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February 7

Posted on February 7, 2013 by disneydetail

February 7, 1942 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film Mickey’s Birthday Party Premieres in Theaters

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“He’s coming! Shhh! Hide!”

On February 7, 1942, the Mickey Mouse short film Mickey’s Birthday Party premiered in theaters. The short is considered a remake of the 1931 black and white short film The Birthday Party, although the earlier version did not include Donald Duck and Goofy. The 1942 short was directed by Riley Thompson.

Minnie is peering out her door’s peephole, then turns back to everyone inside and tells them to hide, as Mickey is approaching. Everyone scrambles around to find a place to hide while she reapplies her makeup. When she opens the door, Mickey steps in, asking for a little kiss. Minnie flirtatiously fends him off, and when Mickey tries to kiss her, everyone jumps out yelling “Surprise!” startling him. They wish him happy birthday, and Minnie then whispers to Goofy to go bake the cake.

Mickey dances with his cane while Minnie plays the new electric organ

Mickey dances with his cane while Minnie plays the new electric organ

Mickey is asked to open his present, and inside is a brand new electric organ. Mickey sheepishly says that he doesn’t deserve it, and Donald says that they know that. Mickey sits down to play the organ, although he’s not sure how to play the newfangled instrument. Minnie decides to play the organ while Mickey entertains their friends with his dancing. In the kitchen, Goofy has been distracted by the music and dances with the mop before checking on the cake. Unfortunately, when he uses a straw to test if it’s fully baked, the cake deflates like a balloon. Minnie checks in on him, and Goofy pretends that everything is just fine.

The party continues, with Donald dressed in a sombrero and leading a conga line. Goofy tries to bake a new cake, but has another failure. Minnie checks in again, and tells Goofy to hurry up. Donald dances with Clara Cluck, while Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow partner up. Goofy quickly tries to create yet another cake, cooking it at a setting called “volcano heat,” and the cake erupts all over the kitchen. Goofy becomes distraught, until he comes up with an idea and speeds out of the house, returning with a store-bought cake. Everyone begins to sing to Mickey, when Goofy trips and spills the cake all over the birthday mouse.

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February 3

Posted on February 3, 2013 by disneydetail

February 3, 1939 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film Society Dog Show is Released to Theaters

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“Gosh, Pluto, we’re in society!!”

On February 3, 1939, the Mickey Mouse short film Society Dog Show was released to theaters. As was common in the Mickey Mouse shorts of this time, most of the focus is not on Mickey, but on his dog Pluto, although Pluto did have his own line of short films at this point. Fifi, Pluto’s love interest, also makes an appearance. The short was directed by Bill Roberts.

The big society dog show is in town, with much fanfare, and all of the most impressive people are arriving. Mickey shows up in a homemade cart, and the doorman looks down his nose at Mickey and Pluto as they enter the building. They reach their assigned spot – number 13 – then take a gander at all of the fancy beauty treatments the high society dogs are getting. Mickey reassures Pluto that they haven’t seen anything yet, and gets to work brushing Pluto down and shining his nose. Pluto sneezes after Mickey applies perfume, sending Mickey crashing into their supplies. As Mickey leaves to chase after a part of his kit, Pluto is distracted by the beautiful dog in the next stand, Fifi.

Mickey takes Pluto to the stand, with the two holding their heads high

Mickey takes Pluto to the stand, with the two holding their heads high

Mickey is soon called to bring Pluto to the judge’s stand, and tears Pluto away from Fifi, telling him that this is “no time for women.” The two head to the stand, where the judge is unimpressed with Pluto, even when Mickey points out that Pluto is a very fine dog, and very smart, too. However, every attempt the judge makes to study Pluto goes awry, and he calls Pluto a mutt, which angers the dog. Pluto chases the judge around the room, barking and snapping his teeth. As security runs to retrieve Pluto and Mickey, and tosses them onto the street, inside the final event is announced: trick dogs. Mickey then has the idea of making Pluto a trick skating dog and bringing him back inside. As the dogs pose for a photo, the flash powder catches on the decorations, setting them on fire. The dogs scamper away, but Fifi is trapped under a microphone and unable to leave.

Hearing Fifi’s terrified cries inside, Pluto rushes in, skates and all, and hurries to save her as the building begins to collapse. The two make it out all right, and Pluto is awarded a medal as Public Hero No. 1, and more important, wins the heart of Fifi.

