there’s something for everyone. Ward even includes a list of possibilities he admits might be “suspect”—maybe he thought sponsor General Motors might not approve of “Recall-O-Rama” or “Mobilemamarama”?
Note the “Love & Kisses” stamp at the bottom of the memo; Ward was known for the variety of stamps he had created to “sign” his notes, letters, and memos.
From these wacky ideas, “Transarama 2000” and “Transcenter” were considered before Imagineers settled on World of Motion. Today, the pavilion houses the Test Track attraction.
So next time you’re reminiscing about your favorite Epcot attractions of years gone by, think about this: what if your fond memories were about “Questride” or “Landome”? What are some of your favorite “alternate” pavilion titles?
Debut The Health Nut, Italian Topolino 453 (1964; U.S. reprint in Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories 638, 2003).
“It’s called do-it-yourself… and that’s what I’m going to do for you!” —Fethry Duck
The Lowdown
Donald’s stocking-capped New Age cousin has a new fad—and often a new job—every week. Fethry’s got unstoppable creativity, selfless generosity, a wily grip of logic… and a total inability to see what’s going on around him! He only wants to share his uplifting experiences with others… but will they survive the chaos Fethry causes?
Fethry enters Donald’s life with a telegram. From The Health Nut (1964; version from Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories 638, 2003).
The Gimmicks
All it takes is an inspirational new book, TV show, or video to launch an eager Fethry into this week’s hobby… which might be anything from feng shui to marriage counseling!
When a hobby doesn’t motivate Fethry, an impassioned protest might. Fethry’s a born environmentalist and animal rightist—which is bad news if you oppose those causes. Or support them!
In his downtime between fads, Fethry works with Donald at two of Uncle Scrooge’s businesses, the Duckburg Chronicle newspaper and the McDuck Intelligence Agency. Secretly, Fethry and Donald also work for the Tamers of Nonhuman Threats paranormalist squad. Fethry loves studying the paranormal… perhaps because he’s not quite normal himself!
Fethry sells Hard Haid Moe on uplifting humanity… uh-oh! From Medicine Man (1969; version from WDC&S 668, 2006).
The Creators
Fethry was created by Dick Kinney (writer) and Al Hubbard (artist), whose 1960s Disney comics were mostly published outside the USA. As a result, for decades Fethry was only a big star abroad! Only in the 2000s did our übergeek come home.
Donald and Fethry are staunch members of TNT—the Tamers of Nonhuman Threats! Series logo by Flemming Andersen (2001).
The Family
Apart from lavishing his attention on “favorite cousin” Donald, animal-lover Fethry dotes on Donald’s hapless tomcat Tabby, who only wants to escape! Fethry also considers mountain man Hard Haid Moe a close chum—though the feeling is never mutual.
Whenever it’s inconvenient, Fethry is there! From Walk like a Gyp (2003); story by Lars Jensen, art by Marçal Abella Bresco.
The Bloopers
A famous 1970s children’s book series, Disney’s Wonderful World of Knowledge featured illustrations of “Donald” looking shockingly like Fethry. That’s because in the original Italian editions of the books, he was Fethry—but American translators didn’t recognize him!
Scrooge McDuck’s Debut Christmas on Bear Mountain, Four Color #178 (December 1947)
The earliest Scrooge was a grouchy Christmas crank—much like his Dickensian namesake. From Christmas on Bear Mountain (Four Color #178, 1947); story and art by Carl Barks.
“No man is poor who can do what he likes to do once in a while!” —Scrooge McDuck
The Lowdown
“Burst me bagpipes!”
He’s the most popular Disney character ever created for comics. He’s tougher than the toughies and smarter than the smarties—and he made his fortune square!
He’s Scrooge McDuck, “the richest old coot in the world”: famed for his Beagle Boy battles, his incredible Gold Rush backstory… and his even more incredible thrift. From single-handedly clobbering 25 bandits to reusing the same teabag 25 times, nobody does it quite like Scrooge.
When he’s not off searching the world for treasures and business deals, Scrooge is home in Duckburg protecting what he’s got… with help from Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and Launchpad McQuack, of course!
The Gimmicks
Scrooge runs dozens of businesses around the world, including the Duckburg Chronicle newspaper. Scrooge’s Money Bin on Duckburg’s Killmotor Hill holds “three cubic acres” of cash as well as famous treasures like the Golden Fleece—but Scrooge’s most prized possession is his Number One Dime, the first coin he ever earned!
