Tag Archives: Short film

September 28

Posted on September 28, 2013 by disneydetail

September 28, 1935 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film On Ice is Released to Theaters

“It’s a cinch! Watch me!”

On September 28, 1935, the Mickey Mouse short film On Ice was released to theaters. Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar make a brief appearance at the beginning of this short; Goofy also sings a snippet of his theme song, “The World Owes Me a Living.” It was directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Everyone is skating at the nearby frozen river, and as Minnie and Mickey skate together, Mickey keeps a pillow ready for Minnie, as she keeps falling. Mickey then shows off for Minnie, although she warns him to be careful as he trips on a barrel and falls through the ice, but he is able to laugh off the incident. Goofy finds a spot on the river to go ice fishing, using chewing tobacco as bait. The fish chew the tobacco, and as they jump to spit in the spittoon, he attempts to club them. Unfortuantely, one of the fish takes his club and clubs Goofy.

Donald takes skates and ties them to the sleeping Pluto’s feet

Donald, meanwhile is skating along, when he spies Pluto sleeping on the bank. He decides to play a prank on the dog by placing ice skates on his feet. He then hides and makes cat noises, waking Pluto and sending him flying out on the ice, only to slip and fall thanks to the skates. Donald laughs at Pluto’s misfortune, but Pluto endeavors to master the skates. At one point, Pluto sneezes hard enough to send himself flying into the campfire on the bank, and puts his end into a hole in the ice to cool down. When he removes his tail, he finds that it is completely frozen, and starts chasing it.

Donald attaches himself to a kite and skates around Pluto, mocking him, when a strong wind picks up and sends Donald flying down the pond, and he cries out for help. Mickey spots Donald heading towards a waterfall, and races to save the duck. Mickey is pulled off the ice and scrambles to return to shore, but loses Donald, who sails back into the river and straight into the hole where Goofy is waiting to club fish. Goofy apologizes, stating that he thought Donald was a fish, and Donald angrily yells at Goofy and Pluto, who barks at the duck’s misfortune.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1930s, Color, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Short film. Bookmark the permalink.

September 26

Posted on September 26, 2013 by disneydetail

September 26, 1936 – The Silly Symphony Three Blind Mouseketeers is Released to Theaters

“My traps are set in every room; those mice are marching to their doom. This is the end of the Three Mouseketeers!”

On September 26, 1936, the Silly Symphony Three Blind Mouseketeers was released to theaters. It was directed by Dave Hand

The Three Blind Mouseketeers introduce themselves in song, dancing around and practicing their fencing. They decide to head to the banquet hall to get some cheese, but don’t realize that the evil Captain Katt has set up several traps for them and is hiding in a barrel as he waits for his victory. The three narrowly miss the first trap set in front of the hole in the wall, and separately spring the other traps while retrieving the food, narrowly missing being killed every time. They manage to get away with all off the food, with Captain Katt sleeping in his hiding place, unaware of their victory.

The mice are ready to open champagne, unaware that Captain Katt is sleeping nearby

As the mice pop open the champagne in victory, they wake Captain Katt, pelting him with the corks from the bottles. He sneaks over to attack the three, and the mice scatter, with one getting trapped under a bowl. Captain Katt then tries to find the mouse under one of the three bowls in front of him, but is unable to. When he finally does, the mouse stabs him in the nose, infuriating him. When he finds that a mouse has been hiding under each one, he goes crazy and chases after them with a hatchet. One of the mice gets his tail stuck in the floor, but is able to use his reflection on a pile of bottles in front of him to make it appear that he has a giant Mouseketeer army at his disposal. Captain Katt is scared away from the banquet hall, and lands in each of his traps as he tries to flee.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1930s, Color, Short film, Silly Symphony. Bookmark the permalink.

September 25

Posted on September 25, 2013 by disneydetail

September 25, 1931 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film Fishin’ Around is Released to Theaters

“I’m fishing! Ha ha ha ha!”

On September 25, 1931, the Mickey Mouse short film Fishin’ Around was released to theaters. It was directed by Burt Gillett.

Mickey and Pluto are out on a lake, with several fish jumping about and dancing on the boat’s oars. They run across a sign that says “No Fishing,” but Mickey weighs the sign down with horseshoes and sends it to the bottom of the lake, and the two enjoy their fishing expedition. One fish steals the worm from Mickey’s line and taunts him, and Mickey ends up hooking himself, sending his shorts flying into the lake. Two other fish trick Pluto by attaching an old corset to his line. Angered, Pluto dives into the water to catch a fish, except that the fish is easily able to slip from Pluto’s grasp.