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January 25

Posted on January 25, 2013 by disneydetail

January 25, 2003 – Tokyo Disneyland’s Disney’s Dreams on Parade Begins

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“Dream on, dream of the magic right here where the magic’s made…”

On January 25, 2003, Disney’s Dreams on Parade began in Tokyo Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom. The parade was created specifically for the 20th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland, and each character in the parade represents a different dream. Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather begin on a float of Cinderella’s castle, welcoming guests. The first section is the “Dreams of the Good Old Days,” featuring Daisy Duck, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, and Mary Poppins and Bert. Dreams of the Frontier Spirit follows this, with Chip ’n’ Dale, Clara Cluck, Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow, Woody, and Jessie. Pluto, Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox follow this with the Dreams of Friendship, continued with Dumbo, Pinocchio, Geppetto, Mickey Mouse, Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Wendy with the Dreams of Imagination. Goofy brings the Dreams of Laughter with Sulley and Mike from Monsters, Inc.; Buzz Lightyear comes next with the Dreams of Infinity. Dreams of Paradise continues the parade with Donald Duck, King Louie, and Baloo. The parade ends with the Dreams of Happily Ever After, with Snow White and her Prince, Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip, Belle and the Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and Mickey Mouse. The parade finished its run on March 30, 2006; a CD and Blu-Ray of the parade were released for purchase.

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January 24

Posted on January 24, 2013 by disneydetail

January 24, 1993 – Mickey’s Toontown Opens in Disneyland

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“It’s the place where some of your favorite Toons call home!”

On January 24, 1993, Mickey’s Toontown area opened at Disneyland. The area was inspired by the town of the same name from the hit 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The Disneyland version of the area was supposed to have Roger Rabbit as the star of the town, along with Judge Doom and Baby Herman; these plans were scaled back considerably after the dismal performance of Euro Disney. Instead, the Disneyland version took its cue from the Walt Disney World version of Toontown, which was named Mickey’s Birthdayland, and includes residences for Chip ’n’ Dale, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Roger Rabbit. The area itself is more suited to younger children, including gentler rides and residences as playhouses.

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January 13

Posted on January 13, 2013 by disneydetail

January 13, 2001 – The Animated Series Disney’s House of Mouse Premieres on Toon Disney

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“Who’s that knockin’ at the House of Mouse? We’re all knockin’ at the House of Mouse!”

On January 13, 2001, the animated series Disney’s House of Mouse premiered on Toon Disney, with its first episode, “The Stolen Cartoons.” The show is set in a dinner theater club on Toontown’s Main Street, co-owned by Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, who are assisted by Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Horace Horsecollar. Many of the characters in the show are from the classic Disney shorts of the ’30s and ’40s, including Clarabelle Cow and Gus Goose. Many of the characters from the animated films also make an appearance from time to time, from the well-known princesses and villains, to the lesser-known characters (ranging from the Disney comics and the package films of the ’40s and ’50s). The show was popular among Disney fans for its use of obscure characters from the Disney catalogue. The show ran for 52 episodes, ending its run on October 24, 2003. The show was created by Tony Craig, Rob Gannaway, and Walt Disney Television, and starred Wayne Allwine as Mickey Mouse, Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck, Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse, Bill Farmer as Goofy, and Tress MacNeille as Daisy.

The first episode, “The Stolen Cartoons,” begins with Mickey introducing the show and the rules of the House of Mouse – “No smoking, no villainous schemes, and no guests eating other guests.” Outside, Goofy’s son, Max, is startled by a mysterious light, and turns to see Jafar arriving from the Cave of Wonders. Daisy informs Jafar that he doesn’t have a reservation, but he hypnotises her into thinking he does. Donald, who has been greeting everyone at the door with “Welcome to my club!” is jealous that Mickey is the host of the club.

Pete threatens Mickey and the gang, telling them that since he owns the club, he wants them to vacate

Pete threatens Mickey and the gang, telling them that since he owns the club, he wants them to vacate

Meanwhile Mickey is suffering from a bout of nervousness, which isn’t eased by the arrival of Pete, who is threatening to shut down the club. Pete tells them all that he’s bought the building, and is ordering them to vacate the premises. However, Goofy discovers a clause in the contract that states that Mickey and the gang can’t be kicked out as long as they’re putting on a show. Pete leaves angrily, but he is determined to make sure the show doesn’t go on. Mickey begins to show a few short cartoons, beginning with Pluto Gets the Paper and Donald’s Dynamite. When Horace doesn’t respond to the request to show the next cartoon, Mickey and Minnie discover that he’s been tied up in the control booth and all the cartoons have been stolen. Pete appears and says that since there are no cartoons, there’s no show, and they must vacate.

Minnie, Mickey, and Goofy run off to create a new cartoon, leaving Donald in charge. Thrilled that he’s finally able to take control of things, he changes the entire club to be Donald Duck themed, renaming it House of Duck. But the audience clamors for Mickey, booing when Donald takes the stage. The audience then flees the club, and Pete demands the keys from Donald. Fortunately, Mickey returns just in time with a new cartoon, bringing all the guests back with him. The new cartoon plays, and Pete’s plan of stealing the cartoons is exposed. Mickey chases Pete around the club, and throws him out of the building, leaving the club back in the hands of Mickey and the gang.