As Scrooge began to star in his own stories, Carl Barks made him into a more sympathetic miser. From Only a Poor Old Man (Four Color 386, 1952).
The Creators
Beloved comics “Duck Man” Carl Barks created Scrooge as a one-off antagonist for a Christmas comic. But Barks soon found the old miser taking on a life of his own—and becoming an unlikely hero! “I kind of liked old Scrooge, and he filled a gap.”
Just how many Beagle Boys can Scrooge take on? Nightmare scene from The Money Ocean (1974; version from Uncle Scrooge 266, 1992); story and art by Marco Rota.
The Family
Depending on which writer/artist you ask, Scrooge’s once-mighty clan is now generally down to no-nonsense sisters Hortense and Matilda, lazy half-brother Rumpus McFowl, and luckless miner cousin Douglas—who’s so super-stingy he considers Scrooge a spendthrift!
Modern fan-favorite Don Rosa is famed for The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, a subseries telling long-ago tales of our miser’s storied youth. Cover art from Uncle Scrooge 292 (1995), art by Rosa.
The Bloopers
In a few 1960s stories, an acknowledged misstep by Barks turned the Number One Dime into a lucky dime—implying that Scrooge made his fortune by luck, not hard work! Alas, later non-Barks comics and TV’s DuckTales (1987) kept the idea going for a while.
Hey Disney Afternoon fans! Boy do we have a treat for you. D23 uncovered the mother lode of TaleSpin concept, line, title card, and background art in the Disney Television Animation archives. Enjoy the beautiful depiction of an artist’s imagining of the cockpit of the Sea Duck and the cold interior of Shere Kahn’s office. Those and the beautiful line art of our dear “Papa Bear” and Kit, plus the many colorful backgrounds,
show off the artistry that brought one of our favorite Disney Afternoon shows to life.
Donald Duck’s Comic Debut Paperinik il diabolico vendicatore (The Diabolical Duck Avenger), Italian Topolino 706 (1969)
“Everybody’s always picking on me! But they really admire Duck Avenger!” —Donald Duck
The Lowdown
Every sweepstakes addict has his day. Donald’s came when he “won” Villa Rose, a mansion once owned by a “modern-day Robin Hood.” Donald found this vigilante’s hi-tech gadgets in the basement—and used them to become a super-selfish superhero! “Duck Avenger” has been busting crooks ever since… but also getting even with Donald’s personal pet peeve.
Duck Avenger’s existential dilemma. From Legacy (2005; version from US advertising, 2006); story by Andreas Pihl, art by Mårdon Smet.
The Gimmicks
Alas, Gladstone isn’t just a lucky pest. He’s also the true winner of the deed to Villa Rose! If he ever learns Duck Avenger’s true identity, he could claim all the super-gear and bust Donald bad.
So Donald has to conceal his hero’s duty! Even Donald’s nephews and Daisy are kept in the dark. Only inventor Gyro Gearloose knows the score… and helps humanity by helping Donald with his tech!
Donald first gets used to his vigilante gear in Paperinik il diabolico vendicatore (The Diabolical Duck Avenger, 1969); story by Elisa Penna and Guido Martina, art by Giovan Battista Carpi.
The Creators
Duck Avenger was birthed by Italian editor Elisa Penna, writer Guido Martina, and artist Giovan Battista Carpi—all of whom got sick of seeing Donald as a loser. Yet… forced to hide his I.D., Donald still can’t exactly win.
Duck Avenger versus the Evronians on the cover of PK: Paperinik New Adventures 00 (1996); art by Marco Ghiglione.
The Family
Classic Duck Avenger stories feature classic foes like the Beagle Boys—and friends like Super Daisy (guess who… though Donald can’t!)
A 1990s “New Adventures” sub-series teams Duck Avenger with One, a sentient supercomputer in Ducklair Tower. Enemies include the alien Evronians and Angus Fangus, a tough newsman who’s sure Duck Avenger is a crook!
Daisy takes her lumps becoming a hero, too. From Paperinika e il filo di Arianna (Super Daisy and Ariadne’s Thread, 1973); story by Guido Martina, art by Giorgio Cavazzano.
