On this day in 1955, the Emmy Awards for television excellence in 1954 were handed out at the Moulin Rouge Nightclub in Hollywood (hosted by Steve Allen) and Nino's LaRue Restaurant in New York City (hosted by Dave Garroway).
Best Variety Series went to ABC-TV's Disneyland - beating out The George Gobel Show, The Jack Benny Program, The Jackie Gleason Show, Toast of the Town, and Your Hit Parade.
The Disneyland episode "Operation Undersea" was awarded Best Individual Program of the Year - edging out episodes of Medic, Shower of Stars, Studio One, and Light's Diamond Jubilee.
Although Walt Disney himself was nominated for Most Outstanding Personality, that Emmy went to George Gobel.
Best Television Film Editing was awarded to Lynn Harrison and Grant K. Smith for their work on the Disneyland episode "Operation Undersea," - ironically beating out Chester W. Schaeffer for his contribution to the Disneyland episode "Davy Crockett - Indian Fighter."
Click HERE for more March 07 Disney history.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Mar 06: Birth Of Main Street, USA
On this day in 1888, the city of Marceline, Missouri was incorporated. Famously known as the boyhood home of Walt Disney, the town was his inspiration for Main Street, USA.
Located in north central Missouri, Marceline is located 6 miles south of US Highway 36 on Missouri Highway 5. The rural town came to exist because in 1887 the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a line from Chicago and Kansas City. Marceline was built along the route as a stop for refueling, water, and crew changes.
Elias Disney and his family arrived in Marceline in 1906 by train from Chicago (Walt's birthplace). Walt's older brother Robert already owned a 500-acre farm in Marceline and Elias believed it to be a great place to settle. Young Walt was barely 5 years-old. The Disney family lived on a farm until 1910 when they moved 120 miles away to Kansas City.
In 1938 Walt wrote a letter to Marceline in which he stated: "Everything connected with Marceline was a thrill to us ... to tell the truth more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have ever happened since - or are likely to in the future."
In 1956 the town named its new swimming pool and recreation center after him and four years later an elementary school.
Click HERE for more March 06 Disney history.
Located in north central Missouri, Marceline is located 6 miles south of US Highway 36 on Missouri Highway 5. The rural town came to exist because in 1887 the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a line from Chicago and Kansas City. Marceline was built along the route as a stop for refueling, water, and crew changes.
Elias Disney and his family arrived in Marceline in 1906 by train from Chicago (Walt's birthplace). Walt's older brother Robert already owned a 500-acre farm in Marceline and Elias believed it to be a great place to settle. Young Walt was barely 5 years-old. The Disney family lived on a farm until 1910 when they moved 120 miles away to Kansas City.
In 1938 Walt wrote a letter to Marceline in which he stated: "Everything connected with Marceline was a thrill to us ... to tell the truth more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have ever happened since - or are likely to in the future."
In 1956 the town named its new swimming pool and recreation center after him and four years later an elementary school.
Click HERE for more March 06 Disney history.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Mar 05: In Memory Of
On this day in 2005, veteran Disney artist Vance Gerry passed away in Pasadena, California. A storyman, layout artist, character designer, and visual development artist, Gerry was regarded as one of the most talented and creative artists in the animation business.
Up until his death on March 5, he continued to work closely with such old-time veterans as Joe Grant and Burny Mattinson ... the three often being lovingly referred to as the "Geriatricals."
Gerry started with Disney in 1955 and went on to contribute to such classics as The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Rescuers, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, Oliver & Company, and Hercules.
Besides his Disney work, he also operated his own letterpress publishing label - The Weatherbird Press.
A memorial was held for Vance Gerry 6 days later at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena.
Click HERE for more March 05 Disney history.
Up until his death on March 5, he continued to work closely with such old-time veterans as Joe Grant and Burny Mattinson ... the three often being lovingly referred to as the "Geriatricals."
Gerry started with Disney in 1955 and went on to contribute to such classics as The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Rescuers, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, Oliver & Company, and Hercules.
Besides his Disney work, he also operated his own letterpress publishing label - The Weatherbird Press.
A memorial was held for Vance Gerry 6 days later at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena.
Click HERE for more March 05 Disney history.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Mar 04: Born Today
On this day in 1743, Swiss author Johann David Wyss was born. Best known for his 1812 novel The Swiss Family Robinson, Wyss was also a pastor.
