Davelandblog

Vogue: Strike A Pose!

2012-01-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, actresses had to do more than just act. They had to learn how to walk, pose, smile, sing, dance...it was all part of the studio grooming system. Just look at Jane Wyman in this publicity shot for "Lucy Gallant." The perfectly turned toe...the head turned down at just the right angle. She paid attention and she went far.

Even child star Shirley Temple had to make friends with the still camera. Fashionably decked out in this 1940's ensemble, Shirley was ready to put the moves on Cary Grant in "The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer."

Despite the fact that her character was a drunk, Vera Miles still flashed a little glamour for the photographer who shot this publicity image for "Back Street."

When it came to paying attention to the groomers, all were amateurs compared to Lana Turner. Nobody did as well as she did. This gal never left the house unless she looked like a million bucks. Here she is in "Imitation of Life." When was the last time any of you ladies looked this good after an airplane flight?

Tippi Hedren started out as a model before she became the next Hitchcock Icy Blonde. Her training paid off when it came time to do the marketing shots for "Marnie."

If you put together some of today's top actresses, you'd probably have a difficult time achieving the same results.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Classic Movie & TV star photos on my Classic Movie & TV star web page.

From Beverly Hills to The Jungle Cruise Ancient Shrine

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

From the Disneyland Line Newsletter of July 14, 1977 comes this interview with Harper Goff, with a great story of how a tree was acquired for The Jungle Cruise attraction.

We learned and made decisions as we went along. Walt wanted to use the squid from the movie "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" in some sort of boat ride but it was in bad condition and the wires that pulled the tentacles would have been hard to hide. But we had both seen "The African Queen" and we began to think of hippos and other animals which could be operated without wires and still have animated elements. We brought in Bob Matte, who later created the shark for "Jaws," to engineer the original animals. The first ones that we tried were alligators and hippos which worked on simple animation—no kicking or swimming.

I also worked with Bill and Jack Evans on buying expeditions for the landscaping. We would call cities to see if they were tearing out trees for improvements and go and buy them—we got many that way.

The Evans and Reeves Nursery was in West L.A. and as we made trips back and forth we would pass a house in Beverly Hills which had a wonderful tree in the front yard that we would have loved to have had. In fact, each time we passe it we talked about getting it and it got to be kind of a joke. Finally I though what have we got to lose, and had Jack Evans stop while I went in to ask the people if they could consider selling it. I told the owner we would replace it with a flower bed or anything they wanted and surprisingly enough the owner told me yes--it was blocking the sunlight and view coming through his front windows and we could just come and take it away. The trouble was, it took me a week to convince Jack that the owner had actually told me that I could have it...it was the tree that went around the original Burmese Temple, and we got it for nothing.

We found quite a few resources right on the property. When we began cleaning the site for Disneyland, we saved all the orange and walnut trees and I got the idea of turning the walnut trees upside down to make the original jungle roots, which we did...as for wildlife, Walt had asked me to line up a source of wild birds—crown herons, waterfowl—but when we filled the river with water all kinds of wild birds found it by themselves. We cancelled all our orders for the exotic ones...

We finished laying out the Jungle Cruise river with all its twists and turns and made a mock-up of the Cruise Boat and mounted it on a jeep so that we could fit around the course of the river and under the waterfall. I was anxious about it and looked forward to making the first run with "no one looking" in case there were problems. But before I could start, Walt came roaring up, he had heard I was going to make a test run and wanted to come along. Luckily it went very well.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Jungle Cruise photos on my Jungle Cruise web page.

Traveling Thursdays: The West Baden Springs Hotel, Pt. 1

2012-01-26T03:36:00.000-08:00

At the turn of the century, The West Baden Springs Hotel in southern Indiana, was known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Guests arrived from Chicago & Louisville by train at the very depot shown in vintage shot #1.

The hotel and its grounds were also dubbed the Carlsbad of America, since guests could partake of the waters and cure themselves of all sorts of diseases, just like the mineral springs in Carlsbad, Germany. Carlsbad (or Karlsbad) is a German placename meaning "Charles's Spa," named after Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor (1316–1378).

Seen in the background here, the centerpiece of the hotel was its domed atrium. Up until the construction of the Houston Astrodome (1965-1999), the West Baden Springs Hotel had the largest freespan dome in the world.

Even the lobby was a marvel to behold, with its beautiful tiled floor and second story writing area. Just perfect for penning a few postcards to send home to the family!

This all encompassing resort had its own hospital, opera house, and even an indoor swimming pool, seen here in this hand tinted vintage postcard.

Physical exercise could also be achieved on the hotel's outdoor bicycle track, which had a baseball diamond smack dab in the center of it. Many a baseball team held their spring training here at the hotel. During the evening, the bicycle track was converted to a walking area where guests could walk off their multi-course dinners.

