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December 28

Posted on December 28, 2012 by disneydetail

December 28, 2011 – Bambi and A Computer Animated Hand are Inducted Into the National Film Registry

Image credit: wikipedia

Image credit: wikipedia

“…culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

On December 28, 2011, the new inductees into the National Film Registry were announced, which included the 1942 Disney animated feature Bambi and one of the earliest examples of computer animation by Ed Catmull (now co-founder of Pixar and President of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios), A Computer Animated Hand. Bambi was recognized not only as one of Walt Disney’s favorites, but also for its “eloquent message of nature conservation.” A Computer Animated Film has been considered revolutionary in combining the science of the computer and the art of animation, showing the potential of both. The film, and Catmull especially, were recognized for working out “the concepts that become the foundation for computer graphics that followed.”

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December 22

Posted on December 22, 2012 by disneydetail

December 22, 1995 – The Feature Film Tom and Huck is Released in Theaters

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“I been to your funeral once, I ain’t goin’ again.”

On December 22, 1995, the feature film Tom and Huck was released to theaters. The film was based on the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, and received mixed reviews on its release. The film was directed by Peter Hewitt, with screenplay by Stephen Sommers and David Loughery. It stars Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Tom Sawyer, Brad Renfro as Huck Finn, Eric Schweig as Injun Joe, Mike McShane as Muff Potter, and Rachael Leigh Cook as Becky Thatcher.

It’s a dark and stormy night, with a mysterious figure walking the streets of the town. The figure, who we find is Injun Joe makes his way to the town doctor, Doc Robbins; the doctor tells Joe that he has a job for him in the graveyard. Injun Joe accepts, but demands more money. Meanwhile, Tom Sawyer hears the clock alarm going off at midnight, and crawls out of bed, running away from life with his aunt Polly. He is joined by his friends, and they escape to the Mississippi River, climbing on to a raft and sailing away. Unfortunately, they hit a sharp rock in the rapids, and Tom is thrown into the river, until he is saved by a stranger. The next morning, Tom tries to sneak back home, but is caught by Aunt Polly. He is then sent to whitewash her fence as punishment for sneaking out, but tricks his friends into doing the work for him. While they all do his job, Tom runs off, running into his friend Huck Finn, who is back in town. After meeting with Huck, Tom attends school, trying to get the attention of Becky Thatcher.

Tom and Huck sneak into the graveyard to cure warts, only to be observers to the murder of Doc Robbins

Tom and Huck sneak into the graveyard to cure warts, only to be observers to the murder of Doc Robbins

Tom meets with Huck again, who informs Tom that he’s found a cure for warts, involving a dead cat and a graveyard. The two make plans to meet at the graveyard, where they accidentally stumble across Injun Joe with Doc Robbins and Muff Potter uncovering a treasure map from a grave, and watch in horror when Injun Joe murders Doc Robbins, using Muff’s knife. As Tom and Huck flee the scene, with Tom accidentally dropping his prize marble, Injun Joe spots them. Although Tom thinks they should tell the sheriff, Huck convinces him that Injun Joe will murder them if they say a word. The two write an oath and sign it in blood that they will never tell. Tom is still wracked with guilt, having nightmares that Injun Joe will find him and murder him in the night. The next day, Tom discovers that Muff Potter has been accused of murdering the doctor, with Injun Joe claiming he saw Muff do it. The trial is then set for the next day, with many in the town believing that Muff did it. Huck prevents Tom from telling anyone the truth of the murder, and Tom protests that all they need to prove Muff’s innocence without breaking their oath is the treasure map; Huck points out that the map is in Injun Joe’s pocket, and wonders why he should stick his neck out for Muff.

