That Flitterin' Song-Fest

The charming Summer Magic recording below is one of the most unusual Disney records made available in that it was not released on Disneyland nor Vista—Disney's two labels in 1963, the year Summer Magic was issued to theaters.  Instead, as you can see from the front cover of this EP, it was released by Alcoa Wrap as a premium tied-in with the release of the film on July 7, 1963. Alcoa had previously offered a Babes in Toyland premium (a punch-out that formed "6 table decorations") and this time around, as the Summer Magic press book put it, "Alcoa will bring the sound of 'Magic' into millions of homes." The aluminum giant promoted the Summer Magic record (and Alcoa Wrap) in full-color ads run throughout the summer (when else) in such publications as TV Guide, Family Circle, Women's Day and Reader's Digest. The special Alcoa recording of course promoted not only the film but the new songs by Richard  Sherman and Robert Sherman—and included recordings off the Cast Recording (not a true Original Soundtrack Recording but new performances with new orchestrations with the film's cast) off the official Vista Records release. (Interesting that Hayley received top billing in the film but on the recordings—and sheet music—it was Burl whose name was headlined above hers—most likely because such charted recordings as The Versatile Burl Ives!, a big selling 1961 LP. Want more Summer Magic? See my new article on D23.com all about "Walt Disney's New Movie," replete with charming nostalgia, heartwarming cast chemistry, seven Sherman Brothers songs—and let's not forget "That Wonderful Hayley!" (This is a D23 Members Only article—but now D23 offers a FREE Membership level. Details are here.)  Celebrate summer in these final weeks of the season with "The Pink of Perfection: Walt Disney's Summer Magic" by Jim Fanning, newly posted on D23.com.

Time For Some Summer Magic

Here is the cover of the Summer Magic comic book, published by Gold Key in 1963 to coincide with the release of the film. Though the cover boasts a photo of lively Hayley Mills, the interior art is by comic-book legend Russ Manning. To celebrate this "50 and Fabulous" film, D23.com has just posted today a new article written by me all about this Disney live-action classic starring Hayley, Burl Ives and those great Sherman Brothers songs. Check out "The Pink of Perfection: Walt Disney's Summer Magic" by Jim Fanning at D23.com. (This is a Member's only article, but it's easy to become a FREE D23 member at the website.)

Boston Town Was Loaded With Tea/He Up And Dumped It In The Sea

In honor of this Independence Day, here's the 45 rpm record cover for the songs from Walt Disney's  Johnny Tremain (1957). Even though "The Liberty Tree" is heard as a vocal in the film and has become a somewhat familiar Disney song, the film's theme song is not sung in the movie; it's only heard as part of the movie's score. The songs were written by the film's composer George Bruns (the orchestra and chorus for this recording were conducted by George Bruns) and its screenwriter Tom Blackburn. This follows the pattern of "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," which was written at Walt Disney's request by the same duo from the "Davy Crockett" shows, composer (Bruns) and writer (Blackburn). If only the Johnny Tremain songs were as popular as the "Davy Crockett" theme—they deserve to be. You can easily find these songs online to listen to—you already have "The Liberty Tree" permanently embedded in your brain cells and once you hear "Johnny Tremain"—well, let's put it this way, you'll "remember his name." In the meantime, check out the article I wrote about Johnny Tremain on the new-and-improved D23.com. Happy Fourth!

Some Tiki Room Enchantment at D23.com

Fly on over to D23.com for a just-posted article written by me about Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, celebrating five decades of tasty tiki magic. Go here to read "The Tiki Room Celebrates 50 Years" by Jim Fanning at D23.com. (This article is a Members Only feature but now you can get a FREE D23 Membership at the website--be sure and sing up and you can visit all the Members Only fun at D23.com.) And to give Tulgey Wood a touch of D23 magic, here's a repro of the original 1963 Enchanted Tiki Room, given out to "you lucky people you" (Annual Passholders, anyhow) at Disneyland Park on June 23, 2013, the actual anniversary date.