Here is a photo of the water wagon that patrolled the property, dispensing the delicious sulfur water from the springs that promised to cure a multitude of illnesses.

The gardens were beautiful; in this shot, you can see Sulfur Spring House No. 7 (known as The Sprudel Spring) at left, with the bowling alley to the right.

The interior of the Sprudel Spring, where you could get your sulfur water on tap, either hot or cold!

Downstairs, you could use a ladle to get your water directly from the spring. Oh the smell...if you've ever been near a sulfur spring, it is the same stench as rotten eggs. And to think people paid good money to drink this crap!

The owner of the hotel wasn't Catholic, but he was a good businessman, so in order to increase the guest count, he had a Catholic Cathedral built on the hill next to the hotel.

One of the many walking paths on the property.

Sadly, this successful hotel went to ruin after the great Stock Market Crash of 1929. Part two follows next week. Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current West Baden Springs Hotel photos on my WBSH web page.

NWRR Mine Train: You Are There

2012-01-25T01:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, the addition of one image to my collection is like getting the final missing piece to a puzzle. It allows me to see 'the big picture' an assemble a post that tells a story instead of a single moment. Today, I am assembling a batch of photos that when posted together, will allow the view to experience what a guest would have seen in the line queue of the Nature's Wonderland attraction during the 1960's. First up is the anticipation as the NWRR Mine Train pulls into the Rainbow Ridge station.

As you check out the details of this August 1965 beauty...

be sure to notice the guests riding the Pack Mules up yonder in the Rainbow Ridge hills.

Two up close and personal shots of the train and cast members, awaiting the next batch of guests.

Look at this group and their festive hats - how fun!

And away we go...

it sure is getting dark as we approach the tunnel...

Oh the wonders that must on the other side! Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage Nature's Wonderland attraction photos on my Nature's Wonderland web page.

Less Is More...Unless It's The 70's

2012-01-24T03:23:00.000-08:00

These first two photos (circa 1956 & 1968) show the Mad Tea Party as I believe it should look; colorful and crazy.

And then we come to this photo from August 1969. The first time I saw the Mad Tea Party attraction with these frilly arches I assumed it had to be a shot from Walt Disney World, where 1970's overdone-psychedelic-design ran rampant.

But no...it was definitely Disneyland. Somewhere between August 1968 and August 1969, these crazy little arches were added between the lightposts.

Somehow, they just didn't seem to fit into Fantasyland's Festival Tournament theming. Instead, they looked like something I would expect to see on Main Street.

The last photo in my collection of these decorative arches is circa 1980; I assume they lasted up until the 1983 Fantasyland remodel.

Today, there are no lacy arches. The Mad Tea Party attraction is full of whimsy and cartoon-style lanterns. A perfect fit for Fantasyland, especially in its newer location away from the Carrousel and the Castle.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Mad Tea Party attraction photos on my Mad Tea Party web page.

Monochrome Monday, Circa 1964

2012-01-23T01:47:00.000-08:00

Robert Rooman, a well known aviator and professional photographer from the San Jose California area, was apparently the person who took these two shots. Main Street U.S.A. looks mighty quiet on this 1964 summer morning that he shot this first image. How do I know it's summer? Just check out the patriotic bunting on the light fixtures.

I love his second shot of a guest posing next to the combine car of RETLAW 1.

Let's zoom in for a look at the engineers on the train; they seem to be having a thoughtful conversation aboard the Ripley:

For those of you who hate to wait in line at Disneyland, this book is for you:

Although Imagineers spend an amazing amount of hours putting cool things in the line queue, I would hazard a guess that the majority of Disneyland guests are so intent on getting to the actual attraction that they breeze by the queues and miss a lot of details. Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland not only points some of those details out, but it will make waiting in line a lot more fun. Author Meredith Lyn Pierce has thoughtfully put this easy to carry paperback together in a very easy to follow format. Divided into lands/areas, almost every attraction is covered. Here are some questions you'll find for Space Mountain:

What is the rocket ship's name? Where could you go to play video games What has been made into a rocket that does not normally blast off into outer space? As you enter the ride you will see a sign describing Space Mountain.

For those who you Fast Pass, a bold FP designates those questions for the shorter queues, such as this Space Mountain question: According to the sign which of the following is true?

There are also Treasure Hunt questions. For Space Mountain, could you find A life-size X-wing? A helipad? At least five pictures of robots Space age umbrellas? A gold arrow?

For those of you that ask: Why not just play a video game? Pierce's reply: Well you could have the kids play video games, but let’s face it they can and do do that all the time. Disneyland is special and I think your time there should be as well.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland website.