Inspired by Daniel Defoe's story Robinson Crusoe (about a man who is shipwrecked and marooned on a small tropical island), Wyss (a father of 4) always wanted to write a story from which his own children would learn. He wanted to teach them about family values, good husbandry, and the importance of the world's natural resources.
Wyss often read Robinson Crusoe to his children - but unlike Crusoe, his novel involved an entire family who is shipwrecked in the East Indies. In fact as an adult, one of his sons Johann Rudolf Wyss (also an author and a professor) edited & published his father's classic tale!
Disney's 1960 adaptation of the Wyss novel was not the first film produced about the shipwrecked family. RKO released a Swiss Family Robinson in 1940.
Interesting to note that these adaptations give the family the surname "Robinson," - when in actuality the "Robinson" of Wyss's title refers to his inspiration ... Robinson Crusoe!
Click HERE for more March 04 Disney history.
Inspired by Daniel Defoe's story Robinson Crusoe (about a man who is shipwrecked and marooned on a small tropical island), Wyss (a father of 4) always wanted to write a story from which his own children would learn. He wanted to teach them about family values, good husbandry, and the importance of the world's natural resources.
Wyss often read Robinson Crusoe to his children - but unlike Crusoe, his novel involved an entire family who is shipwrecked in the East Indies. In fact as an adult, one of his sons Johann Rudolf Wyss (also an author and a professor) edited & published his father's classic tale!
Disney's 1960 adaptation of the Wyss novel was not the first film produced about the shipwrecked family. RKO released a Swiss Family Robinson in 1940.
Interesting to note that these adaptations give the family the surname "Robinson," - when in actuality the "Robinson" of Wyss's title refers to his inspiration ... Robinson Crusoe!
Click HERE for more March 04 Disney history.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mar 03: In Search Of A Lost Temple
On this day in 1995, the dark ride attraction Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye opened in Disneyland. Based on the George Lucas films, park guests are taken in military vehicles through a lost temple with Indiana Jones. Among the celebrity guests attending this day's debut were George Lucas, CEO Michael Eisner, and actors Dan Akroyd & Carrie Fisher. The attraction was sponsored by AT&T (until 2002).
Already successful in Disney World with Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! (since 1989) Lucas teamed up with Disney again in the early 1990s to create a new "Indiana" attraction for the Anaheim resort. Groundbreaking for the new ride began in August 1993 with more than 400 Imagineers working on its design and construction. With Imagineer Tony Baxter in the lead, the project entailed rerouting the Jungle Cruise attraction, creating a 1/2-mile long queue area, and demolishing an area of the former "Eeyore" parking lot to build a 50,000 square foot structure to house Forbidden Eye.
The Forbidden Eye story (set in 1936) is told through 12 letters & telegrams scattered throughout the queue as well as newsreels shown to guests before boarding the attraction. Guests take their adventure aboard vehicles that resemble World War II transports (with 3 rows of seats) which run on a single track. The ride system was invented especially for Forbidden Eye. In addition to sound effects and dialogue, an orchestral soundtrack plays through speakers built in to the vehicles (containing a medley of John Williams' "Indiana" scores).
Click HERE for more March 03 Disney history.
Already successful in Disney World with Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! (since 1989) Lucas teamed up with Disney again in the early 1990s to create a new "Indiana" attraction for the Anaheim resort. Groundbreaking for the new ride began in August 1993 with more than 400 Imagineers working on its design and construction. With Imagineer Tony Baxter in the lead, the project entailed rerouting the Jungle Cruise attraction, creating a 1/2-mile long queue area, and demolishing an area of the former "Eeyore" parking lot to build a 50,000 square foot structure to house Forbidden Eye.
The Forbidden Eye story (set in 1936) is told through 12 letters & telegrams scattered throughout the queue as well as newsreels shown to guests before boarding the attraction. Guests take their adventure aboard vehicles that resemble World War II transports (with 3 rows of seats) which run on a single track. The ride system was invented especially for Forbidden Eye. In addition to sound effects and dialogue, an orchestral soundtrack plays through speakers built in to the vehicles (containing a medley of John Williams' "Indiana" scores).
Click HERE for more March 03 Disney history.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Mar 02: Florida Sun Meets Alpine Snow
On this day in 2003, Disney's Blizzard Beach opened for the season. A 66-acre water park located in Disney World, Blizzard Beach originally debuted April 1 , 1995.
The "melted ski" resort features an artificial hill called Mount Gushmore where most of the attractions are located. All water areas are heated to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (with the exception of the melting snow in the ice cave of Cross Country Creek).
The park's attractions are located in areas called Green Slope, Purple Slope, Red Slope, and the ground level area.
