Disneyland In Art And Image

Over the years, Whitman (an imprint of that "golden" company, Western Publishing) issued an assortment of coloring books celebrating Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. This particular publication from 1975 features a mosaic of photos as opposed to the artwork that traditionally illustrated the Disneyland covers, as in the example posted about back here. The photos are well-chosen  (not sure exactly what Chip 'n' Dale are up to, but it sure is fun) and dynamically arranged, especially with that "World on the Move," Tomorrowland, dominating as both the top third and the background. And to really make things interesting, the view of the Monorail, Matterhorn and Submarine Voyage is, in fact, a painting, It all makes for a spirited glimpse (click on the image for a larger view) of Disneyland U.S.A. just six years after the Haunted Mansion (prominently featured on the left) first creaked open its gates.

Huck Meets The Wee Folk

Here's a treat just for St. Patrick's Day: "The Magic Shillelah," the first episode of The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, made its debut in Living Color on NBC, right before Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. Leprechauns are on the loose, looking for their lost shillalah. This "wee folk" episode was not the first produced—it was actually the 14th episode produced. So why would Hanna-Barbera choose this installment to kick off their expensive new series? For one thing the setting is often very lavish and colorful, at least compared to several other episodes, each of which has its own style of art direction. Then features song and dance, including a dance with LuAnn Haslam as Becky Thatcher performing an Irish jig. Finally, this episode and no other features a "name" voce artist: Dennis Day, well known from The Jack Benny Program, as leprechaun Buck O'Grogan. Whatever reason this episode was selected to serve as the premiere, it's a St. Patrick's day delight. (Interestingly, NBC reran this episode on March 16th, 1969.) You can see it on the The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn DVD. 

Miss Minnie Explains It All For You

Even if they have never seen it in person, just about everyone knows the Hollywood sign. This world famous sign has quite the fascinating history—but don't take my word for it. Below is Minnie Mouse with the story behind the sign. This is "Minnie Mouse in Hollywood," a series of articles published in many issues of Walt Disney Comics Digest #18, December 1969 (probably to ensure lower postal rates for subscriptions). Enjoy this bit of Hollywood history, thanks to one of Hollywood's most enduring stars.