The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

2012-01-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

From 1954-55, Don DeFore served as President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He was instrumental in arranging for the Emmy Awards to be broadcast on national TV for the first time on March 7, 1955, which earned him the respect of Walt Disney. This is what led to the two becoming good friends. That year, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Regular Series for his work on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Here is a publicity blurb that accompanied the photo at left from November 1955:

11/15—NEW YORK: Don DeFore (C), president of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, shows Walt Disney (R) and Ed Sullivan the "Emmy" award which will be presented to President Eisenhower for "his distinguished use and encouragement of the television medium." The announcement of the presentation took place at a luncheon at the Hotel Plaza, here 11/15, honoring the 1954 "Emmy" winners from the East Coast.

Walt figured if a guy could get the Emmys on TV, SURELY he could make a restaurant work at Disneyland! This can-do attitue of Don's too him from the Emmy Awards to BBQ...who knew? Here's one of Don with his brother Vern, standing in front of the Silver Banjo Barbecue Restaurant (1957-1961):

Here is how the same location looks today:

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more Don DeFore & Silver Banjo BBQ photos on my Don DeFore web page.

Screen Gem Saturdays: Three Faces of Vivien

2012-01-21T01:02:00.000-08:00

Even if she had only done one movie, Vivien Leigh would still be one of my very favorite actresses of all time. Not only was she one of the most beautiful women in the world, the lady knew how to act! Her most famous role was one that she won with a battle of wits that the character herself, Scarlett O'Hara, would have been proud of. Here is Vivien in the deleted ending from "Gone With The Wind."

12 years later, she played the fragile Tennessee Williams heroine Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire." Both characters were shameless flirts, both were from the south, and both were tied to their plantations. But beyond that, the two women were very different. Scarlett had a will to survive at any cost, whereas poor Blanche crumbled when her beloved Belle Reve was lost to financial ruin.

In 1961, Vivien would find success again in another Tennessee Williams story, playing Karen Stone. "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone" also starred Warren Beatty as gigolo, speaking with a non-too-convincing Italian accent.

Vivien believed that comedy was much more difficult to pull off as an actress than drama: "It's much easier to make people cry than to make them laugh." Sadly, Vivien was lost to us at the early age of 53, due to complications from the tuberculosis that she'd battled for years.

In home video news, the release of "Lady and the Tramp" on Blu-ray is just around the corner on February 7. In honor of the great Peggy Lee, who wrote the songs with Sony Burke and assisted with the score, Disney has released these very cool behind-the-scenes shots for you to enjoy.

Miss Lee's vocals on "He's a Tramp", "La La Lu", "The Siamese Cat Song" and "What Is a Baby?" helped make this animated feature a classic.

The smokey-voiced songbird passed away 10 years ago today at the age of 81.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Vivien Leigh photos on my Vivien Leigh web page.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Nemo's Organ

2012-01-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Before the term "green" became hip, Disney was practicing it in spades. In photo #1, you can see Kirk Douglas testing out Captain Nemo's organ...his MUSICAL organ!

When the park first opened, rather than trash the sets of "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea," Walt recycled them and actually turned them into a paid attraction at Disneyland.

What a genius! Until 1966, these sets provided an indoor diversion for guests in Tomorrowland, and helped Walt fill up some vacant real estate.

By 1967, the old Tomorrowland was gone, including the 20K Walkthrough Exhibit. Nemo's organ was moved once again, this time over to New Orleans Square, where it found a permanent home at The Haunted Mansion.

I'd say Nemo's organ has done pretty well over the years...at least better than some of the other discarded props from 20k.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos on my Disneyland Haunted Mansion web page.

Traveling Thursdays: More Mission Inn

2012-01-19T02:50:00.000-08:00

Last week's tribute to The Mission Inn in Riverside, California was chock full-o-photos from the past. Today's post features photos from my first visit to this beautiful property back in 2006. As fortune would have it, my first visit was during the Christmas season.

This overhead shot is of the Spanish patio; what a beautiful setting for a romantic outdoor dinner.

For me, the International Rotunda was a photographer's dream come true. I could have shot an entire memory card on just this area alone.

Time for a colorful late night swim:

This section of the hotel is known as Author's Row; if I remember correctly, Pat & Richard Nixon spent their honeymoon here.

The Anton Clock tower shown here has five rotating symbols of California on a replica of a 1709 clock in Nuremberg, Germany:

Ready to make a reservation yet? Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Mission Inn photos on my Mission Inn web page.

Cubby O'Brien, Don DeFore, and Vesey Walker at The Disneyland Hotel

2012-01-18T02:14:00.000-08:00

Mouseketeer Cubby O'Brien is shown here playing his heart out at the Disneyland Hotel, circa June 1957, near the hotel's olympic-size swimming pool. This was part of an event to benefit the City of Hope Medical Center. The talented O'Brien was one of the kids actually picked by Walt to audition for the Mickey Mouse Club. Following his time with the Mouse, Cubby had stints with The Lawrence Welk Show, Spike Jones, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Carpenters (as in Karen & Richard, for all you young'ens out there!).

