Get out your rolling pin and let’s start this entry with the famous chase scene. As you can see from these 2 early publicity shots, this sequence was all about lust; men and women chasing each other, both looking to get a little.
Flash forward about 40 years and some of the fun has been diffused. This gal has been given a rolling pin, meaning she just wants to crack this pirate real good on the noggin’ for stealing from her. Although the rolling pin was added to change the meaning of this scene, her lusty and playful expression did not alter...kinda’ goofy.
Strangely enough, these two were left alone. I guess there’s a ceiling on lust at POTC, and only 1 couple at a time seems to be the rule.
Meanwhile down below, this obese pirate violated the one-at-a-time rule; in these 2 original publicity shots, a naked maiden hides in a barrel while this slob shows off her delicate pink nighty for guests to see as the boats cruise by. Well, I assume it’s the maiden’s nighty, unless this pirate is also a cross-dresser; that’s a totally different set of rules though.
Flash forward a few decades, and our pirate has become more slovenly; the belly is now showing, there’s a turkey leg in his hand (a guest must have tossed it to him one day), and the maiden is gone. Only a hungry pig is keeping him company now.
This new version of the scene never really resonated with guests, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch to revise it again when the Jack Sparrow/movie elements were being integrated into the attraction. Now our tubby friend has tucked in his clothing, ditched the turkey leg, and replaced it with a treasure map and key. Jack Sparrow hides in the nearby barrel (wonder if our naked lass is still in there with him?), awaiting his chance to get the map and key.
A howling dog nearby is about to give Jack away.
Our boat continues to move ahead into the next scene, introduced by a trio of merry minstrels. These fellows have undergone very few changes over the years, as you can see in this comparison duet of photos. The detail on these characters really is amazing, right down to the chest hairs:
This early publicity shot gives an overall view of the looting scene. The mini-story of the hat-thief straddling the dock and the boat, unable to make another move while balancing the hats is pure genius.
You can almost feel the heat from the simulated fire, generated by lights, fans, and silky fabric:
That’s all for this installment folks; come back tomorrow for the big finish! See more Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean photos at my website.
8 comments:
I think we can thank goodness that the Haunted Mansion movie was not a success, or they would have replaced the Paul Frees with Eddie Murphy.
I miss the "Pooped Pirate" of the original. He'd 'be willing to shere he'd be' if you helped him find the lass he lost. Also I think that the old mylar flame effect was much better than the silk one used now. It seemed to play better from the distance you would see it in the boats. Great artical.
"Major Pepperidge said...
I think we can thank goodness that the Haunted Mansion movie was not a success, or they would have replaced the Paul Frees with Eddie Murphy"
... Proof that there is a God and He loves us.
Awesome commentary, Dave. Absolutely hilarious! Looking forward to the next installment.
:) Lannie
Hallelujah! I remember hearing a rumor (before the movie flopped) that they were considering replacing Madame Leota with Meg Tilly.
I don't mind Jack Sparrow being added to POTC, but I agree with you Dave, I don't think Barbossa should have replaced the original ship's captain. Also, I don't care for the Davy Jones effect on the "waterfall". It just looks too phony...like the "projected" rats in the Indiana Jones attraction.
Oh, and remember the PC remodel of '97 also gave us the cat with the fish in it's mouth that used to rise up on a platform from inside that barrel. Just dreadful!!!
Hi. Sorry for posting this question here, but I wasn't sure how else to do it. I don't know if you know my Paul Frees book which came out 5 years ago, but I'm now working on a 2nd edition, since I have a lot more information on 2 of his missing wives (including some wonderful letters he and his first wife wrote to each other during WWII!), and I'd love it if you could post on your site that I'm seeking people who worked with/knew him to interview for the book. I'm sure I missed some people the first time around. Thanks much!
I love the lusty pirate looking for the girl in the barrel. If I were a looting pirate, that's where I'd be. Great pics!
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