Later, Tom goes by the creek again and runs into Becky. The two pretend to be engaged, although Becky is furious when she finds that Tom has been engaged before. Back in town, Injun Joe is trying to find the identity if the boys in the graveyard using the marble he found, while Huck wonders if he’s doing the right thing by not telling anyone about what he’s seen. Huck agrees to try and grab the map from Injun Joe, and the two follow him, waiting for the right moment. Unfortunately, they are unable to grab the map before he finds the treasure, and he burns the map, destroying the only evidence of Muff’s innocence. While they are still wandering outside of town, they hear the church bells ring, signaling that someone has died. Injun Joe, returning to his task of finding out who saw him in the graveyard, runs across a boy who tells him that Tom Sawyer was the last to use the marble, but it no longer matters, as he is dead. Tom’s hat was apparently found in the wreckage of the raft, and the whole town believes he’s dead. Tom and Huck sneak inside the church, and Tom is amazed to see that the town misses him, and even more so when Becky announces that if she could see him just one more time, she would tell him she loves him and kiss him in front of everyone. Huck gets angry that Tom keeps up the charade, and tells him to stop making his aunt suffer and go home. With Huck pushing him, he falls through the ceiling of the church, much to the surprise of everyone.

Injun Joe, finding out that Tom was the observer in the graveyard, surprises Tom and threatens to kill him

Injun Joe, finding out that Tom was the observer in the graveyard, surprises Tom and threatens to kill him

The next day, Tom tries to find Huck, with Huck packing and leaving town. Just after Huck leaves, Injun Joe finds Tom, and taunts Tom, threatening to kill him if he says anything about who really killed the doctor. Tom then goes to the jail to see Muff, and Muff starts to cry when Tom says he believes Muff is innocent. The trial begins, with Injun Joe testifying that Muff killed the doctor while in a drunken rage. Muff’s lawyer, in a surprise move, calls Tom Sawyer to the stand. Tom hesitates in answering the questions, but when someone publicly denounces Tom as an outright liar, Tom bravely tells the whole truth of what he’d seen. Injun Joe tries to kill Tom on the stand and escapes the courtroom. Later that evening, Huck appears at Tom’s window. Huck is angry that Tom broke the oath, but warns his friend to be careful before disappearing again.

The next day is the town picnic, with Tom still nervous that Injun Joe will find him. All of the children are taken to a nearby cavern to explore, with Tom and Becky running off to a deeper part of the cavern. Huck, hiding nearby, hears that Tom and Becky haven’t gone back yet. Injun Joe, in another part of the cavern, hears them and follows the echo of their voices. The town is alarmed that Injun Joe is back in town, looking to kill Tom. As Becky and Tom try to find a way out, they come across Injun Joe, who pursues them. After helping Becky find a way out, Tom comes across the treasure chest Injun Joe was trying to bury. Injun Joe finds him, and is just about to kill him when Huck comes to the rescue. Injun Joe falls down a cavern hole trying to save his treasure, not knowing that Tom took out all the coins to trick him. Tom and Huck escape the cavern and are proclaimed heroes by the town. The Widow Douglas offers Huck a new life with her, promising him a future. Tom goes to find Huck, and sees Huck in all new clothes. Tom is surprised by this new change in Huck, but the two of them go into town together, still ready to cause a great deal of mischief for the town.

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December 21

Posted on December 21, 2012 by disneydetail

December 21, 1937 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Premieres at the Carthay Circle Theater

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“Walt Disney, who created these lovable characters, brings to motion pictures a new medium for a greater art. And it looks like a ‘Snow White’ Christmas for all!”

On December 21, 1937, after beginning production in 1934, Walt Disney’s first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles, California. Many of those who attended had called the film “Walt’s Folly;” many celebrities also attended the premiere, including Shirley Temple, Marlene Dietrich, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Ginger Rogers, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, and Charlie Chaplin. There were even actors in dwarf costumes, and a special appearance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck. Life size replicas of the dwarfs’ cottage were created for the event. The film received a standing ovation, and grossed more than $8 million, which was quite a feat at the time, since a movie ticket cost about 10 cents. Snow White was the highest grossing film of all time, until it was surpassed by Gone With the Wind. The film was generally released on February 4th, 1938.

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December 17

Posted on December 17, 2012 by disneydetail

December 17, 1961 – The Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color Episode “Backstage Party” Premieres

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“Oh, the party hasn’t started yet. By the way, folks, these are some of the babes from Babes in Toyland.”

On December 17, 1961, the episode “Backstage Party” from the Disney anthology series Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color premiered on television. The episode takes viewers backstage at the Disney Studios, to the celebration of the completion of the upcoming feature film Babes in Toyland, starring Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands. The episode was directed by Jack Donohue and Hamilton S. Luske, with teleplay by Larry Clemmons.

