Kudos to Dianne Jacob; Welcome to the DCD

Recently, California Governor Newsom’s office sent memos to police chiefs statewide that beaches would be closing again this Friday as a result of citizens violating social distancing suggestions made to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to pushback from citizens and local government, Newsom’s directive now only covers Orange and Ventura counties, which are the locations that the media sent out photos of the "violating citizens.” NOTE: lifeguards reported that “most people followed social distancing.” And as for the crowds that were shown gathering under umbrellas…if they are in the same household, that doesn’t violate the mandate.

Newsom was told that it was not right to have the citizens of San Diego lose the ability to hit the beaches since they had followed “the rules.” In a classic case of publicity damage control, Newsom claimed he never intended to close San Diego. Unfortunately for him, local government has spoken up about his blatant lie. Regardless, it makes me very happy that local citizens, supported by their elected officials, can make a difference. Thank you County Supervisor Dianne Jacob for speaking up for us!

I rarely go to the beaches anymore. I don’t enjoy sunbathing as I did in my youth, and I've read too many accounts about sewage spills from down south that seep into our ocean waters. No thanks. I’d prefer to take a long soak in my own bathtub.

So why do I care? Because I am tired of American citizens being treated like idiots and having their freedoms being taken away. Punishment for the masses because of a few. Tired of the media sensationally reporting worst-case scenarios which only serves to rile people up, give them anxiety, and fill them full of stress. I’m also tired of receiving “news” tainted by the interests of who is reporting it, and by interests I mean the all-mighty-dollar.

While I don’t doubt that the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause illness and potentially death, I DOUBT that it single-handedly has caused the number of deaths being reported. Sorry, call me a doubting Thomas but the majority of cases I have read about (yes, I do read beyond the headlines) list an underlying health condition. Heart issues, lung problems, obesity, and yes…old age. Now, because of the social distancing rules and the closure of “non-essential” storefront businesses, many Americans are without jobs and a paycheck. I saw one person on social media saying that most people out of jobs weren’t complaining about the social distancing; it was the rich crybabies. Of course the jobless don’t care about social distancing; they’re trying to figure out where the rent/mortgage/food $$ is going to come from. Another social media troll said he wasn’t aware that “getting a tan” was one of our rights. No dumbass, it’s not about getting a tan. It’s about allowing citizens to have a voice and show that they can be intelligent.



I see a parallel to the changes at Disneyland that have occurred in America the last 30 years or so. Attractions that were once popular have to be removed or reconfigured because Americans take no personal responsibility. One or two people are dumb enough to try to jump out of a moving Skyway vehicle? Remove it. Punish everyone. I was involved as a witness for a lawsuit against Disneyland by a guest who fell over a rope (yes, you read that right) at the exit of the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction. Of course they lost, but how did it even get to court in the first place? No corporation big or small wants to be involved in legal action, so instead they dumb everything down. No personal responsibility leads to the blame game which leads to lawsuits which leads to dumb everything down to the DCD (Dumbest Common Denominator). I’m waiting for a lawsuit against Trump for the people who drank bleach and died. You know it’s coming.

While going to the beach may seem frivolous, for someone like me who likes to run outdoors to improve my health, if I’m not running with anyone and don’t come within 6' of another person while doing so, why should my ability to do so be removed? It’s a slippery slope about rights and this country is on the precipice. I encourage you to speak up; you just might make a difference as San Diegans did this week.

See more photos at my main website.

Wild West Wednesday

Today’s image hails from 1957, where you can see a little tot wearing his Disneyland Keppy Kap, surrounded by Frontierland law enforcement. The boy is also holding some kind of card in his hands; wonder if it was a souvenir that he received from the Sheriff? Digging the Sheriff’s vintage watch and ring, even if they don't really go with his costume!



I have separate pics of both of these gentlemen, and always referred to them as Sheriff Lucky, however…now that I look at their badges, they are definitely different. Maybe one is a deputy. Anyone out there able to shed light on the different badges or characters they played?



I know the one on the right was definitely Sheriff Lucky, as that’s how this Encyclopaedia Britannica labeled him:



Wanna’s see his signature? Here it is on a Wanted Poster in Rainbow Ridge:



Perhaps yet another Deputy on the left? On the right is Black Bart.



In this March 1956 shot, a guest caught him taking a break with a pretty little lass on New Orleans Street:



Finally, here’s another previously posted image of who I am “assuming” the Frontierland Deputy:



See more Frontierland photos at my main website.

Temple Tuesday: Shirley and Abby

In 1944, Shirley made a comeback with her supporting role in “Since You Went Away,” produced by David O. Selznick. Know what the “O” stood for? Absolutely nothing; one story says Selznick used it to distinguish himself from his Uncle (same name), and another said he just liked the sound of it. The truth? Probably a combo of both. But enough about him…

Today’s photo shows Shirley at home knitting with Abby Wilder, who was the real-life inspiration for the character she played in Selznick’s movie, Brig Hilton. Brig…short for Bridget. I wonder if her Aunt’s name was Bridget? Here’s the caption that accompanied the publicity still:

Shirley Temple is shown demonstrating her knitting to Abby Wilder, the girl whose role Shirley is to portray in the filming of the novel, “Since You Went Away.” In the novel, Mrs. Margaret Buell Wilder, Abbey’s mother, in her letters to her soldier husband tells of the home-front struggle of herself and her two teen-aged daughters.

Here’s a shot of Shirley from the film with Claudette Colbert, who portrayed her mother:



See more teen Shirley Temple photos at my main website.