A Babes Premiere

On this day, December 14, in 1961, Walt Disney's Babes in Toyland was released to theaters nationwide. The movie musical played at the "Nation's Showcase" Radio City Music Hall as part of the mammoth theatre's annual Christmas spectacular. To commemorate the date, the D23 website features today in its daily This Day in Disney feature the Babes in Toyland debut. You can read the D23 article above; click on the image for a larger view. And while you're at it, don't forget to read the article I wrote for D23 all about Walt Disney's first live-action musical.

It's a Babes in Toyland Christmas!

What's Christmastime without Babes in Toyland? Walt Disney's 1961 classic has become a Yuletide classic over the years, and to celebrate this "50 and Fabulous" fantasy film, I've written a behind-the-scenes article that's now up on the D23 website. There's Annette and Ray Bolger, Ed Wynn and Henry Calvin, Tommy Sands and Tommy Kirk... and of course those unmistakably Disney Wooden Soldiers. Be sure and read "A Very Merry Musical: Walt Disney’s Babes in Toyland" by Jim Fanning. It's marching your way on the FREE D23 website.

Muppet Month Merriment

It's been Muppets Month all November long here at Tulgey Wood, and to mark the last day, here's the first page of one of the articles I wrote for the latest edition of Disney twenty-three magazine. (Look closely and you can see my byline; click on the image for a larger view.) Does this mean that the Muppet madness is over? Of course not—there will be more Muppety goodness in Tulgey Wood's future, so be sure and check back. In the meantime, be sure and pick up your own copy of the special Muppets issue of Disney twenty-three magazine, on sale now. I was very honored to write an article about the history of the Muppets and especially to author the tribute to one of my heroes, the great Jim Henson.

Kermit The Frog Flies Again

Since it's Muppets Month all November long here at Tulgey Wood, it seemed like a good time to point out that the lovable leader of the Muppets will be once again seen as a giant balloon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kermit first flew in America's favorite Thanksgiving spectacular in 1977. If you want to know more about the Macy's parade as it celebrates its 85th performance this year be sure and check out this great story on the D23 website written by Sarah Smith. And on Thanksgiving evening, there's a special all about the parade on NBC. It's a veritable feast of facts about Macy's annual Turkey Day parade, this year featuring once again everyone's favorite frog.

What's Green And Fuzzy And "Read" All Over?

Back here I asked what else is green and fuzzy besides Kermit the Frog? Now it's time to reveal the answer: it's the new Winter 2011 issue of Disney twenty-three Magazine! It's true that the cover and many articles therein feature Kermit and his puppet pals... but thats not the reason I had in mind. You see (or feel), the back cover of each issue is covered with green and fuzzy felt, as are the words "twenty-three" on the front cover. That fun touch of green fuzz is just the beginning, as there is Muppets madness a-plenty between the covers, including two Muppet articles written by me. This warm and fuzzy issue hits the stands today— so if you aren't a D23 Member be sure and get your copy at select Barnes & Noble bookstores, DisneyShopping.com or at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Happy Halloween with Blackbeard's Ghost

What could be better for Halloween than ghosts and pirates? How about a ghost who is a pirate, or vice versa? One of the most striking things about Walt Disney's sly-and-spooky comedy Blackbeard's Ghost (1968) is the magnificent painting of Blackbeard (seen below in a still from the film). Many Disney fans are well aware that the full-length portrait (painted by David Jonas) was for a time featured in the climax of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park, but how many folks know that the painting was reproduced on the back cover of the Blackbeard's Ghost coloring book? Looking for a Halloween (or anytime) treat that's not a trick? Check out the article written by me all about Blackbeard's Ghost on the free D23 website. Be sure and read "Blackbeard Haunts Again" written by Jim Fanning.

It's Fireworks with America On Parade!

