Two From July, 1963
Today's photos are something special! You might not think so when looking at this first example. "Major Pepperidge, I don't get it!". I understand. At first it looks like a nice-but-a-little-mundane photo of a popcorn wagon near the Red Wagon Restaurant. It's sunny, and the trees are pretty. But... that person in the lower right...
... there he is, along with his friend, a bit further along the Plaza. They are both in their motorcycle leathers, and definitely do not fit in with the "Disney Look" at all. And yet... they couldn't be denied entry due to long hair or slovenly appearance. If anything, they are shinier than the average guest (or cast member).
This closeup is hilarious! The look on the dad's face... it is priceless.
9 comments:
Major-
Maybe that pair were the only ones who received "the memo" mentioning the 'leather dress code' that day-? Either way, "Dad's" expression is priceless. (I wonder if he was in the Park for Yippie Day-? He might've fainted).
Thanks, Major.
Nanook, ha, ha! It was officially "Leather Day at Disneyland."
Maybe that dad was actually thinking, "Hmmmm, I really gots to get me one of them there outfits!"
I would think that leather pants would make you perspire more. So that begs the question.....where does all the sweat go? Into your shoes?
OK, before I get silly commenting on the Leather Guys, let me just say that these photos really nice! I love the colors in the first pic: red, yellow, and blue. Plus the greenery. That lady's turquoise dress adds a lot to the mix.
In the second photo: Besides seeing the majestic Matterhorn against the clear blue sky, we also see the Plastic House nestled amongst the trees. No Bobsled though.
Leather Guys... I have 2 theories:
1) They are "Teenagers from Outer Space" who have come to the Happiest Place On Earth to set their giant lobster creatures loose to feed on us humans.
OR
2) They are the 8th and 9th Dwarfs; "Kinky" and "Smut", that, sadly, ended up on the cutting room floor. The scene where Dopey takes a joyride on Kinky's Harley would've been a classic!
The Dad: "Whut the...?" Even before reading your comment, I laughed out loud when I saw him doing a double, and triple, take.
Tokyo!, when they walk by, you can hear their shoes squish.
Really fun, and nice, photos today, Major. Thanks!
This post is epic. I missed this episode of Happy Days: "Leather Tuscadero's brothers visit the Happiest Place on Earth". I honestly, don't understand how leathers would be remotely comfortable...whilst holding helmet...around the Park. Who holds the helmet when they get on the Matterhorn? Why is there only one helmet. Why is slightly taller leatherman wearing his Evil Kineval (sp) belt? Why does shorter leatherman have a "cowboy yoke" of white leather. You would think they would change before a trip around the park....but I get it. You SHOULD wear full leathers on a bike, and especially in Southern California where no one is looking for pedestrians or bikes. I had a bike for a few months before I got in my first accident...then it got stolen...and I call it "God's will". Never again. However, the costumes are kind of groovy. That these photos are from the 60's blows my mind even more. I can probably say with some certainty that these fellows would not be allowed in the Park TODAY. The people in the distance are also mesmerized. Leather is actually pretty "cool" as its natural and breathes...however...black loves to soak up sun. I can't unsee these photos. They really are quite amazing...and that YOU own them...I can see these photos going viral. It's like photos of demons around a sea of midwesterners who just came from church. There's someone in a uniform on a bench in the Hub...and I suppose...there is that kind of uniform, and then these types. In the end...we all have our "drag"...even a nun. In the world of the biz of show, anything you wear basically is called "drag", with the words origins going back hundreds of years. Pinky and Leather Tuscadero are still with us... with the "Tuscadero" Jeep named after Pinky. If you watch old episodes of Happy Days....you will probably think to yourself: "We thought this was funny?". Thanks Major. This post will forever live in infamy.
Well, this is a first.
These guys are clearly living their best lives and don’t care who knows it. Were they part of the photographer’s intent, or just a happy accident?
Such a contrast to today, when people visit the Park practically in their underwear and gripe when asked to dress properly. All the requisite real estate is covered, nothing to complain about.
I am enjoying the bright colors and lush foliage of the Plaza too. Thanks Major!
JG
As I sit in the Texas heat, all I can think of is, "Good Lord, those outfits are miserably hot!"
I guess it's ironic that they thought they were "cool."
Nanook, those guys look SO out of place, as if they were filming a Roger Corman film and decided to take a side trip to Disneyland one day.
TokyoMagic!, they’d tried “Date Nite”, “Dixieland at Disneyland”, Big Bands… maybe “Leather Day” would increase attendance!
TokyoMagic!, your confusing leather with vinyl, which I wear all the time. Leather “breathes”!
JB, ha ha, “Teenagers From Outer Space” might not be a Corman film, but it *could have been*! It’s definitely in the same neighborhood. “Kinky” and “Smut”, all of their scenes from “Snow White” were cut, nobody quite knows why. Ward Kimball had fully animated the scenes, you can still watch the pencil tests, they carve a wooden motorcycle for Snow White. Dad is thinking, “I didn’t fight in Normandy so that people could walk around dressed like that!”.
Bu, I have to wonder if there was any discussion from Security about allowing these fellows into the park? “We don’t have any rules about wearing all-leather!”. I used to have a leather jacket a million years ago, but only wore it when it was cold, I have no idea what it would be like to wear a full outfit in July in Anaheim. Maybe I should find out! I still have about a week to try it. I assume they could have gone a few rides with the helmet held in hand, though probably not the Matterhorn. I used to ride a regular bicycle around a lot. I had a wipeout, which set me back a bit, but then I moved to the San Fernando Valley, where some drivers actively try to mess with you for fun I guess. I gave the bike to a friend, though I miss riding it. Maybe these photos were actually taken in May (date stamps lie, as we know), it could have been a pleasant 70 degrees. I suppose it’s a factor of my age, but I am surprised how often Pinky and Leather Tuscadero come up in casual conversation! In a number of months I will be sharing scans from a “The Disney Look” guide for cast members, thanks to a Junior Gorilla! I recall no mention of leather. But shaved heads? Verboten.
JG, I have to hand it to those guys, they don’t care what anyone thinks! There’s a freedom in that. So far I haven’t seen anybody at the park in their underwear, but I’m pretty sure a guy was wearing pajama bottoms as pants. WHY? Do pajamas even have pockets? Where do you keep your car keys? Where do you keep your comb that looks like a switchblade?
Stu29573, I can only wear silk or cashmere, so I can’t imagine wearing all leather during a trip to Disneyland!
Maybe double take dad was just distracted by the creaking and squeaking of the leather pants as those guys walked past.
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