One image for today, but definitely a good one...plus a little bonus. This undated shot is from approximately 1957, and features the Tomorrowland Spaceman posing with two lovely ladies. Mama on the left looks a bit unsure about the Disneyland Spaceman, whereas her hip younger counterpart on the right is fully aware of the great potential and hope that space exploration will provide for the future! In the background are the Flags of the Nation, in their recently moved spot at the edge of Central Plaza & Tomorrowland. The Monsanto House of the Future can also be glimpsed behind the flags as well.
As a special treat, I provide you three short retro videos directed by Robert Dastoli. The first one, "Keep Watching the Skies!" is based on the Tomorrowland episodes of the Disneyland TV series (specifically Man in Space), showcasing artistic projections and live action dramatizations of a flying saucer invasion. Its design comes entirely from the early space race and cold war period. The film has already played at a few sci-fi film festivals.
This next Dastoli short, "The Day the President Moved Thanksgiving," was very much inspired by The Hall of Presidents, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and the American Adventure.
Six years ago he also made a short film called "Southwestern Orange County vs. the Flying Saucers," which is about a flying saucer attack on an Orlando theme park. At the time Robert was living in Orlando and working in MuppetVision 3D at the then named Disney-MGM Studios. The film is a bit rough around the edges, but it is still worth a watch for any Disney theme park fan!
Hope you enjoyed today's post and Robert's videos. See more vintage & current Tomorrowland photos on my Disneyland Tomorrowland web page.
I really enjoyed the The Day The President Moved Thanksgiving, especially the Haunted mansion cameo! Still, I wouldn't want to mess with the OCVB, or plastic plate saucers either! Fun stuff!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely seen that same cast member as the Spaceman in a number of vintage pix. He's like an old friend now!
ReplyDeleteThat Tomorrowland Spaceman suit has always been a favorite of mine. Someone somewhere has it hanging in their home museum for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the short films too. All very enjoyable.
What the Major said.
ReplyDeleteI loved the spaceman so much, my Mom took my picture with him on a long-ago trip.
I have now adopted him as my persona, from that personal photo that Dave published a long time ago.
Fortunately, I don't have to wear the helmet on-line.
JG
First of all, I loved that photo. Then I watched the videos. Oh my! LOL...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all three videos....thanks for posting those, Dave! Wherever mother was shopping, they had a sculpture/planter exactly like the one on top of the Coke Terrace Stage in Tomorrowland (first video). Oh and it was nice to see WDW's Carousel of Progress building in that third video!
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