Vesey Walker can be seen in front of the Disneyland Band, just waiting for Cubby to figuratively turn the baton back to him, and actor Don DeFore (of "Hazel" fame) is smiling on the left-hand side of the photo. Don was a good friend of Walt's, and operated the Silver Banjo BBQ Restaurant over on New Orleans Street in Frontierland. None other than Don's son Ron positively ID'ed Don for me:

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Hotel photos on my Disneyland Hotel web page.

Before They Were President, Pt. 2: JFK at Disneyland

2012-01-17T01:47:00.000-08:00

Before he was President, John F. Kennedy was seen on the steps of City Hall in Town Square at Disneyland. From the publicity blurb that accompanied this 1980 print:

JFK VISITS DISNEYLAND—Two of the many notable persons who have visited Disneyland over the years were then-Senator John F. Kennedy and President Sekou Toure of Guinea. Kennedy and Toure toured the Magic Kingdom during October, 1959. The Park is commemorating its July 17 silver anniversary with many special events during 1980.

Brother Ted also made it to Disneyland & Town Square:

As did Robert, seen here riding the Matterhorn with astronaut John Glenn, June 2, 1968:

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland City Hall photos on my Disneyland City Hall web page.

Before They Were President, Pt. 1: Nixon at the Disneyland Hotel

2012-01-16T01:58:00.000-08:00

Running for Governor of California, Richard Nixon and can be seen here at the Disneyland Hotel on April 27, 1962 at the Orange County Nixon Committee Dinner. Note the "Boxing elephant" (Dumbo) image to the left and the KEZY radio / Disneyland Hotel sign to the right of the photo. KEZY AM 1190 went on the air in 1959 with studios at the Disneyland Hotel. It was first known as K-EZY, or K-easy, due to its easy listening music format. People could see the small studio as they entered the front of the Disneyland Hotel on West Street. In the late 60s, KEZY moved to a larger complex located (coincidentally) at 1190 E. Ball Road in Anaheim, near the intersection of Ball & East Street.

Nixon ran for Governor of California in 1962 after losing to John F. Kennedy in the 1960 Presidential election; Nixon lost this election as well.

For all you techno geeks out there, you should check out the latest app that Daveland is involved with. Available at Know The Mouse, this app is filled with all kinds of Disneyland trivia. Whether you visit the park once a week or have only dreamt of plunging through the caves of the Matterhorn, this app will take your knowledge of the park to new levels. Make sure you check out the Davelandweb's Disneyland Past Game (for obvious reason!).

The reviews are coming in and they're looking good!

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Hotel photos on my Disneyland Hotel web page.

Royal Street Bachelors & New Orleans Square, 1969

2012-01-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

This recently acquired shot of the Royal Street Bachelors in New Orleans Square, circa 1969, provides a number of great closeups.

Playing in front of the One Of A Kind shop, there is an interesting array of merchandise behind the Bachelors. Let's look in:

Opening in 1966, this unique retail location was basically an antique store. There were no rows of mass-produced Disneyana; instead, guests could rummage through "one-of-a-kind" items such as jewelry, clocks, and other treasures from the past.

Here's another New Orleans Square shot from the same batch:

The One Of A Kind shop was replaced by Le Gourmet, a stored stocked with cookbooks and other kitchen-related items.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Hotel photos on my Disneyland Hotel web page.

Screen Gem Saturdays: Shirley Temple & Will Rogers

2012-01-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

Will Rogers, an extremely down-to-earth and low key humorist, was one of the world's best-known celebrities in the 1920's and 1930's. He is probably best known for saying, "I never met a man I didn't like." A number one box office draw for 1934, Rogers got knocked down a peg a year later by Shirley Temple in 1935.

On the set of "Baby Take A Bow," Rogers visited the competition. Shirley herself remembered the visit in her autobiography Child Star:

One day Will Rogers had wandered over to watch us during a break from "David Harum," which was being made on an adjoining soundstage. His black felt hat was crumpled and tipped back, allowing a shock of hair to spill over his forehead. Hooking both thumbs in his suspenders and rocking back and forth on his heels, he was a picture of cheerfulness and vitality.

"They tell me we're going to make a movie together about railroading when I get back from Alaska."

"Where's Alaska?" I asked. he gestured for me to sit down with him on a pile of boards. Taking up some little chips of wood, he arranged them on the cement floor to show where Alaska was. Apart from his revelations, I liked him. He wasn't good-looking like some other actors, but his speech had an appealing cadence, and he laughed a lot.

Rogers was sort of my favorite. As I had been born into a middle-class family without pretense, my natural preference went toward outgoing, accessible people like Rogers and the workingmen around the soundstage.

