The rubber-faced Martha Raye is one of my very favorite comediennes. I can only imagine what happened the day she visited Disneyland. There is very little (as in zilcho) information on the web about her trip there, other than the two photos I have acquired shown in today's post. Based on the Mickey Mouse costume, I would guess these date from 1966 or 1967. The one below shows her with original 1955 cast member Bob McDonald.
My first introduction to Raye was in the Charlie Chaplin movie, "Monsieur Verdoux." Chaplin typically cast unknowns that he could groom for stardom. Raye was the exception, and her scenes as Chaplin's brassy wife are a well-needed break from the film's serious tone.
Monsieur Verdoux (Chaplin) has married Anabella (Raye) for her money, and must put up with her loud-mouthed shenanigans until he can "dispose" of her. His plans go awry though, as she proves to be more durable than a cast-iron pan.
One of my very favorite Martha Raye bits occurred on an episode of the 1964 "Judy Garland Show," where she and Judy sing a medley of Glenn Miller songs. The two attempt to bust each other during their solos, and the result is pure comic joy.
It is interesting to note that Judy's first husband, composer David Rose, left Raye for Garland.
See more vintage & current Town Square photos on my Town Square web pages.
Dave, I know Martha Raye visited Disneyland in 1969 when Shari Bescos was the Ambassador. Not sure if that was this visit, but thought I'd pass that info on to you.
ReplyDeleteThat could be right, but based on photos I have of the Mickey Costume, this one looks like it would have to be at least a year or two before that.
ReplyDeleteI never heard Martha Raye sing before..wonder how many current celebs can sing and act...or dance and sing...or the trifecta of sing, dance and act? Now think how many could not that long ago.
ReplyDelete- Darryl
The picture of Martha on the firetruck is with my dad, Robert McDonald. He has told me this story many times. Im sitting with him right now and we’re talking about it. He’s 97 now, and still tells me about all of the famous people he met while working at disney.
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