The episode begins with the audience at the front gate, receiving directions to Stage Four, where the party is held. Unfortunately, there are many twists and turns on the way there; the audience progresses through a set with lavish homes, an Old West setting, then the set for the Zorro series, and finally finds Stage Four. Walt greets the audience warmly, and brings them inside to see some of the Babes in Toyland sets. He shows a set with an accompanying film scene, and explains how the set was invented to destroy itself. Moving to another set, Walt explains the music of Babes in Toyland, which was based on Victor Herbert’s original operetta from 1903. After a scene with music, a toy soldier directs the audience to where Walt has gone: to the Forest of No Return. Walt then explains how every piece in the forest was made for the film, including all the rocks and trees. A tree lets Walt know it’s time to head to Stage Two for the shooting of the final scene, and Walt brings us along.

On Stage Two, Walt begins to point out all the important people behind the scenes of filming

On Stage Two, Walt begins to point out all the important people behind the scenes of filming

On Stage Two, Walt points out the important people, from the director, to a stagehand in the rafters who is about to retire, to the actors waiting to shoot the scene. They then shoot the gypsy scene from the film, with Walt and the child actors watching. When the scene is shot, the party begins. A giant cake is brought to the set, along with other tables of food. Walt explains that the backstage party is very democratic – everyone celebrates the wrap of the film together. Annette Funicello comes over to Walt and offers him a glass of lemonade. Walt introduces Annette as Mary Quite Contrary, and Tommy Sands, who plays her romantic interest, Tom the Piper’s Son. Walt then asks Annette to play the hostess while he goes to do some chores. Annette introduces us to Ray Bolger (best known as the Scarecrow in MGM’s The Wizard of Oz), and asks him to perform the old soft-shoe dance he’s well known for: Ida. Many members of the cast and crew begin to dance in the background, although Bolger claims that he’s the “only one in the world who can perform the dance.” He introduces his character in the film as the villain, Barnaby, and Annette introduces Henry Calvin and Gene Sheldon, who play Barnaby’s henchmen, Gonzorgo and Roderigo.

Ed Wynn (C) begins to entertain the various cast and crew members with props

Ed Wynn (C) begins to entertain the various cast and crew members with props

Annette also introduces Ed Wynn, whom she calls “one of the all-time greats of show business.” Wynn entertains the crowd, pulling props from his bag and presenting accompanying jokes. Tommy Kirk (Grumio in the film) presents Wynn with a statue called a “Mousecar,” the Disney version of an Oscar. Annette then introduces Tommy Sands, and many members of the band that are having a jam session on the set. Sands begins to play the bongo drums, much to the amusement of the cast and crew, and sings “Jeepers Creepers.” He introduces Ann Jillian, who serenades the crowd with Henry Calvin. After their song, Annette points out the choreographer, Tommy Mahoney. After a small dance routine, the director Jack Donohue is brought to the middle of the set for a surprise. The whole cast and crew serenade him about the filming experience, then present him with a “jack-in-the-box,” with the model of his own head popping out from the box. The episode ends with one more song about the end of filming.

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December 13

Posted on December 13, 2012 by disneydetail

December 13, 1925 – Actor and Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke is Born

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“Well, I thought [Walt Disney] hired me because I was such a great singer and dancer. As it turns out, he had heard me in an interview talking about what was happening to family entertainment. I was decrying the fact that it seemed like no holds were barred anymore in entertainment. … He knew about the “Van Dyke Show,” about our little sitcom, but that’s why he called me in, because I said something he agreed with. And I got the part.”

On December 13, 1925, Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born in West Plans, Missouri, but grew up in Danville, Illinois. At an early age, Van Dyke was inspired to become a comedian after watching the Laurel and Hardy comedies. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps as a radio announcer; he used those skills as a radio DJ in Danville, Illinois. He and his friend Phil Erickson created a pantomime act known as “The Merry Mutes,” that performed in nightclubs across the country. While appearing in Atlanta, Georgia, in the early ’50s, the two did their act on television. In 1959, Van Dyke won his first Broadway role in The Boys Get The Girls. The following year, he landed the lead role in Bye Bye Birdie as Albert Peterson. He not only won a Tony Award for his performance, but he also went on to perform the role in the film version of the musical.