For her 1934 movie "Bright Eyes," much of the plot is centered around an airport, where Shirley's godfather works. It is on an airplane that she sings her most famous song, "On the Goodship Lollipop," which actually refers to a plane, not a boat. Shirley recalls him visiting the set:

Will Rogers had taken a special interest in what we were doing and often hung around our stage. An unofficial cheerleader for aviation, Rogers had written, "There were eight people killed in planes all over America on Sunday, and it's headlined in every paper today. When will newspapers give aviation an even break? If there's a safer mode of transportation, I have never found it." One year later he was dead in an air crash.

Recalling his tragic death, Shirley said:

Near Point Barrow, Alaska, at 8:15 pm.om on August 15, 1935, a low-winged red monoplane crashed in the slush ice. Dead in the wreckage was Wiley Post, who the previous year had circumnavigated the earth in the record time of seven days and eighteen hours. Accompanying him on this last, fatal flight was Will Rogers. Ripples from the arctic accident reached Hollywood with telling impact. For newly born Twentieth Century-Fox (Rogers' and Temple's studio), Rogers' death was a catastrophe. In all this darkness flickered on pinprick of hope. Although only number with, I suddenly was the only studio performer among the top ten.

Shirley is shown here with some of Hollywood's behind-the-scenes bigwigs, including (left to right) MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer, Darryl Zanuck from Twentieth Century Fox, Joseph Schenck (one of the founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), California Governor Frank Merriam, and humorist Irvin S. Cobb.

Shirley remembers the occasion:

At the studio a new soundstage was being dedicated to Rogers' memory on November 15, 1935. Newly elected California Governor Frank Merriam was there. Nevada Senator Pat McCarran came wearing high-heeled cowboy boots and a ten-gallon white hat, and many close friends delivered long eulogies. Joseph Schenck called me from the audience to pull the curtain aside and unveil the memorial plaque.

"Now you say something," he instructed and backed away a pace, his mouth gaping open like a gargoyle's. The others before me had said everything.

"I loved him too," was all I could add.

As our group disbanded, around the corner came a vanguard of carpenters for "Captain January." Within days the new soundstage would be transformed from an echoing, vacant hall into a fog-shrouded Maine coast, complete with lighthouse.

21 years later, Shirley came back to the studio and was shown posing next to the very same plaque:

I'll leave you with some of Rogers' more memorable quotes:

"Americans will feed anyone that's not close to them."

"Our foreign policy is an open book - a checkbook."

"Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a lot easier than puttin' it back in."

"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing."

"The movies are the only business where you can go out front and applaud yourself."

"There is only one thing that can kill the movies, and that is education."

"I'm not a real movie star. I still got the same wife I started out with nearly 28 years ago."

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Shirley Temple photos on my Shirley Temple web page.

Disneyland Hotel: Take the Monorail!

2012-01-13T02:30:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, you could take the Monorail directly to the Disneyland Hotel. This October 1968 photo shows everyone's favorite sleek form of transportation letting guests off at their destination.

In this March 1969 overhead view, it is easy to see that there was no walking to the Hotel; you were right there. Steps away from the pool. Today, there's a fair amount of distance between the Monorail Station in Downtown Disney and the edge of the Disneyland Hotel property.

These shots that I took in May 2004 from my hotel room window give an excellent modern day view showing just how much the entire property has changed since the 1969 view. A wet parking lot has been transformed into Downtown Disney and The Grand Californian.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Hotel photos on my Disneyland Hotel web page.

Traveling Thursdays: The Mission Inn

2012-01-12T03:44:00.000-08:00

Right before I was born, my family moved to Riverside, California. A few months later, they moved back to San Diego. My mother's stories about how much she hated it there shaped my impression and caused me to dismiss it as a place to visit.

A few years back, one of my employees got married and her wedding was to be at the Mission Inn in Riverside. I groaned, thinking, "What kind of a godawful motel will this be?"

When I arrived, I was blown away. This place was amazing. Like an oasis in the desert...literally.

Although this post has vintage photos, let me assure you...it still looks the same today.

More on this place later. One post is not enough.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Mission Inn photos on my Mission Inn web page.

Adventure Thru Inner Space

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Time to visit a golden oldie from Tomorrowland, Adventure Thru Inner Space, that corny but lovable attraction that is still talked about today. From Vacationland Magazine, Summer 1967:

World of Molecules Theme of Tomorrowland Adventure

One of the most unusual adventures in the world will thrill Disneyland guests this summer in the Park’s new Tomorrowland — Monsanto’s “Adventure Thru Inner Space.” Visitors will experience the “miracles of molecules” and “shrink” for “miracles of molecules” and “shrink” for a trip into a world of snowfalkes, molecules and atoms.

Guests feel as if they are shrinking as they journey aboard the highly versatile “Atomobile” — a new transportation vehicle designed by WED Enterprises — and glide into this fascinating microscopic world.

