It's time for a fun trio of scans, courtesy of Sue B., from photos taken by her dad, Lou Perry! Lou was there on February 10, 1978. Thanks to "Jason's Disneyland Almanac", we know that February 10th was a Friday, the park was open from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, the temperature only got up to 61ยบ, and (you wouldn't know it by looking at these), there was 1.7 inches of rain (maybe that was earlier in the morning, or later that night).
Folks who wanted to have their picture taken in the Carnation truck got an extra bonus, because Pluto was there, just waiting for the paparazzi. He played it smart, and the photographers were his friends rather than his adversaries, and they'd "look the other way" so as not to embarrass him in The Enquirer. He's gesturing to indicate that his eyes were still dilated from a visit to the Optometrist.
Don't be scared! Just sit on down! This is all very normal.
Next, another Disney Dog - GOOFY! Though he is less dog-like and more of a funny-looking person. If you know what I mean. It looks like Goofy has pulled up a curb to sit next to a young fan - I love it when the characters take advantage of a situation and turn it into a bit of magic. This was over 45 years ago, but I wonder if that now-grown kid still remembers this encounter? With all of the bricks and wrought iron, I'm assuming that this was taken in New Orleans Square, perhaps over near the Haunted Mansion.
THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!
The Park closed at 6:00 PM? On a Friday? In 1978? Yes, it was February, but by this time there probably wasn't much of a slow season at the Park anymore. Maybe there was a special 'after hours' event going on?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Pluto drools all over the place like a real dog. Given the size of his head and tongue, there must be a gallon of drool sloshing and oozing around inside the Carnation truck! His eyes DO look kinda big... and crazy. Maybe he just saw a squirrel, "SQUIRREL!!!" Looks like he could put somebody's eye out with those dagger-like quills growing out of his muzzle.
It took me a loooong time to figure out that Goofy is a dog; I was well into my adult years before I finally concluded he must be a dog. I couldn't tell what he was; a horse? a rat? The long ears finally led me to 'dog'. Even with that uncertainty, he is still one of my favorite Disney characters. We've talked about his hat before; what kind of hat is it? I don't think we came to any conclusion.
Character photos are always fun; and these are great! Thanks to Sue and Lou and you, Major, too.
Odd that they dilated Pluto’s eyes when the CM actually sees through his mouth.
ReplyDeleteJB, I think there was still a noticeable slow season well into the ‘90s. They were still closed two days a week through much of the ‘80s, and I can recall weekdays in 1994 and 95 where most rides were walk-ons or very short waits.
Debate about Goofy’s species always makes me think about THIS.
Thanks, Major!
Wow! Gorilla's Don't Blog has really gone to the dogs. Never thought I'd see it happen.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love all the Disney dogs with Pluto being my favorite. Always love wonderful and colorful images from "Lou & Sue". Thank you, Sue and thank you Major.
Gotta agree with Chuck, JB. Going with a girlfriend mid-week in March, probably 1993/94, and the place was utterly dead--walked on every E-ticket attraction.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the TV commercial “Dogs Love Trucks”, it’s really true.
ReplyDeleteJB, it’s cartoon slobbers, so it doesn’t make a mess.
Great picture of Goofy and the kid. I’ve always loved the Goofy cartoons where he practices things, one in a gym with Indian clubs, another is driving a car etc. he is even more Everyman than Mickey. Mickey always comes out right first try, while Goofy has to work at it.
The perennial argument, if both are dogs, why is Pluto more doglike? Was there ever an explanation? And Goofy’s hat… one of a kind in the universe… very odd indeed. And yet here, Pluto is driving the truck and Goofy sits on the curb, complete role reversal?
Thank you Lou, Sue, Major for rekindling the debate with fresh material!
JG
JB, I know, 6 o’clock seems ridiculously early, especially for a Friday. If I knew ahead of time, I would have not gone on that day! So much for enjoying Disneyland After Dark. I think in the very early days, Pluto was often animated with plenty of slobber. But he cleaned up his act, like most Disney characters. I’m not sure I ever thought about what Goofy was when I was a kid - he was just Goofy. Years ago I heard an old 1930s Mickey Mouse radio show, probably available at the Internet Archive, and Goofy is introduced as “Goofy the horse”, which was surprising! What did Horace Horsecollar have to say about that?
ReplyDeleteChuck, I wonder if the CM could see through the dilated eyes AND the mouth? It still amazes me that the park was closed Mondays and Tuesdays for so many years; it’s understandable, but I always wonder how many families drove to Anaheim, only to find that the place was closed? Hopefully nearby Knott’s Berry Farm was there for them.
K. Martinez, “gone to the dogs”?? Are you channeling Wally Boag? I do like Pluto, especially the classic cartoon in which he dreams that he goes to hell, and is on trial. It was when they were winding up for features, and the artwork is really beautiful.
Steve DeGaetano, gosh, it seems like the park was always crowded when I went as a kid, but we probably went on Saturdays. I wish I’d had those empty park experiences!
JG, I don’t know that commercial, I’m way too busy rereading all of Shakespeare’s works. Bound in Corinthian leather! I also particularly loved the Goofy cartoons when he was “Mr. Suburban”, especially the ones where he gets road rage. It makes me feel seen. You can’t use logic when thinking about cartoons. Why is Mickey a four foot-tall mouse? Shrug.
Major, is that "Pluto's Judgement Day"? I love that one. Also "Lend a Paw" where Pluto's conflict between good and evil is portrayed by "Angel" Pluto and "Devil" Pluto. He's a great character.
ReplyDeleteThe Carnation truck pics and the Goofy pic were all taken on that little side street that runs between the Plaza Inn and the Carefree Corner, and leads to First Aid. The truck was parked along the curb (before they filled in the street) back in those days. I have a great pic of my grandfather sitting in the truck in that location, in December of 1981.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lou, Sue, and Major!
- TokyoMagic!
K. Martinez, yes, “Pluto’s Judgement Day” is great. “Lend a Paw” is also wonderful, I remember when Howard Lowery had a cel of “Devil Pluto” that was super cool, I wanted it but couldn’t afford it!
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic!, shoot, I’m trying to remember what that street is called. “East Plaza Street”? Something like that. Thanks TM!
Major, yes, that’s East Plaza Street. No idea how it got that name.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but chuckle when I look at this Pluto. He's very, very wise. Just sits and relaxes in the shade, waiting for the folks to come to him, for photo opportunities.
ReplyDeleteHey, Pluto, THIS is how it's really done!
Thanks, Major, and everyone!
Love it, Sue!
ReplyDelete