The Bloopers
While most U.S. Disney comics call Duck Avenger by that name, a few have used his British name of “Superduck”—and one video game called him “Platyrhynchos Kineticus,” or PK for short (because Duck Avenger’s Italian name is Paperinik).
Debut The Man of Tomorrow serial; Mickey Mouse daily strip (September 26, 1947)
“I see where your primitive pmind might have ptrouble with the idea!” —Eega Beeva
The Lowdown
Exploring a cavern in 2447 Mouseton, eccentric tech guru Pittisborum Psercy Pystachi Pseter Psersimmon Plummer-Push stumbled through a time warp into Mickey’s era. Our hero couldn’t pronounce this futuristic human’s name so he called his eager new friend Eega Beeva. What else would you name a feisty little guy who sleeps on bedposts instead of beds… and puts a “p” in front of every noun—pardon, “pnoun”—in his sentences?
This sketch for an aborted 1947 ad campaign tried to tie Eega’s debut into Mickey’s 20th anniversary—forgetting that Mickey was born in 1928, not 1927!
The Gimmicks
Eega loves his exotic pet: the dog/cat crossbreed Pflip the Thnuckle-Booh. He loves showing off the “magic pocket” in his smock, capable of carrying anything! But Eega hates the fact that like all future folks, he must eat kumquats to survive (!)—and he hates greed so much that he’s allergic to money.
Eega Beeva invents the “Atombrella” (1949)—a personal defense against atom bombs… and anything else! Story by Bill Walsh, art by Floyd Gottfredson.
The Creators
Eega was birthed by Mickey Mouse strip team Bill Walsh (writer) and Floyd Gottfredson (artist), who kept our time-traveler timely until 1950. Eega’s “future” was left for others to carry on.
We all have our favorite foods, but with Eega it’s an obsession! From The Incredible Black Comet (1962); story by Roberto Catalano, art by Romano Scarpa and Rodolfo Cimino.
The Bloopers
Eega Beeva is extra-popular in Italy, where local Disney comics mistakenly claimed he came from 2000, not 2447—and that he was an alien from outer space. He’s 100 percent human… unlucky for us!
Eega’s pet Thnuckle-Booh Pflip turns red when he senses danger. From “Coming Up Short” (2004); story by Stefan Petrucha, art by Francisco Rodriguez.
Jack Sparrow costume worn by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, an exhibition which encompasses nearly 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) from October 16, 2013 (the actual 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company) through May 4, 2014.
Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name. From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features many artifacts that have not been widely seen by the public—including drawings; props; costumes; artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films; plus items from contemporary Disney milestones.
Disneyland ticket No. 1 purchased by Roy O. Disney.
“The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”
Mouse ears worn by Jimmie Dodd on the Mickey Mouse Club.
Traveling costume worn by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins.
In addition to myriad fascinating artifacts that are sure to stir childhood memories and be familiar icons to many, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can try their luck in recording sound effects for a film, explore the wonders of Disney’s revolutionary MultiPlane film camera and even learn to draw some of their favorite Disney characters in the Animation Academy.
“Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and an impressive innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career. This spirit continues to be the creative inspiration behind many of the incredible experiences created by Disney today.”
Among the extraordinary items to be featured:
Clips from several of Walt Disney’s earliest animated works, before there was a Mickey.
The original script, written by Walt Disney, for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time.
A partial recreation of Walt Disney’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.
Hand-drawn artwork, hand-sculpted models and props used in the production of some of Disney’s most iconic and renowned animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.
A recreation of a working animator’s office from the Disney Studios featuring authentic animator’s furniture, and models.
Animation models and artwork from contemporary Disney animation film hits, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin.
Props from classic Disney live-action films, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Rocketeer, The Princess Diaries, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Enchanted.
A special area of the exhibition that is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins, with film clips, interviews with the movie’s creators and rare behind-the-scenes photos.
A salute to Disneyland® Park in California and Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as it’s a small world, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans andcorrespondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.
This exhibit is not included in Museum Entry and will require an additional timed-entry ticket, which is $9 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children 3-11. Tickets will go on sale at msichicago.org on September 4, 2013. D23 Gold and Silver Members will receive a special discount on exhibit entry.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website with members-only content at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013. Fans can join at
Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
About The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) offers a wide array of world-class, relevant and uniquely interactive exhibitions designed to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), MSI also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30 – 4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.
