walt disney - 2/3 - Retroland

Pete’s Dragon

With the popularity of films like Mary Poppins and Song of the South, Disney proved that they could successfully mix live-action and animation. For their next such endeavor, they would once again meld the two mediums in 1977 for Pete’s Dragon, a comedic film about a boy and his invisible, fire-breathing friend.

Song of the South

Ludwig Von Drake

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There seems to be an unwritten rule that anyone who is a genius must also be eccentric. The same holds true for the duck with all the answers, Ludwig Von Drake. While he may never have possessed the same star power as his beloved nephew, Donald, he is certainly enough of a character to warrant his inclusion as a Retroland icon. Let’s take a look back.

Peoplemover

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Never mind those pesky jet packs or flying cars from The Jetsons, in the future man will travel in groups of four, roughly at the pace of a hurried snail. At least, that was the vision put forth by Disneyland’s glimpse into a futuristic tomorrow called the Peoplemover. And while this form of transportation never quite became the preferred method of travel for future generations, it managed to provide a service not to be discounted; a peaceful journey through the land of the future.

Haunted Mansion

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The following scenario plays out dozens, if not hundreds of times a day in front of Disney’s Haunted Mansion: Small Child: “I don’t want to go inside there.” Parent: “It isn’t scary. It’s fun!” Small child: “No, it isn’t.” And back and forth they go, the young child unable to reconcile their parents’ reassurances with the menacing-looking house that stands behind an eerie wrought iron fence and is purported to be haunted by 999 happy haunts (with room for one more).

Mary Poppins

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Out of the many films produced by Walt Disney over the years, one could argue that his finest achievement was Mary Poppins, the tale of a magical super-nanny based on a children’s book written in 1934 by P.L. Travers. With the enchanting duo of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke and a masterful score, this 1964 classic has endured as one the most charming family films ever created.

The Apple Dumpling Gang

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Two of America’s most beloved funnymen, Tim Conway and Don Knotts, had appeared plenty of times together on television, but it wasn’t until 1975 that they began starring together in feature-length comedy films. Their first foray was as a pair of bumbling crooks in The Apple Dumpling Gang, one of the biggest live-action successes for the Walt Disney Company in the 70s decade.

Lady and the Tramp

The Wonderful World of Disney

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Once upon a time, a kindly old gentleman appeared in our collective living rooms on Sunday evenings. He offered a glimpse into his imaginative world featuring a literal treasure trove of family entertainment. Offering a mixture of classic live-action films, nature segments, and the company's iconic animation, the show went by many names over the years, appearing on just about every channel at one time or another. Most fondly remember it as The Wonderful World of Disney.

Movie Dogs

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Today, we turn the spotlight to man’s best friend, as we remember the cinematic canines of yesteryear. Over the years, we’ve marveled at both their heroics and their mischievous antics. So beloved was one particular dog that his on-screen demise caused generations of moviegoers to bawl their eyes out at the mere thought of the film’s closing scenes. It's yet one of the many Oscar-worthy performances from our four-legged friends. Let's take a look back and remember some of the greats from over the years.