The adventure begins as passengers board “Atomobile” and enter Monsanto’s “Mighty Microscope,” emerging into a world of gigantic snowflakes. Guests feel themselves become smaller and smaller while the snowflakes appear to increase in size. As they pass through huge walls of crystal-like ice, visitors enter the snowflake and observe large molecules all around them. Growing “smaller” yet, they move into the molecules and emerge into a world of atoms, where the nucleus of a tiny oxygen atom resembles a giant sun.

This photo is from the opening of the attraction. Look at that crowd! You'd think it was for Star Tours...which is what is in the same space today.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage Disneyland Adventure Thru Inner Space photos on my Adventure Thru Inner Space web page.

Adventureland & The Tahitian Terrace, 1969

2012-01-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

This 1969 Adventureland image yields a few interesting closeups; first up is a side view of the Bazaar:

On the right side of the shot we can see the signage for one of the most missed Disneyland Restaurants of all time, The Tahitian Terrace:

Here's another shot of the same sign:

And just to whet your appetite even more, here's the menu from this sentimental favorite:

Thumbs up to the creatives at Disney for making the names sound so exotic, even though the menu itself is not necessarily all that exciting.

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Adventureland photos on my Adventureland web page.

Carnation Plaza Gardens, November 1995

2012-01-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Ulyate Family, here are a number of photos that they shot of the Carnation Plaza Gardens, circa 1995. I have also included some recent shots for comparison, like this one from 2007:

At one time, you could actually order food here. Note how Big Thunder Mountain was still visible in the background in 1995:

Same floor in 2011, but the addition of a disco ball and a number of other decorative elements:

Vintage attraction posters line the back wall in 1995 when the restrooms were located here along with a food service stand:

Today the back wall area serves as an architectural transition into Frontierland:

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Plaza Garden photos on my Disneyland Plaza Garden web page.

Disneyland's Cavalcade of Big Bands

2012-01-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

June 2, 1962 was the first time Disneyland hosted the Cavalcade of Big Bands. Called "Cavalcade of Bands at Disneyland" in the park brochures, the week-long event featured Tex Beneke and the Glenn Miller Band with the Modernaires (with Paula Kelley) and Ray Eberle, Count Basie and his Band, and Charlie Barnet. Tickets were $5.50 (or $4.95 in advance). Concerts were from 8pm-1am (I am guessing they must have played "1 O'Clock Jump" at some point!).

June 1, 1963 was the 2nd Annual Cavalcade of Big Bands and it featured live performances from Les Brown and His Band of Renown, Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra, Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra, and The Elliott Brothers Band (a "Disneyland resident crew"). Here's the complete schedule:

6/1: Les Brown and His Band of Renown, Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra, Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra, and The Elliott Brothers Band

6/28-7/4: Count Basie and His Orchestra

7/22-7/27: Tex Beneke and His Orchestra featuring Ray Eberle, Paula Kelly, and The Modernaires

8/27-9/1: Harry James and His Orchestra

9/27-9/28: Dixieland with Louis Armstrong, The Dukes of Dixieland, trumpeter Teddy Buckner

Thanks to the Ulyate Family, here are some photos of Disneyland's 2nd Annual Cavalcade of Big Bands piano radio that can be seen in the vintage photo at the beginning of this post:

Follow my Daveland updates on Twitter. See more vintage & current Disneyland Plaza Garden photos on my Disneyland Plaza Garden web page.

Screen Gem Saturdays: Debbie Reynolds Auction Part 2, Pt. 2

2012-01-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

Here is my final installment showcasing the second auction of Hollywood Memorabilia from the Debbie Reynolds collection. Although not quite as stunning as the first auction, there are still a few gems in this lot.

"SHOW BOAT," 1951; CLASSIC MGM MUSICAL

Howard Keel grey three piece suit and hat designed by Walter Plunkett from Show Boat. SOLD FOR $1600. Light grey wool three piece pin striped suit. Designed by Walter Plunkett. MGM label handwritten ”HOWARD KEEL 1520-7797” in all three pieces. Jacket exhibits a few small holes. Ivory cotton shirt with front ruffles. Harris label with “H. K.” and handwritten “47 17-6”. Ruffles on cuffs have been added for repurposing. Pale grey felt top hat with handwritten label “H. Keel Ch. #2 and Bob Holden Ch 1”. Section of interior band is detached. Worn by Howard Keel as “Gaylord Ravenal” when he replaces the leading man in Show Boat.

Ava Gardner “Julie LaVerne” period gown designed by Walter Plunkett. SOLD FOR $10,000. Gold satin period dress with black sequin diamond pattern. Original green satin has turned to golden yellow. Handwritten label “1520 7932 Ava Gardner”. Some sequin loss. Designed by Walter Plunkett. Worn by Ava Gardner as “Julie LeVerne” when the sheriff comes to arrest her in Show Boat.

