Disney Ephemera: Civil & Social Engineering 101

THE NEW SPIRIT (1942)


REASON AND EMOTION (1943)

More Disney life lessons...

CLEANLINESS BRINGS HEALTH (1944)


"I'M NO FOOL... HAVING FUN" (1956)


THE CALARTS STORY (1964)

From 24700, the official blog for CalArts, this interesting historical gem from 1964 has been found in their video vaults. “The CalArts Story” was a short film (about 15 minutes) that was originally presented at the gala premiere of Mary Poppins. It’s long and drawn out—much like the live action short films produced by Disney during that time, but it’s a fascinating look at what Walt Disney had in mind for the future of the school.

WALT DISNEY'S EPCOT (1966)

In this promotional film from October 1966, Walt Disney explains his plans for Disney World in Florida. In his introduction to this feature, Maltin states that this is the first time it has been seen in its entirety by the general public. Disney speaks with excitement about EPCOT as "an experimental prototype community that will always be in a state of becoming." The film details transportaion plans for EPCOT, calling for three levels of transporation, with a high-speed monorail and a WEDWAY People Mover at the highest level. Sadly, Walt Disney died just two months after this was filmed.

STEPS TOWARDS MATURITY AND HEALTH (1968)

There is a focus on the need for physical, mental and social health to be fully developed in order for humans to function properly within society. The film is aimed at an adolescent audience who are independently confronting developments in these aspects of their well-being for the first time.

NOTE: Possibly the first and only time sexual reproduction is demonstrated in animation from the Disney studio!

THE SOCIAL SIDE OF HEALTH (1969)

This late 1960's produced film uses an equilateral triangle to demonstrate the need for social belonging. Within the superb animation lies a subtle form of propaganda that attempts to keep young adults in line with society as a whole. The film includes a hilarious pill popping scene, classic animated graphics and a dancing triangle.


THE "WHAT SHOULD I DO?" SERIES (1969-70)

THE FIGHT

When two boys play an unwelcome practical joke, they learn how easily it can get out of hand. Then they learn practical ways to apologize and to prevent a fight.

THE GAME


THE PROJECT

Disney Ephemera: "Let's Have A March!"

Marching seems to be a bit of a theme in some Disney cartoons, and also carried over to other forms as well. An early one (recycled from a previous Silly Symphony) is this "Parade of the Award Nominees". Produced and released for the 1932 Academy Award show, this piece features the first color appearance of Mickey Mouse, as well as several caricatures of celebs of the day nominated for Best Actor/Actress. Also a good excuse for Mr. Disney to show off the 3-strip Technicolor process he so diligently held exclusive rights to for a number of years.


Going forward some 7 years later, we get this little beauty that is essentially a retread of the same deal, except now it's to promote the burning of fossil fuels for a mammoth oil company (technically they weren't after 1911, but I don't feel like looking up more than I need to).


Fast forward about a few years, and it's the middle of WWII. The Canadian government needs public support for the war effort. Where do they turn to, why Disney of course! "All Together", one of several films promoting the sale of war saving certificates features Mickey & Co. parading past Ottawa's Parliament building (much of the footage recycled from previous cartoons like "The Band Concert").


Now we're in the 1950's, and what famous march does one not forget than the one that graced the screens every weekday afternoon on ABC-TV. Yes, the famous "Mickey Mouse March" opening of The Mickey Mouse Club, seen here in it's entirity and in FULL COLOR (which was not possible at the time the series first aired).


A year before that, this little doozy showed up to remind people of the fight against Polio care of The March of Dimes, and who better to lead it off than our ol' pal Mickey (again), and another chance to rewrite "Heigh Ho" to boot!

Disney Ephemera: "Four Methods of Flush Riveting" (1942)

Originally produced as a gesture to next door neighbor Lockheed, this piece of random bore persuaded the US Government to force the Disney Studio to produced an assortment of training films and other materials for the war effort. This usually consisted of statistical and analytical boredom, cobbled by the sheer brilliance of simple limited animation needed to get the message across. This following number discusses the several methods in making perfect rivet connections that allow for wind resistance.