In the 1960s, Van Dyke became well known for his comedic performances in the popular Dick Van Dyke Show. The show brought him to the attention of Walt Disney, who asked Van Dyke to play the role of Bert in the live-action film Mary Poppins. Van Dyke also asked for the role of the chairman of the bank; he played the roles to acclaim, although his British accent has been criticized as one of the worst accents in film history. Nevertheless, the film was a smash hit, making Van Dyke even more of a household name. Also for Disney, Van Dyke starred in Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N and Never A Dull Moment, and guest starred in ABC’s The Golden Girls. He was honored as a Disney Legend in 1998.

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December 11

Posted on December 11, 2012 by disneydetail

December 11, 1992 – The Feature Film The Muppet Christmas Carol is Released to Theaters

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“A blue, furry Charles Dickens who hangs out with a rat?”

On December 11, 1992, the live-action feature film The Muppet Christmas Carol was released to theaters. It was the first Muppet film to be released after the deaths of creator Jim Henson and puppeteer Richard Hunt (it was released in their memory). The film is based on the classic tale by Charles Dickens, and is considered one of the more close adaptations of Dickens’ story; for instance, the character of The Ghost of Christmas Present is seen aging during his visit, as was written in the story. Directed by Brian Henson, the film stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, and puppeteers Dave Goelz (Gonzo, Waldorf, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew), Steve Whitmire (Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker) Jerry Nelson (Robin the Frog, Statler), and Frank Oz (Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam the Eagle). The film was a modest success, and has developed somewhat of a cult following in the years since its release.

Set in 19th century London, the film begins with an introduction by Charles Dickens (played by Gonzo) with his friend Rizzo the Rat, selling apples. Although Rizzo doesn’t believe that he’s standing with Charles Dickens, Dickens sets out to prove that he is, beginning the tale. We then meet the miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he makes his way through the town. The residents of London remark how cold and cruel Scrooge is, and he responds with a simple “Humbug.” He arrives back at his business, where his employees, including his assistant, Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), are hard at work. Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, arrives at the door, trying to convince his uncle to join him for Christmas dinner, but Scrooge refuses. Late that evening, Cratchit timidly asks Scrooge if the employees can ­take Christmas day off, and Scrooge reluctantly agrees, so long as they arrive all the earlier the next day.

Scrooge is startled by all the strange disturbances he experiences on Christmas Eve

Scrooge is startled by all the strange disturbances he experiences on Christmas Eve

While the whole town seems to excitedly anticipate Christmas day, Scrooge arrives at home, disturbed by a vision of Jacob Marley (Statler). As he sits in front of the fire, strange things occur, startling him, until the ghosts of his former partners, Jacob and Robert Marley (Statler and Waldorf), appear. They warn him that if he doesn’t change his ways, he will end up with their fate, wrapped in the chains of their wickedness. The two tell Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits, and without these visits, he cannot hope to avoid their fate. He is to expect the first ghost when the bell tolls one. Scrooge doesn’t believe them, but still crawls into bed, fearful of what could happen.

Sure enough, when the bell tolls one, Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, who takes him back to the Christmases of his youth. They watch as year after year passes by, with Scrooge sitting all alone at his school every Christmastime. They are then taken to his apprenticeship days at Fozziwig’s Rubber Chicken Factory, with Fozziwig’s (Fozzie Bear) annual Christmas party. It is there that Scrooge meets a young woman named Belle, and falls in love with her at first sight. Despite Scrooge’s protests, the Ghost shows him the Christmas where Belle breaks off her engagement, believing him to be more in love with money than with her. The ghost then returns a depressed Scrooge to his chambers.

The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge around town, including to the home of his loyal employee, Bob Cratchit

The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge around town, including to the home of his loyal employee, Bob Cratchit

When the bell rings two, Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Present, who takes him out into the city on Christmas morning, intent on showing him the joy of Christmas. Scrooge asks to see his family, suddenly inspired by the kindness he saw in the street. Taken to his nephew’s Christmas party, Scrooge is saddened to find that he is the joke of the party, and called an “unwanted creature.” The spirit then takes him to Bob Cratchit’s house, where Scrooge sees Cratchit and his son, Tiny Tim (Robin the Frog), walking home from church, full of joy. At their Christmas dinner, Cratchit raises a glass to Scrooge, although his wife Emily (Miss Piggy) strongly objects to this, but in the spirit of the season, she agrees; this touches Scrooge deeply. Scrooge is impressed by the good attitude of the sickly Tiny Tim, and asks the Spirit if Tiny Tim will live. Although the Spirit can’t give a confirmation, he says he sees “a crutch without an owner.”