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January 7

Posted on January 7, 2013 by disneydetail

January 7, 1931 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film The Birthday Party is Released to Theaters

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“Oh I’m fine. Heh, we’re both fine!”

On January 7, 1931, the Mickey Mouse short film The Birthday Party was released to theaters. This short is a good example of the characters that were considered an early version of the Disney gang, including Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow. The short was directed by Burt Gillett, and stars Walt Disney as Mickey Mouse and Marcellite Garner as Minnie Mouse.

Mickey strolls down the street with a straw hat and cane, whistling a merry tune. He arrives at the front porch of Minnie’s house and rings the doorbell; inside, Minnie and several of their friends are inside waiting to surprise him. They run and hide in the house, and Minnie answers the door, engaging in some flirtatious banter with Mickey. Once he steps inside, all of their friends emerge to shout out “surprise!” A cake is brought out and Mickey is asked to blow out the candles, only to blow the cake all over the chef.

After receiving a piano as his birthday gift, Mickey and Minnie play a duet for their party guests

After receiving a piano as his birthday gift, Mickey and Minnie play a duet for their party guests

Minnie calls Mickey over to a big package marked “Happy Birthday Mickey.” He opens it to reveal his own piano and stool. As it is set up right next to Minnie’s, the two begin to play a piano duet and sing along. A dance party begins, with everyone being merry, including the fish in the fishbowl. Mickey and Minnie take a break from piano to dance, much to the enjoyment of the other guests. Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow also dance for the crowd before Mickey begins to play a tune on a nearby xylophone. Minnie resumes the piano as Mickey plays another xylophone tune, with the xylophone acting of its own accord at one point, taking Mickey for a ride around the room. It bucks him, and as he hits the floor, a floorboard knocks a fishbowl down from its pedestal, landing on Mickey’s head.

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January 2

Posted on January 2, 2013 by disneydetail

January 2, 1937 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film The Worm Turns is Released to Theaters

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“Hot dog! It works! It works!”

On January 2, 1937, the Mickey Mouse short film The Worm Turns was released to theaters. Although the short’s title card features a worm and a bird – creatures not featured in this short – the title itself is an old expression from Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 3, meaning that even the weakest of creatures will fight back if pushed too far. The short was directed by Ben Sharpsteen, and stars Walt Disney as Mickey, and Billy Bletcher as Pete.

Mickey, dressed like a mad scientist, is hard at work in his lab, creating a special concoction of “courage builder” from a book of ancient formulas. The potion sputters and spins around on the table, making various noises. Once the potion is mixed, Mickey pulls some away for a test. He spies a fly caught in a spider’s web, and applies the formula to the fly. Immediately, the fly is pure courage, beating up the spider and trapping the villain in his own web. Mickey is overjoyed at the results.

Dosed with Mickey's courage-builder potion, the mouse takes revenge on the cat

Dosed with Mickey’s courage-builder potion, the mouse takes revenge on the cat

In another room, Mickey hears the frightened squeaks of a mouse being chased by a cat, and decides that the mouse will be the next test subject. Once the mouse is sprayed with the formula, he roars like a lion and charges at the cat, sending the feline flying out the window and into Pluto’s milk bowl. Pluto charges the cat, with the cat hiding in fear in the tool shed, his nine lives deserting him. When Mickey sees the cat in trouble, he decides to give some of the courage-builder to the cat. As with the fly and the mouse, the cat is instantly more powerful, and torments his tormentor, sending Pluto flying through a brick wall.

Once away from the cat, Pluto sighs with relief, only to be immediately captured in Pete the Dogcatcher’s net. Pete attempts to throw Pluto in the back of the cart, but Pluto is able to evade him and accidentally free all the other dogs in the dogcatcher’s wagon. Pete then grabs his shotgun and chases after Pluto, screaming that he’ll murder the pup. Mickey spies this scene from his window and scrambles to his lab, grabbing the rest of the potion and spraying it on Pluto. Immediately, Pluto is filled with courage and gives Pete the scare of his life. Then Pluto sends Pete flying into the back of the dogcatcher’s wagon, and the wagon flies off the edge of a cliff. Satisfied, Pluto walks away triumphantly, stopping to smell a fire hydrant. Not quite done experimenting, Mickey sprays some formula on the hydrant, which then sprays water all over Pluto.

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December 24

Posted on December 24, 2012 by disneydetail

December 24, 1937 – The Mickey Mouse Short Lonesome Ghosts is Released to Theaters

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“Notice! We exterminate all kinds of ghosts! Day and night service.”

On December 24, 1937, the Mickey Mouse short film Lonesome Ghosts was released to theaters. The short made great use of a new invention of the animation department: transparent paint, which helped give the ghosts a more realistic ghastly appearance. The film was directed by Burt Gillett, and stars Walt Disney as Mickey Mouse, Pinto Colvig as Goofy, and Clarence Nash as Donald Duck.

