Unfinished Mouse

Thad has posted about Plight of the Bumblebee, a Mickey Mouse cartoon from the early '50s that was animated, but never finished. Included in Thad's post is the pencil test, something I've never seen before.

Rather than steal Thad's thunder, I'll direct you to his site so that you can watch it.

Complete Gottfredson Mickey To Be Reprinted

The Mickey Mouse daily comic strip, done for 46 years by artist Floyd Gottfredson, will be reprinted in its entirety by Fantagraphics Books starting in May 2011.

Rare Mickey

Last June, I posted about Michael Sragow's biography, Victor Fleming: American Movie Master. One of the films that Fleming directed was Around the World in 80 Minutes (1931), a documentary starring Douglas Fairbanks. The reason for my post was that the film contained original Disney animation of Mickey Mouse. I was not aware of this and a quick scan of the animation history books on my shelf didn't lead to any information.

Over at Didier Ghez's Disney History site, JB Kaufman was able to provide some information, as he had screened the film at the Library of Congress.

I recently learned that the film is now on DVD from Grapevine Video. I purchased a copy, and below you'll see some extremely rare Mickey animation. I have no idea who animated it, though I might guess Dick Lundy. Enjoy.

MICKEY'S GOOD DEED (1932)

Disney artists were making quantum leaps in this period, ramping up to produce SNOW WHITE in 1937. When you think this B/G is a mere four years after STEAMBOAT WILLIE (which had sparse, primitive B/G art) the artistic growth is obvious. And while not yet in Disney's full bloom, this B/G is nonetheless stylish and evocative.

Mickey's ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS (1999)

It's Christmas time! Once again, we'll celebrate here by looking at holiday themed background art from animated films.

Please remember, there are several Holiday cartoons posted in the archives including:

THE SMALL ONE
From All Of Us, To All Of You
PLUTO'S CHRISTMAS TREE
Mickey's Christmas Carol
Merry Christmas with Lilo and Stitch
GIFT WRAPPED
MGM's NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
GINGER NUTT'S CHRISTMAS CIRCUS
Once Upon A Wintertime

This first post of the 2009 season is artwork from "Mickey's ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS," a direct-to-video Disney DVD. The artwork is quite lavish for a non-theatrical release. Take a look... enjoy... and hopefully it will put you in the Holiday spirit!

THE SIMPLE THINGS (1953)

MICKEY AND THE SEAL

MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL

In just under the wire, as we end the 2008 Holiday season...

MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Here's artwork from a black and white Mickey Mouse gem, THE BIRTHDAY PARTY. This is a looooong pan B/G digitally reconstructed. I have included right and left sides so you can have a closer look. Happy birthday, Mickey!