The Spirit then takes Scrooge to the cemetery, to await the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Although frightened, Scrooge declares that he is willing to learn with an open and grateful heart. They arrive on a rainy Christmas day in London, seeing a crowd of pigs discussing someone’s death, declaring that no one would go to that funeral. They then move on to a back alley trader named Old Joe, with people trading with him items from the deceased, including his bed curtains and the blankets from his bed. Although Scrooge suspects that he is the deceased in question, he claims that with his new blossoming outlook on life, this may change. He then asks to see some tenderness in the world, and is taken to Bob Cratchit’s once again. Unfortunately, at this Christmas, Tiny Tim has passed away. Scrooge is taken back to the cemetery and sees his own grave before his eyes. He pleads that he has changed, that the future can change. He then promises to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year round, sobbing into the spirit’s robes.

Scrooge, having turned over a new leaf, finds the charity volunteers and offers them a large sum to help the homeless and destitute

Scrooge, having turned over a new leaf, finds the charity volunteers and offers them a large sum to help the homeless and destitute

All of a sudden, Scrooge looks around to see that the spirits have passed, and it is Christmas morning. He then sets out to make things right, buying the prize turkey from the butcher and bringing good tidings to all, including giving to a charity he had turned down the day before. Scrooge then goes to Bob Cratchit’s house to surprise him with the turkey, presents, and the offer of a salary raise. The movie ends on a high note, with Tiny Tim living after all, and the whole town of London celebrating Christmas.

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December 1

Posted on December 1, 2012 by disneydetail

December 1, 1988 – Disney Announces the Creation of Hollywood Pictures

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Image credit: wikipedia

“Along with the Disney and Touchstone labels, there was Hollywood Pictures, launched in 1988 to distribute more mature, adult-oriented fare.” – Alisa Perren, Indie, Inc.: Miramax and the Transformation of Hollywood in the 1990s.

On December 1, 1988, the Walt Disney Company announced a new production label and subsidiary of the Walt Disney Studios: Hollywood Pictures. Like the already successful Touchstone, Miramax, and Dimension production companies owned by Disney at the time, Hollywood Pictures was meant to cater to a more mature audience. The division was established on February 1, 1989, and released its first film, Arachnophobia, on July 18, 1990. The most successful film from this studio was The Sixth Sense, released August 6, 1999; other successful films include The Joy Luck Club, The Santa Clause, While You Were Sleeping, and Mr. Holland’s Opus. The studio became defunct in 2001, but was resurrected as an independent studio in 2006; this was short-lived, however, and the studio was shut down in 2007.

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November 26

Posted on November 26, 2012 by disneydetail

November 26, 1997 – The Walt Disney Pictures Feature Film Flubber is Released to Theaters

“The truth is Weebo, I’m not absent-minded because I’m selfish, crazy, or inconsiderate. I’m absent-minded because I’m in love with Sara.”

On November 26, 1997, the Walt Disney Pictures film Flubber was released to theaters. The film is a remake of the 1961 Disney film, The Absent-Minded Professor, starring Fred MacMurray; the 1961 film was based on the short story “A Situation of Gravity” by Samuel W. Taylor. Flubber was directed by Les Mayfield, with screenplay by Bill Walsh (the 1961 film) and John Hughes. It stars Robin Williams and Professor Phillip Brainard, Marcia Gay Harden as Sara Reynolds, Jodi Benson as the voice of Weebo, Christopher McDonald as Wilson Croft, Raymond Barry as Chester Hoenicker, and Wil Wheaton as Bennett Hoenicker.

Filming and special effects for Flubber took place at the Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, California. Filmmakers had 90,000 square feet of space to create Professor Brainard’s laboratory, the locker room, and the basketball arena, all in one place. A major difference between Flubber and Professor is the substance Flubber itself: in the 1997 film, Flubber has a mischievous personality of its own.