A group of four ghosts in a haunted mansion one winter’s night are bored, until one spots an ad in the paper for a ghost extermination service. Hoping to have new people to scare, they decide to call the service. Meanwhile, at Ajax Ghost Exterminators Headquarters, Mickey, Goofy, and Donald are sitting around the table sleeping when the phone rings. They wake up and scramble to answer it, and readily take the job the ghosts “scare up” for them. The ghosts wait anxiously, and watch with delight as the trio arrives. Mickey and the gang enter the house with trepidation, and hear the ghosts making noises inside.

The trio agrees to split up, hoping that they can divide and conquer the ghosts

The trio agrees to split up, hoping that they can divide and conquer the ghosts

Mickey suggests that the three separate and surround the ghosts, and the three go their separate ways. As Mickey goes one way, he meets a ghost that he tries to shoot it with his shotgun, but the ghost sticks his fingers in the barrel, causing the gun to implode. Mickey then chases the ghost around the house, only to be surprised by all four of the ghost residents. The ghosts had meanwhile taken great delight in scaring Donald with loud noises, although he punches one in the kisser.

Goofy is also startled by the ghosts and their noises, and although he tries to convince himself that he is not scared, he runs and hides when he spots them. He spies a ghost in the mirror who imitates every move Goofy makes. Goofy knows something is wrong with his reflection, but he can’t quite put his finger on it. He finally figures it out, but is unable to fight the ghost. While stuck fighting himself in a dresser, the ghosts push him down the stairs, where he crashes into Mickey and Donald, sending them flying into the pantry. The trio and the dresser fly into barrels of molasses and bags of flour, covering the three entirely. As the ghosts come to admire their handiwork, they mistake the flour-covered three as ghosts and flee the mansion in a panic.

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December 9

Posted on December 9, 2012 by disneydetail

December 9, 1931 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film Mickey’s Orphans Premieres in Theaters

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“Aw, isn’t it adorable?”

On December 9, 1931, the Mickey Mouse short film Mickey’s Orphans premiered in theaters. It was the first Disney cartoon with a Christmas theme, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, but lost out to Disney’s Flowers and Trees. The short was directed by Burt Gillett, and stars Walt Disney as Mickey and Marcellite Garner as Minnie.

A mysterious figure trudges through the snow carrying a large covered basket as the carol “Silent Night” is heard in the background. The figure stops at a window of a nearby house and sees Minnie and Mickey preparing for Christmas. The figure leaves the basket on the doorstep and departs. Pluto brings the basket inside and pulls the blanket off to reveal a multitude of orphan kittens, who proceed to explore their new surroundings. Mickey and Minnie take to the kittens, but Pluto is rather suspicious of these invaders.

To entertain the kittens, Mickey and Pluto dress like Santa and a reindeer

To entertain the kittens, Mickey and Pluto dress like Santa and a reindeer

The kittens begin to wreak havoc on the house, pulling on Pluto’s ears and tail, and playing with the hanging light fixtures. Dismayed, Minnie suddenly comes up with an idea that Mickey and Pluto set in motion: Mickey plays Santa Clause to the kittens and Pluto plays the reindeer. The kittens are thrilled with their gifts, and parade around the house like a marching band playing a tune. Some kittens, who received saws and other tools, begin tearing the house apart. They continue to play pranks on Mickey and Pluto, until Minnie reveals the large decorated Christmas tree – which the mischievous kittens proceed to take apart.

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December 2

Posted on December 2, 2012 by disneydetail

December 2, 1929 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film The Haunted House is Released to Theaters

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“I c-c-can’t play!”

On December 2, 1929, the Mickey Mouse short film The Haunted House was released to theaters. Many of the skeletons’ dance moves are similar to those of the Silly Symphony The Skeleton Dance. The short was directed by and stars Walt Disney.

It’s a dark and stormy night, and Mickey is trying to get home, with his umbrella flying away in the wind. He spies a house nearby and decides to see if he can wait out the storm there. As he opens the back door, the door and back hallway completely fall apart, revealing another door that opens for him. He screams in fear, but ends up inside, with the door magically locking him in. Bats and spiders fly and crawl about, further frightening an already scared Mickey.

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After the lights go out, Mickey lights a match to see the hallway, unaware of his shadow playing tricks

The lights go out. Mickey lights a match, only to be scared by his own shadow. He comes face to face with a Grim Reaper and a herd of skeletons, who sit him down at the piano and force him to play. Mickey carefully begins to play, with the Grim Reaper guiding his hands to perform the melody. The whole crew begins to dance to the music, with some of the other skeletons joining with their own “musical instruments.” When Mickey finishes the song he tries to leave, but the skeletons see him and come after him. Mickey finally jumps out a window and flees the house back into the storm.

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