Mickey chases the fish from his boat, but they have already eaten most of his bait

Mickey chases the fish from his boat, but they have already eaten all of his bait

A group of fish sneak onto the boat and eat all of Mickey’s bait, dancing all the while. Mickey finally scares them all away, but they manage to steal all of the bait before they jump from the boat. Pluto, meanwhile, is underwater still searching for fish, and chases one into a cave, only to be chased out by a monster fish with large teeth. He escapes back tot he boat, and the pair tries once again to catch a fish. The fish hook Pluto’s and Mickey’s hooks together, and Mickey ends up hooking Pluto, who is able to catch a fish, but the fish quickly escapes. Finally, a policeman finds the pair, and is about to arrest them, when Mickey paddles away as fast as he can, tripping the policeman up. The chase continues across the water, but Pluto uses his tail to create a makeshift speedboat, and the two are able to evade the police.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1930s, Black and white, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Short film. Bookmark the permalink.

September 24

Posted on September 24, 2013 by disneydetail

September 24, 1894 – Voice Actor and Comedian Billy Bletcher is Born

“So what the hell, I did it, and I recorded this thing for Walt [Disney], as the Big Bad Wolf. That put me in pretty solid with Walt.”

On September 24, 1894, William Bletcher was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His career began with silent comedies, and he moved on to two-reel Hal Roach comedies in the 1930s. During the ’30s and ’40s, Bletcher was well known for voicing villains for cartoons, being blessed with a deep, rich voice despite his appearance, as he only stood a five feet two inches. His friend Pinto Colvig (best known as the voice of Goofy) recommended that Bletcher try out for a new cartoon Disney was making called Three Little Pigs, and Bletcher won the role of the Big Bad Wolf, which was his first work with cartoons. Bletcher would continue to voice the Wolf in the two sequels, and provided the voice of Pegleg Pete in several shorts, as well as any bit parts that they needed. Bletcher also provided voice work for Warner Brothers, and in the 1950s, he voiced the Lone Ranger in the Lone Ranger radio program. Bletcher passed away on January 5, 1979 in Los Angeles at the age of 84.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Actor, Births, Short film, Voice Actor. Bookmark the permalink.

September 22

Posted on September 22, 2013 by disneydetail

September 22, 1944 – The Pluto Short Film First Aiders is Released to Theaters

“Now, don’t you two get into any trouble while I’m gone.”

On September 22, 1944, the Pluto short film First Aiders was released to theaters. This short features an appearance of Figaro the cat from Pinocchio; thanks to his popularity, he would also have three shorts in a series of his own. The short was directed by Charles Nichols, with story by Harry Reeves and Rex Cox.

Minnie is reading a first aid manual, trying to create a cravat bandage on her own eye. Pluto uses his own ears to bandage himself as he hears Minnie read out the directions. Minnie’s efforts on herself fail, however, and she asks Figaro and Pluto if one of them would like to help her. Pluto volunteers, as does Figaro, although Pluto is able to push the kitten away into a wash bucket. Minnie then blames Figaro for the mess, and starts to work with Pluto, asking him to hold a bandage. The bandage rolls from Pluto’s mouth, and Figaro chases after the strip, attempting to bring it back to Minnie. As Pluto and Figaro play tug-of-war, Figaro is sent flying across the room into the first aid kit. Minnie once again blames Figaro for the mess.

Figaro gets thrown into the first aid kit, and is blamed for making a mess

Minnie then attempts to learn about artificial respiration with Pluto as her partner. Pluto lets out large amounts of air as she does so, and accidentally ends up with a cork from a nearby bottle of smelling salts in his mouth. He breathes in the smelling salts uncomfortably, but is unable to breathe out due to the cork. As Figaro laughs at Pluto’s predicament, the cork finally bursts out from Pluto’s mouth, hitting the kitten in the backside. As Minnie’s practice continues, she starts using splints and bandages. As she has him completely splinted, she has to go out and get more bandages. She asks the two to stay out of trouble, and Figaro angelically agrees until Minnie close the door. The kitten then begins to taunt Pluto, who is barely able to stand as he is in the splints. Figaro continues his torture, although he ends up getting beaten up slightly. As they escape outside, Pluto is able to break free of the splints, and the two chase each other around the house. Minnie returns from the store and, seeing Pluto is hurt, begins to use her first aid skills to tend to the dog. Figaro laughs from the stairs, but ends up falling into the splint, bandaged tight. The two end the short making nice, only because Minnie asked them.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1940s, Color, Figaro, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Short film. Bookmark the permalink.

September 21

Posted on September 21, 2013 by disneydetail

September 21, 1951 – The Pluto Short Film Cold Turkey is Released to Theaters

“Lurkey’s Turkeys hot, Lurkey’s Turkeys cold, Lurkey’s Turkeys taste good nine days old!”