Marge Champion and Gower Champion red outfits designed by Walter Plunkett. SOLD FOR $5,500. Red and ivory striped period dress with matching parasol. No label. Black and white leather button up period boots with black fringe. Stamped Hand Made 5 ½ B on bottom. Dark red wool cutaway coat with grey satin lapel and coordinating vest. MGM label handwritten ”G. CHAMPION 1520-7847”. Jacket has two minor holes on back. Designed by Walter Plunkett. Worn by Marge Champion as “Ellie May Shipley” and Gower Champion as “Frank Schultz” in the “I Might Fall Back on You” number in Show Boat. Also included is a pair of green and black leather period button up boots. Handwritten label “Wilson 3 ½ C 2160”. Worn by an extra in the opening number as the showboat arrives.

Kathryn Grayson brown velvet period dress designed by Walter Plunkett. SOLD FOR $3,250. Brown silk velvet period dress with red, grey and black striped skirt and matching caplet. Designed by Walter Plunkett. Handwritten label “1520 7307 Kathryn Grayson”. Dress has been heavily altered for repurposing. The skirt has been replaced and the capelet is relined. Worn by Kathryn Grayson as “Magnolia Hawks” when she and Keel arrive in Chicago in Show Boat.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe original Golden Dreams 1953 nude calendar with embossed-box set of nude playing cards. SOLD FOR $1,900. From the infamous nude photos of Marilyn Monroe taken by Tom Kelly in the late 1940’s (though not publicly exploited until 1952) came a range of calendars (the most popular one represented here) and other artifacts, most notably a double-deck set of playing cards of Marilyn in the nude, both in the seated “Golden Dreams” pose like the calendar, and the reclining “A New Wrinkle” pose. Not only are both decks totally complete including two jokers each, they are housed in the original black velvet, gold-embossed “New Wrinkle” box and sleeve, which we have never before seen in over 35 years experience. Box and cards are Fine, showing only slight age and handling; sleeve and calendar show staining, chipping, creases, etc., and are in Fair only condition.

How to Marry a Millionaire 1953 original U.S. six-sheet poster on linen. SOLD FOR $2,750. Approx. 81” x 81” U.S. six-sheet poster on linen depicting Marilyn Monroe with her co-stars Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall. Appears to have had some chipping and losses at folds prior to backing, and shows modest background and fold retouching, generally Fine.

Marilyn Monroe aubergine gray evening dress & Bolero jacket by Travilla for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953. SOLD FOR $260,000. Elegant, two-piece evening gown designed by Travilla of an aubergine steel gray couched in meandering-pattern braid and accented by two aubergine satin trains flowing from the waist. Handwritten studio tag inside dress reads “1-27-3-7914 M. MONROE A-698-53,” and jacket has handwritten label “1-41-2-0570 Marilyn Monroe A-698-16.” Worn quite memorably by Miss Monroe for several scenes, from her clever efforts to remove Elliot Reid’s clothes in order to search them, to being stuck halfway through a porthole, requiring rescue by her youngest suitor Mr. Henry Spofford III (age 9, going on 21). Material on waist is detached two inches, else Fine as screen-worn.

Marilyn Monroe “Rose Loomis” light aqua suit designed by Dorothy Jeakins from Niagara, 1953. SOLD FOR $210,000. Light aqua two-piece raw silk suit with Monroe Lloyd of California label. A rather conservative look for Marilyn, which was deliberately chosen by her character as Joseph Cotten’s unfaithful wife, off to an illicit rendezvous with her lover under Niagara Falls in Henry Hathaway’s Niagara. The indelible image of Marilyn’s hips swinging as she walks away in this form-fitted outfit is considered one of the great “sex in cinema” sequences released during the height of the censorship Production Code. This 2-piece suit was modified under Dorothy Jeakins’ direction from an off-the-rack couture ensemble. Shoulders exhibit light soiling, and skirt has 2 in. tear at split, otherwise Fine as screen-worn.

Niagara original 14" x 36" insert poster for Marilyn Monroe film, 1953. SOLD FOR $700. Linen-backed Fine to Very Fine U.S. insert-sized poster depicting Marilyn Monroe four times. Appears to have had normal light folds prior to backing, and shows only modest background retouching.

Marilyn Monroe strapless pale green silk Empire gown with rhinestone trim from Let’s Make Love, 1960. SOLD FOR $240,000. Pale green silk pleated strapless dress adorned with rhinestones (a few of which are missing). TCF label handwritten “F-13 M. Monroe”. Designed to be unbearably sexy without also being un-releasable due to censorship, a condition several earlier costumes designed for Marilyn suffered from. Worn for the title number, in which Marilyn offers herself upon a mid-century-modern stage of cross-rotating apartment flats, first to Frankie Vaughan, then Yves Montand (in his fantasy sublimation). This timeless creation by Dorothy Jeakins remains one of the most attractive costumes ever created for this legendary actress.