Professor Phillip Brainard sits for breakfast, explaining his hope to save the college after his robot assistant Weebo shows him the news article about the shutdown threat

As the film opens, Professor Phillip Brainard is getting ready for his day, when his robot assistant, Weebo, tells him that Medfield College is facing a shutdown. Distracted by the news, Brainard feels that he’s forgetting something scheduled for that afternoon. What he’s forgetting is his marriage to the Medfield College president, Sara Reynolds, which he has already forgotten twice. He meets Sara for lunch, and she reminds him about the wedding and makes him promise he’ll be there; if he doesn’t show, she tells him that they’ll call it quits – permanently.

Later, while Brainard is working in his lab, his rival, Wilson Croft, stops by. Croft had been Brainard’s partner until he stole and profited from Brainard’s ideas. He announces his plans to steal Sara away from Brainard. As Brainard prepares for the wedding, he asks Weebo why the wedding wasn’t on his schedule. Weebo is secretly in love with Brainard, and pretends that she may have a virus. While he is looking at Weebo, he sees that one of his projects may have had a breakthrough, and sets to work on it, the wedding pushed out of his mind, especially as he sets off an explosion in his lab.

Brainard is so excited about his new discovery, “Flubber,” that he hasn’t realized that his missed his own wedding for a third time

Everyone waits at the church, and Sara finally realizes that he isn’t coming. Later that night, as Brainard cleans up the mess, he comes across the new substance he created: a green goo with a mind of its own. It begins to wreak havoc in the lab and the neighborhood after being startled by a camera flash. Weebo dubs it “flying rubber,” and Brainard names it “Flubber.” As he continues to experiment with Flubber, thinking that this is the breakthrough that will save the college, he finally realizes that he’s missed his wedding. Again.

The next day, Brainard arrives at Sara’s office to explain, but she is too heartbroken to hear it. She cares nothing for his Flubber invention, and declares that they are finished. Meanwhile, Bennett Hoenicker, star of the Medfield basketball team, goes to his father, furious that he’s been placed on academic probation after flunking chemistry. His father, Chester Hoenicker, one of the biggest lenders to the school, asks his flunkies to “persuade” Brainard to change his son’s grade to an A. The henchmen go to Brainard’s lab late at night and accidentally become a part of Brainard’s Flubber experiments (getting knocked out by a Flubber-coated golf ball and bowling ball). Brainard then applies Flubber to his car, which enables it to fly. He flies to Sara’s to show off the car, only to find her on a date with Croft. Although he is upset about this, he resolves not to give up, and to find a way to use Flubber to help the Medfield team win the basketball game and hold off the shutdown.

Brainard applies liquid Flubber to the basketball and his shoes, testing how it could be used to help Medfield win the basketball game

Brainard explains to Weebo that using Flubber to help them the rather inept Medfield team win is the only way to prove to Sara that Flubber will be a success. Brainard intends to sneak into the rival school’s basketball arena, and apply Flubber to the basketball and his own sneakers, testing how well it will work. As he leaves, he warns Weebo not to let Flubber out from its container. She promises, but the moment he’s gone, she decides to have fun with the creation, and the released Flubber begins to have a dance party around the house.

After a disastrous first quarter at the basketball game, the Flubber begins to take effect, and the Medfield team wins the game, 69 to 68. Brainard tries to convince Sara that Flubber helped Medfield win the game, but she doesn’t believe him, and continues her date with Croft. A dejected Brainard flies home in his car, but Hoenicker sees him in the aerial auto. As Brainard sadly explains his love for Sara to Weebo, he is unaware that Weebo records him. Later that night, Weebo goes to Sara’s house and shows her the recording, effectively winning Sara back for Brainard. Sara arrives at Brainard’s and the two make up, with Brainard taking Sara for a ride in the flying car; the two decide to sell the car to a car company to save the school.

