Mickey Mouse Club-Forgotten but Never Lost-Silver Sands Veterinary

Mickey Mouse Club-Forgotten but Never Lost

Silver Sands Veterinary

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse."

—Walt Disney, Disneyland; October 27, 1954

In 2015, we celebrate the 60th year since the Mickey Mouse Club of Walt Disney aired on national television.  Young people of today have no idea what the Mickey Mouse Club meant to their peers from 1955 to 1996 when the show ended its long run.  Mickey Mouse Clue was Sesame Street--- it was Mr. Rogers--and much more!

The result was a variety show for children, with such regular features as a newsreel, a cartoon, and a serial, as well as music, talent and comedy segments. One unique feature of the show was the Mouseketeer Roll Call, in which many (but not all) of that day's line-up of regular performers would introduce themselves by name to the television audience. In the serials, teens faced challenges in everyday situations, often overcome by their common sense or through recourse to the advice of respected elders. Mickey Mouse himself appeared in every show not only in vintage cartoons originally made for theatrical release, but in the opening and closing segments made especially for the show. In both the vintage cartoons and in the new animated segments, Mickey was voiced by his creator Walt Disney. (Disney had previously voiced the character theatrically from 1928 to 1947, and then was replaced by sound effects artist Jimmy MacDonald.)

Mickey Mouse Club of the '50's

Annette Funicello, one of the best-known members of the original 1950s "Mickey Mouse Club" and a star of numerous 1960s "beach party" films, died Monday at a California hospital,the Walt Disney Co. said.[2013]

Funicello, who was 70, "died peacefully from complications due to multiple sclerosis, a disease she battled for over 25 years," the Disney statement said.

"We are so sorry to lose Mother," her three children said in a statement. "She is no longer suffering anymore and is now dancing in heaven. We love and will miss her terribly."

Funicello was just 13 when she was selected by Walt Disney himself to be one of the original Mouseketeers of the "Mickey Mouse Club," the 1950s television variety show aimed at children.

Funicello, who had a background in dance, quickly became one of the most popular Mouseketeers.

The main cast members were called Mouseketeers, and they performed in a variety of musical and dance numbers, as well as some informational segments. Mickey Mouse Club was hosted by Jimmie Dodd, a songwriter and the Head Mouseketeer, who provided leadership both on and off screen. In addition to his other contributions, he often provided short segments encouraging young viewers to make the right moral choices.

Mickey Mouse Club of the '70's 

Aspiring young performers joined in on the later MMC modern version of the 1990's to learn the trade, get vocal training, develop stage presence and practice other musical and acting techniques in this regularly-scheduled television show co-starring people of their own age? 

MMC of the '90's

It’s been 20 years since Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, and Christina Aguilera joined ‘The Mickey Mouse Club.’ Do you believe what has happened to these superstars since MMC 20 years ago?

 "Disney has a powerful effect on the hearts and minds of American kids from a very young age, an effect that stays with us as we grow older.  For many it turns into nostalgia."
                                                                                                           Michael Conner

Commentary by Dr. Don DeForge:

Walt Disney would be amazed if he were with us today and discovered the words written about Mickey Mouse.  Mickey Mouse has been part of the childhood of multiple generations.  The Mickey Mouse Club was the variety show that brought families to the TV to experience the "magic" of the cast assembled and featured in each episode.

Why do we love Mickey?.....It is so simple....... that it is missed!!!!!!!  

Mickey Mouse just makes us happy!

In a world of anxiety; self-centered individuals; ego; and many problems, Mickey is always there to lighten our lives and allow us to escape from our daily pain. 

Disneyworld and Disneyland are safe havens of peace and joy for individuals of all ages.  They are as much for adults as for children of all ages. They are also places of great memories.  As I sit and write this blog, I can re-create, in my mind, the joy and wonder of multiple visits to the magical park; the rides; the characters; the peace; the laughter; the great food and drink.............. and of course Mickey! 

As you continue this day look at the child's face in the picture above and  you will soon forget all of today's problems and be taken away to a land where even the most difficult challenges in life can be captured and solved by one special mouse!

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse."

—Walt Disney, Disneyland; October 27, 1954

Dr. Don DeForge welcomes comments about his blogs.

DonDeForge100@gmail.com

Silver Sands Veterinary Center

17 Seemans Lane

Milford, CT

06460

05March2015