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Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie, 1928/Everett
Today is widely recognized as Mickey Mouse's birthday. Mickey has reached the ripe age of 81. Although he has been wearing the same clothes for decades there isn't a grey hair on his head, the mouse looks good for his age. He has one of the most recognizable faces in the world, even beating out Santa Clause.
Although he had appeared in two separate animated shorts already, November 18, 1928 is widely recognized as Mickey Mouse's birthday because it was the day Steamboat Willie was released. Steamboat Willie was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon with synchronized sound. Just a short two years later, in 1930 Roy and Walt Disney licensed Mickey-related merchandising. Mickey's popularity continued to soar, by 1931 membership in the Mickey Mouse Club passed one million people.
By the 1950s, Mickey had had a hold on the world. Mickey had a theme park, a comic strip in the newspaper, and The Mickey Mouse Club.
Did you know that we have our very own Disney Museum? The Walt Disney Family Museum recently opened in the Presidio. The museum opened its doors in the Fall and showcases the life of Walt Disney. It carries you through his childhood, shows you bits of his family life, and the beginnings of Disney.
This month the museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sleeping Beauty with daily showings of the movie. Head to the museum for a screening every day except Tuesdays, 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30pm. Screenings continue until November 20.
November 21 head to the museum for a discussion with Lella Smith. Lella, the Creative Director of Walt Disney Animation Studios Research Library, will talk about the unique art and design that goes into Disney films.
November 27- January 4 the museum will hold holiday screenings of The Nutcracker Suite from Fantasia, Pluto's Christmas Tree, as well as rarely seen scenes from home movies of Walt and his family. Showings are daily, 10:30 am, 12:00, 1:30, 3:30, 5:00 & 6:30 pm (daily except Tuesdays, December 25, and January 1).
Also see:
Be a Black Friday VIP at Best Buy
Omnivore Books holding their annual pumpkin cooking contest
Kristi Yamaguchi to appear in SJ Holiday Parade
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