The Fourth of July brings out the fireworks, so the timing is perfect for a firecracker of an article about America on Parade. This was Disney's Bicentennial salute to the history, people, achievements and amusements of America on her 200th birthday, a patriotic-plus pageant presented at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 1975-1976. To celebrate Independence Day I wrote "A Fourth of July Salute: Disney's America on Parade" and it's on the D23 website. There have been Disney Theme Park parades before and since of course, but there's never been anything quite as unique as this Bicentennial bash with its specially created band organ score, mammoth float-like mobile stages and—most memorable of all—those towering People of America costumed characters. So in the spirit of '76 (both 1776 and 1976) go to D23.com (it's a FREE site for everyone) for a look at the fascinating fireworks behind America on Parade, written by Jim Fanning. (Above is the FanFare email sent to D23 members. Click on the image for a larger version.)

Happy B-Day, DD

Now that it's actually Donald's birthday (his 77th), here's a classic Carl Barks cover from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories (#153 June 1953, which was the month of the Duck's 19th birthday) that's centered on cake if not specifically birthday cake. Speaking of covers (and Donald and birthdays), did you read my Donald Duck cover story in Disney twenty-three magazine? It was published in the Summer 2009 issue to commemorate Donald's 75th. If not, you can get a back copy of that ducky issue at DisneyStore.com.

Happy Unbirthday, Donald Duck

Today being Friday the 13th, it seemed appropriate to say Happy Unbirthday to Donald Duck. As a tribute to the wacky quack's penchant for not so much finding trouble as trouble finding him, the Disney Studios for many years stated (tongue in beak) that Donald's birthday was on Friday the 13th—March 13, in fact. Through the years, the Disney Studio reportedly celebrated their fine feathered film star's whenever that unlucky (if not unducky) Friday rolled around, whether it was in March or not. In 1941, Random House gave Donald the star treatment by publishing a "tell-all" biography, The Life of Donald Duck. Random House's co-founder Bennett Cerf always said he wasn't interested in publishing children's books (he changed his mind in the 1950s when Dr. Seuss created The Cat in the Hat) but of course this wasn't a children's book. This hardcover (complete with dust jacket) volume was created for adults (though child friendly), the main audience for Donald's onscreen antics. As Walt Disney so frequently pointed out his films (and related products) were created for everyone, not just kids. This "authorized" biography continues the conceit that the squawking star was hatched on Friday the 13th. But since we all know Donald's official birthday is June 9, 1934, let's wish our lucky Duck a happy unbirthday today, and hope he he has many more unbirthdays filled with of comedic chaos. And if you would like to read a biography of Donald Duck written by me (as well as the bios of nine other favorite Disney characters, also written by Jim Fanning), check out the D23 website.

Fascinating Fantasia

Christmastime is "Nutcracker" time so here's some unique Disney art from a 1963 release of "The Nutcracker Suite" as conducted by Stokowski and performed by his 100 Men, the Philadelphia Orchestra from Fantasia (1940). Back here I said I'd announce some Fantasia writing I'd been working and now, in honor of both the 70th anniversary of Fantasia (it debuted on November 13, 1940) and also its release on Disney Blu-ray, "15 Fascinating Facts about Fantasia" is now live on the D23 website. Be sure and visit D23 (it's free) and read all about Walt Disney's Fantasia in this article written by Jim Fanning.

A Merry Christmas Card from Walt Disney (and D23)

In these quieter December days following Christmas Day I like to focus on quieter activities such as sleigh rides and getting together with friends, all with a Christmasy feel. This vintage Christmas card from Walt Disney meets all those criteria. Orginally sent out by Walt for Christmas 1933, the card features priceless art of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and their less-often seen friends Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar (and a lean-and-lank horse, perhaps Tanglefoot?). This reproduction was a gift to D23 Members, just one of the gifts sent out through the year with each issue of D23's Disney twenty-three Magazine. Don't forget, Charter Memberships in D23 are available for only a few more days—after December 31, 2009, there's no way to become a Charter Member in the Official Community for Disney Fans, so you'll want to hop on a one-horse sleigh and dash through the snow to D23 with (jingle) bells on.

