June 9, 2017 (Friday)
National Donald Duck Day is observed annually on June 9th. Donald came into being this day in 1934, in a cartoon entitled, “The Wise Little Hen.” In searching the internet for information on this subject, I discovered that there are many people named, “Donald Duck.” Guess their parents thought it was cute.
On Christmas Day, 1940, Santa brought me a 16mm movie projector, and several short silent films, one of which was a Donald Duck cartoon, “Busting Bubbles.” This is what he looked like in the old days (frame from “Busting Bubbles”):
I got this picture from e-Bay, where the film, in fair shape, is being auctioned for $19.24 plus $4.99 shipping. The entire projector with 4 new films, sold in 1940 for $4.95 plus the cost of flims. If the same deal was offered today, 77 years later, it would cost $156.32.
Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse were good to Walt Disney. They made him a very wealthy man, spurring him on to unbelievable success in the entertainment industry, building an empire on the foundation of animated cartoons. Today Disney is a recognized name, not only for entertainment, but also for investment.
“The company is best known for the products of its film studio, Walt Disney Studios, which is today one of the largest and best-known studios in American cinema. Disney’s other three main divisions are Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Media Networks, and Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, A+E Networks, and Freeform; publishing, merchandising, music, and theater divisions; and owns and licenses 14 theme parks around the world. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. (Wikipedia).”
Walt Disney’s dream was family-oriented, and he provided wholesome entertainment. In recent years, the organization has deviated from this goal, and has been sharply criticized for some of its ideas and promotions. This is sad and regrettable, but, over-all, the Disney name brings to mind themes which are wholly compatible with a Christian world view.
I personally believe the world is a better place because of Walt Disney and his dreams. He brought something new and different and lifted our spirits.