Hoenicker waits for Brainard and Sara to return, offering them a chance to sell him the Flubber, in exchange for him forgetting the debt owed him by the school

When Brainard and Sara arrive back at Brainard’s, they are greeted by Hoenicker, his son, and his flunkies. Hoenicker offers to buy Brainard’s invention, but Brainard and Sara refuse his offer. The next morning, when Brainard and Sara take the car to Ford to sell, Hoenicker’s henchmen break in to steal Flubber, and destroy Weebo as she tries to stop them. Brainard and Sara return to see the damage and find the Flubber stolen, and Brainard holds Weebo as she dies in his arms. He believes that he could never recreate her, but finds that she secretly placed her plans on his computer so he could create another copy, with a final message from her hologram.

With a new resolve, Brainard and Sara head over to Hoenicker’s to retrieve the Flubber and avenge Weebo. They find Croft working for Hoenicker to interpret the Flubber, once again trying to steal Brainard’s creation. Brainard and Sara quickly put their plan in motion, using the Flubber in the hand cream, a water gun, and the car to recapture the Flubber. Brainard and Sara save the college, and finally have their wedding, although through a video link, with Brainard working in his lab while Sara is at the church. The two then fly off to their honeymoon in their Flubber-powered car, accompanied by Flubber and the newly constructed Weebette.

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November 22

Posted on November 22, 2012 by disneydetail

November 22, 1991 – The 30th Animated Feature Film, Beauty and the Beast is Generally Released to Theaters

“Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, Beauty and the Beast.”

On November 22, 1991, the 30th animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast, was generally released to theaters, after a New York premiere on November 13. The film was based on the French fairy tale La Belle et la Bête, written by Jeanne-Marie le Prince de Beaumont. The idea to use the fairy tale as an animated feature goes all the way back to the 1930s, with Walt Disney originally showing interest after the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.The project was resurrected during the beginning of the period known as the Disney Renaissance and was the first Disney animated feature to use a screenwriter for the script; the first treatment had the film set in Victorian France, with no musical numbers. However, in 1989, this treatment was scrapped, forcing everyone to start from scratch. Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise were asked to direct, and the team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman were asked to write the music for the film. The film stars Paige O’Hara as Belle, Robby Benson as the Beast, Richard White as Gaston, Jerry Orbach as Lumiere, David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth, Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts, Rex Everheart as Maurice, and Bradley Michael Pierce as Chip.

The film would go on to win enormous accolades from the critics, and until 2009, was the only animated feature to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.The music from the film was the last project that the team of Ashman and Menken, as Ashman passed away from AIDS-related complications before the film was finished. The film was dedicated in his honor. The team won two Oscars : one for Best Original Score, and one for Best Original Song for the title song, sung by Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts). The film was so successful that it was made into a Broadway musical in 1994; a song originally cut from the film, “Human Again,” was reinstated in the musical, and was placed back in the film when the film was rereleased on DVD in 2002.

A powerful curse was placed over the castle, after an enchantress realized that the prince who lived there did not know how to love

The film begins with the story of the Prince, who turned an old beggar woman away from his door when she offered him a rose in exchange for shelter. The beggar woman was actually an enchantress who, after seeing there was “no love in his heart,” punished him for his cruelty by turning him into a beast. The Beast hid himself away from the world, with only a magic mirror to let him observe the outside. The rose the enchantress had offered was a magic rose, which would bloom until his 21st birthday. If he could learn to love, and earn love in return by then, the spell over the castle and the Prince would break; if not, he was doomed to remain a beast. The Prince grew weary over the years, as he wondered “who could ever learn to love a beast?”

Dawn breaks over a nearby provincial village, and Belle is seen walking to town, wishing to find something more than the “provincial life.” The townspeople remark how odd she is, as she has her head up in the clouds, and loves to read and imagine. Belle is pursued by Gaston, the hero of the village, and incredibly vain to boot. The only reason Gaston pursues Belle is because she is considered “the most beautiful girl in town,” although all the townspeople think she and her father, the inventor Maurice, are rather peculiar. Belle constantly turns down Gaston’s advances. She arrives home after another ambush by Gaston, and the two cheer each other up, with Maurice finally getting his invention to work. He heads off to the fair with his invention, but ends up lost in the woods, stumbling across the beast’s castle, and being sent to the dungeon by the Beast himself.