On September 21, 1951, the Pluto short film Cold Turkey was released to theaters. This is one of three shorts that also stars Milton, the cat nemesis of Pluto, with the others being Puss Cafe and Plutopia. this short also features the famous “Goofy Yell,” performed at a higher pitch by Milton. The short was directed by Charles Nichols, with story by Leo Salkin and Al Bertino.

Pluto and Milton are sleeping as a boxing match is being played on the television, when they are woken up by a Lurkey’s Turkeys ad. Craving turkey, the two start searching for turkey, unaware that they will not find it in the television. After receiving a good shock, they realize that they should check the kitchen, as the ad suggests, and start searching every crevice. The two work together to launch Milton up to the cabinet, but the plan goes awry, with Milton being launched into the fridge instead. After he opens up the fridge door, the two find the turkey, but stop working together and end up frighting over it. Pluto ends up closing Milton in the fridge, but the cat escapes with the turkey, closing Pluto in the fridge in retaliation.

Pluto finds himself frozen in the fridge after Milton traps him

Pluto manages to escape the fridge and defrost, and finds Milton trying to cook the turkey over the heating vent. Pluto chases Milton into the television set, where he tries to fry the poor cat, and also starts cooking the turkey. As Milton flees to cool off, Pluto smells something burning, and the two quickly pull the turkey out, although neither can hold onto it for very long, as it has turned red from the heat. The turkey cools and immediately turns black before disintegrating, bones and all. The two stare at the turkey, and start accusing each other of destroying their food. They then mirror the boxing match announcements on television as they start to fight.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1950s, Color, Pluto, Short film. Bookmark the permalink.

September 19

Posted on September 19, 2013 by disneydetail

September 19, 1952 – The Mickey Mouse Short Film Pluto’s Party is Released to Theaters

“Pluto! Come down here! You’re playing too rough!”

On September 19, 1952, the Mickey Mouse short film Pluto’s Party was released to theaters. This is the only short since the 1930s that features Mickey’s nephews. It was directed by Milt Schaffer, with story by Bill Berg and Leo Salkin.

Mickey is coming out of his house with a giant cake, with Pluto trailing not too far behind. It’s revealed to be a birthday cake for Pluto, as it’s the dog’s birthday. As Pluto tries to sneak a bite of the cake, Mickey calls him out, reminding him that he has to take a bath first. Pluto sulks, and tries to sneak away, but is tricked by Mickey into lading into the washbucket. After his bath, he sits at the table again, wearing a fancy collar, and once again tries to steal some cake. Mickey once again calls him out, telling him to wait for his little guests. Pluto pouts, but soon hears the knocking at the garden gate, and rushes over happily.

All of Mickey’s nephews arrive for the party, bringing Pluto a large bone-shaped present

All of Mickey’s nephews rush in excitedly, knocking poor Pluto flat. They bring him what looks like a giant bone for his birthday, and he happily licks them all in turn. When he opens the package, however, it is revealed to be a little red wagon instead. The nephews attach the wagon to Pluto’s collar and try to make him pull them across the yard. They all leave the wagon, distracted by something else, sending Pluto flying towards the cake, which Mickey saves before Pluto can swipe at it, and he ends up crashing into a tree. The nephews start having “fun” with Pluto, torturing the poor dog, alhtough Mickey admonishes the dog for “playing too rough.”

Mickey then has the boys engaged in a game of “Pin the Tail on Pluto.” When it’s Pluto’s turn, one of the boys grabs Pluto by the tail and spins him fast enough that Pluto can’t stand up, let alone walk straight. He ends up wrapped around a tree and, after peeking, thinks he can easily pin the tail on the picture; he doesn’t realize that his own body is perfectly blocking the picture. Pluto then accidentally stabs himself, and flies towards the picture in pain, perfectly placing the tail on the picture, winning the game. Soon after, Mickey calls everyone over for cake, and Pluto is told to make a wish. Pluto then wishes for all the nephews to disappear. After he blows out the candles, the cake suddenly disappears into the mouths of the nephews, leaving Pluto without a slice, and the nephews quickly leave, declaring the party to be over. Poor Pluto is dismayed to find he didn’t get any cake, until Mickey surprises him with the last piece. Pluto gratefully licks Mickey in-between bites of cake.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1950s, Color, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Short film. Bookmark the permalink.

September 16

Posted on September 16, 2013 by disneydetail

September 16, 1933 – The Silly Symphony The Pied Piper is Released to Theaters

“In the town of Hamelin, many years ago, the citizens were crying out a tearful tale of woe…”

On September 16, 1933, the Silly Symphony The Pied Piper was released to theaters. The short is based on the German tale The Pied Piper of Hamelin, which has been written by the likes of the Brothers Grimm and Robert Browning. The short was directed by Wilfred Jackson, and the score was done by Leigh Harline.

