November 10: A "Looney" Composer

On this day in 1891, "the most famous unknown composer of the 20th century" was born in Lexington, Missouri. If you are a fan of Disney's early shorts or Warner Brothers' Looney Toons and Merrie Melodies ... you have certainly heard his musical magic. An innovator, he was the first music director to extensively use the metronome to time film scores (a common practice today).
Although he only worked for Disney for 2 years (1928-1930), his contributions - especially to Disney's Silly Symphonies - are an important chapter in the history of the House of Mouse.
Click HERE to discover more about "the most famous unknown composer of the 20th century."

November 09: What A Character!

On this day in 1886, character actor Ed Wynn was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With his tousled hair, rubbery face, giggly voice, and kind demeanor, he was more a clown than a traditional comedian. A star first in vaudeville, he eventually became known for his film and television appearances (including his own TV series "The Ed Wynn Show"). Although known for his humorous role of the "Perfect Fool," Wynn actually had a career as a dramatic actor as well. He appeared in the classic broadcast of Rod Serling's play Playhouse 90: Requiem for a Heavyweight in 1956 (along with his son Keenan) and a 1959 episode of The Twilight Zone.
Most Disney fans are well aware of his contributions to Disney films ... but if you aren't quite sure - CLICK HERE.
"I'll be back in a flash with more trash." -Wynn's famous exit line

November 08: Who Was She?

On this day back in 1872, the actress who supplies the voice for the Wicked Queen in Disney's 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (and the Queen's alter ego who gave Snow White the poisoned apple) was born Tennessee. An accomplished stage and screen actress, she is best known for her performances in the feature films A Tale of Two Cities and Little Caesar. Among her hits on Broadway - Uncle Tom's Cabin, Seven Days, and Way Down East.
Who was this leading lady? Click HERE to find out.

November 06: "Never Fear, Smith Is Here"

On this day in 1914, stage & character actor Jonathan Harris was born in New York City. Among his best known roles ... the comic villain Doctor Zachary Smith on the 1960s sci-fi TV series Lost in Space.
A popular character actor for over 30 years, Harris made appearances on such shows as The Twilight Zone, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriett, Get Smart, and Fantasy Island. But it was his role as the cowardly Dr. Smith on Lost in Space that most will remember him for. Often providing comic relief, his banter with the Robot resulted in such quips as "Farewell my platinum-plated-pal. Give my regards to oblivion!" and "Unhand me, you mechanical moron!"
(The cast of Lost in Space included actor Guy Williams - Disney's Zorro - as Doctor John Robinson and Billy Mumy - star of Disney's 1969 movie Rascal - as 9-year-old Will Robinson.)
What is Disney's link to Jonathan Harris? Click THIS LINK to read more.

November 05: A Bit Of Martha's Vineyard In Florida

On this day in 1990, Disney's Yacht Club Resort opened at Walt Disney World. A New England nautical-themed resort, it is located next to its sister resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and across Crescent Lake from Disney's BoardWalk Resort.

November 04: This Time The Sky Really Is Falling!

On this day in 2005, Disney's animated Chicken Little opened in theaters. Disney's first fully computer animated film (as Pixar's films at that time were distributed but not produced by Disney, and the 2000 Dinosaur was a combination of live-action & computer animation) Chicken Little was written by Mark Dindal (who also directed) and Mark Kennedy with the screenplay by Steve Bencich, Ron J. Friedman, and Ron Anderson. In its opening weekend, Chicken Little debuted at number one, the first Disney animated film to do so since Tarzan in 1999.

October 31: Birth of an "Old Man"

On this day in 1912, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men" (a group of influential animators who were responsible for the studio's most famous works) was born in California. Later named a Disney Legend, this gentleman's work ranged from the 1937 Snow White to the 1977 The Rescuers. An author and train enthusiast, he was also the last of the nine to pass away (in 2008).
Follow this LINK to discover the name of this National Medal of Arts winner.