Belle offers her life to the Beast in exchange for her father’s

Belle is ambushed by Gaston once again, who sets up a wedding for the two without her knowledge. After she rebuffs him again, her father’s horse, Philippe, arrives home; seeing her father has gone missing, she has Philippe take her to the castle. She tries to find her father, with the servants secretly leading the way, and finds him sick and locked in a cell. She comes across the Beast, and offers her life in exchange for her father’s. Although her father objects, she remains firm in her offer. The Beast tries to make Belle comfortable, with everyone in the castle hoping she will be the one to break the spell. Maurice, having been taken back to town, tries to get the townsfolk to help him retrieve Belle, but they all consider his pleas as the ramblings of a madman. This gives Gaston an idea to finally get Belle to marry him, which he and his henchman, Lefou, prepare to implement.

The Beast and Belle have a difficult time adjusting, as the beast has a problem with his temper. He warns Belle never to enter the West Wing, but when she does, he loses his temper, and she flees from the castle. She is attacked by wolves in the woods, but is soon saved by the Beast. As he lays injured from the fight, Belle is tempted to continue to run, but helps him back to the castle, as thanks for saving her life. She tends to his injuries, and the two come to a new understanding. Back in town, Gaston is beginning to set his plan in motion: have Maurice committed to the insane asylum, with Belle’s agreement to marry him the only way to prevent Maurice’s incarceration.

The servants are excited about the growing feelings between the Beast and Belle, hoping that Belle will help them break the spell

The Beast is starting to feel something for Belle, and wishes to do something nice for her. He surprises her with his grand library, which he says is all for her. She is truly touched by his gesture, and the two begin to grow closer. The servants plan an elaborate dinner and dance for the two, which they hope will culminate in the beast confessing his feelings to Belle. Although the evening is a success, and Belle is happy at the castle, she still misses her father. The Beast gives her his magic mirror to see him, and when she sees that her father is sick and traveling alone in the woods to find her, she asks to go help him. The Beast, having fallen in love with Belle, lets her go, also giving her the magic mirror to be able to see him at any time. Belle reaches her father in time and brings him home, only to have the town gather around their house to watch Maurice be carted away to the asylum. When Belle proves the existence of the beast with the magic mirror, Gaston realizes that the Beast is a romantic rival for Belle, and vows to rid the village of the Beast.

The town locks Maurice and Belle in their root cellar and set off the kill the Beast. Luckily Chip, the child of one of the servants, has stowed away in Belle’s bag and frees the two, and the two quickly make their way to the castle. Inside the castle, the servants gear up for a fight with the villagers. When they warn the Beast, he says to let them come, as he is still heartbroken that he let Belle go. Gaston searches for the Beast, and is angered when the Beast refuses to put up a fight. When the Beast hears Belle’s cry, his strength is renewed, and he dangles Gaston from the roof. Having a change of heart, he orders Gaston to leave, then climbs to the balcony where Belle is waiting. Without warning, Gaston stabs the Beast in the side, but loses his grip and plummets to his death.

The spell breaks when Belle confesses her love, and everyone lives happily ever after

The Beast lies dying on the balcony, telling Belle that he was happy to see her one last time. As he drifts away, Belle confesses her love right as the last petal on the enchanted rose falls. As everything thinks all is lost, suddenly, the Beast transforms back into the Prince. Belle, confused, doesn’t believe it when he says it’s still him, until she looks into his eyes. The spell is broken all over the castle, and everyone lives happily ever after.

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November 16

Posted on November 16, 2012 by disneydetail

November 16, 2004 – The Attraction Stitch’s Great Escape! Officially Opens

Image Credit: Tumblr

“Magic Kingdom theme park may not be big enough to contain Stitch, and you never know when and where he will appear next!”

On November 16, 2004, the Tomorrowland attraction Stitch’s Great Escape opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park. The attraction is based on the successful 2002 animated feature Lilo and Stitch. Guests are taken to the Galactic Federation Prisoner Teleport Center for training, when they are interrupted by Captain Gantu informing everyone that there is a Level 3 prisoner being transported to the teleportation chamber. Guests are then led to the chamber, watching as the prisoner (Stitch) wreaks havoc with the system. The attraction was a rebuild of the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter attraction that opened in 1995 and closed in 2003. The Stitch animatronic figure is rather complex, being the first figure of its kind to be able to spit water.

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