Marilyn Monroe “Cherie” iconic green and black-sequined leotard designed by Travilla for Bus Stop, 1956. SOLD FOR $230,000. This is the signature costume for Marilyn’s character “Cherie”, the naïve yet determined saloon singer heading for Hollywood in Joshua Logan’s romantic Western from the play by William Inge, Bus Stop. It is also one of the most iconic and indelible looks from her entire career, being a top choice for publicity images of Marilyn even to this very day. In it, she performs (intentionally naively) “That Old Black Magic”, winning the heart of the handsome and rather eager cowboy played by Don Murray. This was to be the last of the great collaborations between Marilyn and her favorite costume designer, William Travilla. TCF handwritten label “Marilyn Monroe A-769-03”. Exhibits sequin loss along neckline and minimal sequin loss on bodice, and straps have been replaced.

Eva Gabor portrait and gown. UNSOLD (estimate was $12,000-15,000). Oil painting of Eva Gabor by Americo Makk circa 1965 and housed in a painted gold wooden frame. Measures 90” tall and 48” wide. Included in the lot is the green chiffon strapless dress worn for the sitting. Designed by Nolan Miller. Exhibits a small stain on the back of dress.

In this photo that I shot, you can see the Gabor painting as it hung in the William S. Paley center before the auction:

Stand Up and Cheer original Danish Shirley Temple poster. SOLD FOR $450. Danish 24” x 34” folded A1 size original release stone-lithograph poster for an early Shirley Temple vehicle, also significant in depicting legendary African-American comedic character Stepin Fetchit, who became one of the richest actors of his time, the so-called “King of Central Ave.” in 1930’s Los Angeles. Extra folds and tiny tatters, yet remarkably well-preserved and entirely unrestored.

The items I was most anxious to learn about were the "Gone With The Wind" (1939) hats; for some reason, I didn't see the results for them listed on the auction website.

Nor did I see the results for this set of suits worn by the famous Rat Pack:

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A Mousker & Mary Poppins Screen Tests

2012-01-06T01:30:00.000-08:00

Once again, The Ulyate family comes through with some more cool stuff. Today's post shows The Mousker that Lloyd and Bill Elliott received. As Holly relates:

The Elliott Brothers were also an important part of Disneyland's Big Band Festivals which began in 1961. Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich-they all graced the Carnation Plaza Gardens bandstand as well as other locations around the park. Sometimes multiple bands were booked for one weekend, sometimes one band would be booked for an entire week. The festivals were wildly popular with park goers! Lloyd and Bill both received Mouskers from Walt in appreciation of their contribution to the event. (A Mousker was Walt's version of an Oscar statue).

Meanwhile, I discovered yesterday that The Punchy Players have been at it again. Here's their version of The Mary Poppins Screen Tests:

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Traveling Thursdays: Balboa Park Carousel

2012-01-05T05:07:00.000-08:00

Disneyland isn't the only place in Southern California with a carousel; less than two miles from mi casa is the Balboa Park Carousel.

From their website:

The 1910 Balboa Park Carousel, adjacent to the San Diego Zoo, is a menagerie of animals and all but two pairs are original with hand-carved European craftsmanship. Also original are the hand-painted murals surrounding the upper portion of the carousel and the military band music. This carousel is one of the few in the world still offering the brass ring game for everyone taking the 5-minute ride.

The Carousel was built by Herschell-Spillman, then shipped to Los Angeles in 1910 and placed at Luna Park. Four years later, it was moved to Coronado and, later, to Balboa Park in anticipation of the Panama-California Exposition, which began in 1915. The Carousel received the National Carousel Association’s first Historical Carousel Award and is only one of 19 wood-carved carousels remaining along the West Coast as well as one of only two carousels west of the Mississippi River to still offer the Brass Ring.

Adding the brass ring feature to King Arthur's Carrousel would be a nice "plussing" of that attraction. What's a brass ring for? For you youthful readers, a brass ring feature means riders on the outside animal figurines get a chance to grab rings from a swinging arm. If a rider get a brass one, he gets a prize, normally a free ride.

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1960 Winter Olympics

2012-01-04T01:30:00.000-08:00

The Ulyate family was kind enough to share this letter that Walt sent to Bill Elliott regarding the program for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Walt was the Pageantry Chairman for this event which was held from February 18–28, 1960 in Squaw Valley, California. Disney was responsible for producing the opening and closing ceremonies. As Holly told me:

Here is a letter to Bill from Walt regarding the 1960 Olympics plus a bulletin to keep him informed of what was going on. These are really fantastic! There are clips of the opener on YouTube. My parents said there was basically a blizzard going on that day until about an hour before the opening ceremonies. It stopped snowing, the sun came out, they had the opener and right afterwards it started snowing again!

Below you can read all 6 pages of the update:

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