The short begins in the German town of Hamelin, which is under an infestation of rats. The people try all sorts of means to rid themselves of the rats, but to no avail, and the rats begin to devour every bit of food they can find. The citizens complain to the mayor, who agrees that they must get rid of the infestation. As he declares that he will give a large sack of gold to anyone who can get rid of the rats, a Pied Piper, who has just strolled into town, takes on the challenge. The mayor promises him the gold, and the Piper begins to play his instrument. The rats, mesmerized by the tune, follow him away from the town, dancing happily.

The Piper takes the rats skipping out of town, thanks to his magic pipe

The people cheer as he sends the rats on their way, and the Piper makes the rats disappear into an illusion of a giant block of cheese. The Piper heads back to Hamelin to collect his gold, and the mayor refuses to pay, since all the Piper did was “pipe a tune.” Angered, he calls the town dishonest and ungrateful, and declares that he will save the children of the town from becoming such horrible adults. The mayor believes him to be bluffing, but the Piper pipes his magic pipe, calling all the children of the town to leave their chores and follow him. Happily, the children follow him, including two babes just brought by the stork. The townspeople watch in horror as the kids are lead away to the mountains, and the Piper leads them to a place for children called Happyland. They disappear into the mountain, never to be heard from again.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1930s, Color, Music, Short film, Silly Symphony. Bookmark the permalink.

September 10

Posted on September 10, 2013 by disneydetail

September 10, 1932 – The Silly Symphony King Neptune is Released to Theaters

“I’m Neptune, the King of the Sea, and a jolly old king am I!”

On September 10, 1932, the Silly Symphony King Neptune was released to theaters. This short briefly features the classical piece “Light Cavalry Overture” by Franz von Suppe. King Neptune was directed by Burt Gillett.

The short begins with Neptune introducing himself to the audience as a ruler with an iron hand who is friends with the sailors. A parade takes place with several sea creatures, and they bring forward some mermaids in a clam shell. They leave the shell and dance about before flirting with the King. The mermaids then travel to the surface and lounge as a pirate ship passes by with several bawdy, drunk pirates. One pirate spies the mermaids and calls out to the rest, and they quickly drop anchor in front of the rock. The mermaids scream in fright, alerting King Neptune, who is greeted with an anchor on the head.

The pirates quickly capture a mermaid and bring her on board

The pirates manage to capture a mermaid, who fights back once she is on deck. The other mermaids sound the alarm, and every sea creature nearby runs to her rescue. A pack of swordfish cut down the mast, but one of the pirates locks the mermaid in a treasure chest amongst all the confusion. The pirates are soon overtaken by the sea creatures, and Neptune finally frees himself from the anchor and sends the ship straight into a whirlpool of his creation. He laughs at the pirates’ misfortune as they are tossed about helplessly, and Neptune lands on top of the ship, causing it to sink to the bottom. The mermaid is freed from the chest, clad in jewels and pearls. The short ends with everyone once again happy in the sea, including jolly old Neptune.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 1930s, Color, Short film, Silly Symphony. Bookmark the permalink.

September 7

Posted on September 7, 2013 by disneydetail

September 7, 1911 – Animator and Disney Legend Fred Moore is Born

“Animation came too easily to him. He didn’t have to exert any real effort.” – Animator Les Clark

On September 7, 1911, Robert Fred Moore was born in Los Angeles, California. Despite limited training, he displayed a natural talent for animation, and worked at the Chouinard Art Institute as a janitor in exchange for art lessons. In 1930, at the age of 18, Moore was hired by the Disney studios. His first major assignment was on the Silly Symphony Santa’s Workshop in 1932, but his best known short assignment was that of a principal animator on Three Little Pigs. Moore was also known as the best animator of Mickey Mouse, creating the redesign of Mickey first seen in The Pointer in 1939, which was then used in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” segment of Fantasia. Caricatures of Moore have been seen in Disney animation: once in the Mickey Mouse short The Nifty Nineties as part of the song and dance act “Fred and Ward: Two Clever Boys from Illinois,” and the other is the character of Lampwick from Pinocchio, which is considered a self-caricature. In 1946, after a series of personal and professional problems, Moore was fired from the studio. He joined Walter Lantz, redesigning the character of Woody Woodpecker, before being hired once again by Disney in 1948. Sadly, in 1952, Moore was involved in a car accident, and was killed from a cerebral hemorrhage. He is still regarded as one of the finest Disney animators, and was awarded the Windsor McCay award in 1983, and inducted as a Disney Legend in 1995.

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Animated Feature Film, Animator, Births, Disney Legend, Mickey Mouse, Short film, Technique. Bookmark the permalink.

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