The Green Slope attractions (all single track water slides and located at the uppermost point of Mount Gushmore) include Summit Plummet, Teamboat Springs, and Slush Gusher.
The Purple Slope attractions (all of which have at least two nearly identical tracks) features Downhill Double Dipper, Snow Stormers, and Toboggan Racers.
The Red Slope (located at the very rear of the park) features a 600-foot inner tube run called Runoff Rapids.
The ground level area hosts Meltaway Bay, the Cross Country Creek, Ski Patrol, Tike's Peak, The Chairlift, and food/beverage & merchandise.
Blizzard Beach's park hours and schedule varies depending on the time of the year (and closes for maintenance during the winter).
Click HERE for more March 02 Disney history.
The "melted ski" resort features an artificial hill called Mount Gushmore where most of the attractions are located. All water areas are heated to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (with the exception of the melting snow in the ice cave of Cross Country Creek).
The park's attractions are located in areas called Green Slope, Purple Slope, Red Slope, and the ground level area.
The Green Slope attractions (all single track water slides and located at the uppermost point of Mount Gushmore) include Summit Plummet, Teamboat Springs, and Slush Gusher.
The Purple Slope attractions (all of which have at least two nearly identical tracks) features Downhill Double Dipper, Snow Stormers, and Toboggan Racers.
The Red Slope (located at the very rear of the park) features a 600-foot inner tube run called Runoff Rapids.
The ground level area hosts Meltaway Bay, the Cross Country Creek, Ski Patrol, Tike's Peak, The Chairlift, and food/beverage & merchandise.
Blizzard Beach's park hours and schedule varies depending on the time of the year (and closes for maintenance during the winter).
Click HERE for more March 02 Disney history.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Mar 01: Grammy Night For Aladdin
On this day in 1994, the song "A Whole New World" (from Disney's animated Aladdin) was awarded three times at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards. Held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the evening was hosted by Gary Shandling.
Song of the Year went to songwriters Alan Menken and Tim Rice. "A Whole New World" went up against Neil Young's "Harvest Moon," Jim Steinman's "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," Sting's "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You," and Billy Joel's "The River Of Dreams."
"A Whole New World" sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle won for Best Pop Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal. Their competition included Celine Dion & Clive Griffin ("When I Fall in Love"), R.E.M. ("Man On The Moon"), Barbara Streisand & Michael Crawford ("The Music Of The Night"), and Vanessa Williams & Brian McKnight ("Love Is").
Menken and Rice's tune was also awarded for Best Song Written For A Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media. Also nominated in this category was "Friend Like Me" (by Menken & Howard Ashman), "I Don't Wanna Fight" (by Steve DuBerry, Lulu Lawrie & Bill Lawrie), "I Have Nothing" (by David Foster & Linda Thompson), and "Run To You" (by Allan Rich & Jud Friedman).
"A Whole New World" is a ballad between the characters Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. The single Grammy-winning version as performed by Bryson and Belle can be heard over Aladdin's ending credits. The version heard during the film is performed by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga (the singing voices of Aladdin and Jasmine).
Prior to the Grammy Awards, "A Whole New World" had already won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award each for Best Original Song.
Click HERE for more March 01 Disney history.
Song of the Year went to songwriters Alan Menken and Tim Rice. "A Whole New World" went up against Neil Young's "Harvest Moon," Jim Steinman's "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," Sting's "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You," and Billy Joel's "The River Of Dreams."
"A Whole New World" sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle won for Best Pop Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal. Their competition included Celine Dion & Clive Griffin ("When I Fall in Love"), R.E.M. ("Man On The Moon"), Barbara Streisand & Michael Crawford ("The Music Of The Night"), and Vanessa Williams & Brian McKnight ("Love Is").
Menken and Rice's tune was also awarded for Best Song Written For A Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media. Also nominated in this category was "Friend Like Me" (by Menken & Howard Ashman), "I Don't Wanna Fight" (by Steve DuBerry, Lulu Lawrie & Bill Lawrie), "I Have Nothing" (by David Foster & Linda Thompson), and "Run To You" (by Allan Rich & Jud Friedman).
"A Whole New World" is a ballad between the characters Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. The single Grammy-winning version as performed by Bryson and Belle can be heard over Aladdin's ending credits. The version heard during the film is performed by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga (the singing voices of Aladdin and Jasmine).
Prior to the Grammy Awards, "A Whole New World" had already won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award each for Best Original Song.
Click HERE for more March 01 Disney history.
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