Probably the most recognizable scene from Pirates: the infamous Wench Auction. Proof that the “PC” changes were not actually made to make the ride more “PC” is the fact that they kept this scene with the Red-Headed Wench and her friends. I love the way that she stands out in her bright-red outfit. First up is a vintage publicity shot of the wench auction as it looked when the ride first opened. Not much different from today.
Without flash:
Talk about a party! How’d you like to be able to have a little cocktail party and walk-through the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction? I don’t know much about this photo other than the fact that the figures you see are not the animatronics that were on the final attraction. Most likely, these were just models so that the Imagineers could get their bearings on how the ride would flow, and were probably set-up on a soundstage in Burbank, not in Anaheim.
I have included a close-up of the Vino sign that didn’t make it into the final attraction.
And here is a repost of the photo that I previously thought was a miniature, showing the same figures:
Other than the Red-Headed wench, these characters are very close in styling to what we still see today. The ol’ Redhead became much more buxom in the final attraction. Here’s a close-up of the Red-Headed Wench. She has no qualms about being sold off, as she stands with the auctioneer bellowing, “show ’em your garter, dearie.” With flash and then without.
This July 1967 publicity photo was taken for California Living Magazine. Damn, she is saucy!
Once again, my favorite redhead and how she looks today:
Even after all these years, she’s still foxy. For some reason, souvenirs/collectibles that try to capture her have all failed. None really capture the essence of this audio-animatronic wonder.
She is much different from Marc Davis’ comic sketch; in the sketch, she was svelte and sassy.
Please don’t forget about the poor old maids who don’t get quite as much attention as their red-headed competition:
Even they warrant a little security:
See more Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean photos at my website.
I love seeing the changes over the years; clothing, props, and even the figures themselves are constantly being reworked.
ReplyDeleteThe black and white photo with the early version of the redhead shows her looking much more like Marc Davis' original artwork.
Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteWow...
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Love the close-ups.
Wow! To me - that looks like the mock-up at the studio that Walt saw before he passed away. The figures are very different from the final AA's - and much closer to Marc's original sketches. Talk about rare - where on earth did you find this?
ReplyDelete"Show 'em your garter, dearie"
ReplyDelete???
Have I been getting it wrong all these years? I though the auctioneer was talking to the chubby gal. "Shift yer cargo, dearie. Show 'em yer larboard side." Then she turns around.
Any excuse to go again ... find out if I've been mis-hearing it for 40 years.
(still thinking about it)
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I think the auctioneer chastises Scarlet for lifting her skirt too much, saying, "No need to show yer super structure."
But by the way, these are terrific pictures! I don't mean to sound critical without saying it's great to see the Imagineers' work, past and present. Thanks for posting them.
Bones - You could be right. I've been on that attraction many a time but I wouldn't swear to either one. I am sure that there is someone out there who knows for sure! I have heard the Auctioneer say "Shift your cargo..." but I also thought I heard him say "garter" as well. Like you said...sounds like a great excuse to go back!
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, we've heard that the 'pirate's party' in your photo was held on stage 2 on the Disney lot (the Mary Poppins stage) - but then others have said it was actually held at MAPO in Glendale. Maybe there were a couple parties held?
ReplyDeleteWow. Just wow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a superb art work. I am totally speechless.
ReplyDelete