Christmas On Parade At Disneyland

Today I had the privilege and pleasure of attending a seasonal Walt Disney Archives Presents presentation at the Studio. Given by authors Becky Cline (she of the Walt Disney Archives) and Graham Allan, the excellent show covered holiday celebrations—including of course parades— throughout the years at the Disney Theme Park. Becky and Allen wrote an article about this festive subject in the current issue of Disney twenty-three, the official magazine of D23, but their live presentation was more detailed and jam-packed with photos and even video. (UPDATE: You can see some of the holly-jolly historical photos unearthed by Becky and Graham at the D23 website .) To faintly but festively echo this joyous presentation, here's a look at a Disneyland Park parade from Christmas past, Fantasy on Parade, from the Winter 1968 issue of Disney News.

Fun Facts, Fascinating Photos

Have you checked out the 13 "bewitching" facts all about Bedknobs and Broomsticks at the D23 website? If so, did you notice the link under the photo of the film's stars with the Sherman Brothers? That link brings up a window showcasing seven intriguing images all about that magical musical fantasy. The photos include several of the props (including the magic bedknob) on display at the Walt Disney Archives. the front and back covers of the original soundtrack LP, and the lobby card shown above. Be sure and read the article. "The Eternally Bewitching Bedknobs and Broomsticks", written by Jim Fanning (that's me), at the D23 website—and while there be sure and click through the fascinating photos (complete with captions also written by me).

86 Happy Years

On this day, October 16, The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923. To celebrate here's a Walt Disney World Guide from 1973, complete with the fantastic 50 Happy Years logo (click on the image at left for a larger view) from the year-long celebration. To see the entire Guide be sure and visit the great Vintage Disneyland Tickets blog here. In the meantime, remember that, as D23 reminds us, it all started in 1923.

Spooky Goings On At The Haunted Mansion

Since it's now October, it's time for all things spooky, scary and sometimes a bit silly, and that's exactly what D23 fans have found in the cover story of the Fall issue (Issue 3) of disney twenty-three. "Untold Tales of The Haunted Mansion" focuses on the immortal Disneyland Park attraction and is written by Haunted Mansion maven Ed Squair. In addition, the cover—featuring artwork from the classic 1969 Haunted Mansion LP album—has a frighteningly fun feature that I think even many avid D23 fans may have overlooked: the figure of the infamous Hatbox Ghost actually glows in the dark! If you don't already have this irresistibly eerie issue (which also has the regular "Walk With Walt" column written by me) you can purchase it (or Issues 1 and 2 as well) here. The all-new Winter issue (Issue 4) of disney twenty-three is on its way, and as always it's jam-packed with fun, info, and surprises—and a subscription to this elegant "insider" publication is included with every membership to D23, the Official Community for Disney Fans. To join D23 visit here.

True Disney Royalty

Wonderful things happened to me at the wonderful D23 Expo, especially a wondrous chance to talk with my friend Mary Costa. As visitors to Tulgey Wood certainly already know, Mary is the voice of Princess Aurora in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Mary was only 19 when she was cast in that role so voicing Briar Rose was only the beginning for this incredible talent who became an international opera star, who personally knew at least two First Ladies from Eleanor Roosevelt (of course she was a former First Lady when Mary knew her) to Jacqueline Kennedy, and who performed for and worked with everyone from Stravinsky to Bing Crosby. The eternally youthful Ms. Costa graciously greeted all her many fans wherever she went at the Expo, and in fact, Mary tirelessly signed autographs into the wee hours after the 10:00 PM screening of Sleeping Beauty. On another occasion, knowing she had seen the special screening of the first 30 minutes of The Princess and the Frog, I asked Mary what she thought about Tiana, the new Disney princess, and she aid how much she loved this new addition to the fold, and that she thought the film was sure to be a big hit—imagine hearing that assessment from a bona fide Disney princess. Aside from that, Mary expressed her unabashed enthusiasm for the Princess and the Frog character of Charlotte LaBouff, the delightfully spoiled Southern belle. An authentic Southern belle herself (but of the decidedly unspoiled variety) who was born in and now lives in Tennessee, Mary declared the character adorable, adding, "I know people like that!" All of this, of course, spoken in her lilting voice, so full of color—the very colors which led Walt to cast her as his sleeping beauty. That's Mary Costa, true Disney royalty.