Still Sending In The Clowns

My very first post was on June 4, 2006 and it was titled “Send in the Clowns,” featuring a shot of one of the clowns from the short-lived (November 25, 1955—September 7, 1956) Mickey Mouse Club Circus at Disneyland. Today, I post a recently acquired shot of a different clown (but same circus!) standing in Central Plaza. Not sure what the guy on all fours on the ground is doing. Maybe he has an aversion to clowns. Yesterday, I saw a clown of a different kind; a guy wearing his COVID-19 mask while smoking a cigarette. Gotta’ love the irony; protect yourself from the air, but make sure you don't miss that nicotine!

Here’s the image I posted on the fateful day almost fourteen years ago:



See more vintage Disneyland Mickey Mouse Club Circus photos at my main website.

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Temple Tuesday: Shirley and Henry

Henry Fonda looks very pleased to be posing with Shirley on the set of “Captain January,” Shirley’s first film of 1936. Stamped April 23, 1936 (Shirley’s birthday), the publicity blurb on the back states:

HE KEPT HIS PROMISE — So Henry Fonda dropped in to see Shirley Temple work in “Captain January,” having made the promise when he left the 20th Century-Fox studios after completing a picture some time ago.

Was the promise to Shirley or Studio Execs? Inquiring minds want to know how this all came about! I was hoping Shirley would have mentioned Fonda in her autobiography, “Child Star,” but no such luck. The only mentions of him are in regards to him making a personal appearance at one of the nationwide premieres of “The Blue Bird” in 1940 and costarring with her in 1948’s “Fort Apache.”

How the two looked twelve years later in a publicity still from that famous John Ford movie, where Fonda played her father:



I was hoping that maybe there’d be a shot on the web of Shirley with Jane Fonda; instead, I came up with this info: Jane and Shirley were 11th cousins, making her and Henry 10th cousins! I wonder if Shirley knew?

See more Shirley photos at my main website.

Matterhorn Music Monday

For eighteen years, Fred Burri entertained guests at Disneyland by playing the swiss-accordion and yodeling ON THE MATTERHORN! Here’s a recently acquired shot from July 1960 and a previously posted one from November 1963.



Got some free time on your hands? Here’s a video on how to yodel:



See more Disneyland Matterhorn photos at my main website.

Shadow of a Doubt Saturday

When most people hear Alfred Hitchcock they think of “Psycho,” “The Birds,” and “Vertigo.” Don't be so quick to ignore his older films, like the psychological thriller “Shadow of a Doubt” (1943). As it is in most Hitchcock movies, things are not quite as sedate and serene as they appear in little old Santa Rosa, California! Joseph Cotten plays against type as a lovable but thoroughly immoral heel who is idolized by his naive niece and namesake, Charlie Newton, played by Teresa Wright.



On my one trip to Santa Rosa, I did not make it to the location that Hitchcock used for the exterior of the Newton family home. Today’s post shows a recent shot of the house taken by a regular Daveland reader on their recent trip to Santa Rosa:



Not hard to recognize when compared to this screenshot of the actual movie:



The master of suspense can be seen at left in this location photo outside of the home:



Always one to prefer a controlled environment, Hitch had much of the exterior and all the interiors built on a soundstage, as seen in this shot from LIFE Magazine:



Now rent, buy, or download that movie!

See more photos at my main website.

Temple Tuesday: Guy Goes Dress Shopping

In the 1936 movie “Captain January,” Guy Kibbee’s character takes Shirley shopping for a new dress so that she can look her best for her school examination. However, the poor guy has no money and has to borrow it from the local widow to pay for it.



How’d he do? Obviously not too bad, as you can see in this publicity still where Shirley is wearing the dress. FYI: of course she passed the exam with flying colors, too!



The dress was also copied by the Ideal Toy Company and sold with the ever popular 1930’s Shirley Temple dolls.



Six years later in “Miss Annie Rooney,” Kibbee plays Shirley’s grandfather. It’s like déjà vu all over again. Shirley needs a dress for her society debut at her boyfriend’s birthday party, and poor Guy...hardly any money. He has to pay for the dress with money from his pension fund. Was it worth it?



Of course! Shirley is a hit and lands herself a rich boyfriend who probably put Guy up in a rich folk’s retirement community!



Another six years go by and Shirley and Guy costar in a third film together: John Ford’s “Fort Apache.” I’ll just bet you there was a deleted scene where Guy took Shirley shopping for this blue striped number!



Thumbs up for Guy Kibbee; his characters may have been poor, but they were certainly rich in fashion taste!

See more Shirley photos at my main website.

Daveland Challenge

In a pivotal scene from “Gone with the Wind,” Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) attempts to put the make on Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). Both their families are starving after having lost their fortunes during the Civil War. Before he gives in to Scarlett’s charms, Ashley shares some very insightful wisdom (thanks to author Margaret Mitchell!) that is just as applicable today as it was then:

In the end what will happen will be what has happened whenever a civilization breaks up. The people who have brains and courage come through and the ones who haven't are winnowed out.

The COVID-19 situation is definitely one of those times when people either sink or swim. I challenge my readers to be among the survivors and offer some tips that you will hopefully find useful.

1. Learn a new skill. I see so many people bemoaning how bored they are. Become a DIY'er! Learn how to sketch! Pull a MacGyver and create your own home gym! Clean your house! Do some yardwork! The list could be endless!



2. Improve an old or rusty skill. I've often said I'd love to get out the saxophone or violin again and start playing again...or the paint brushes...or the sketchbook...and depending upon how long this quarantine lasts (and how long it takes me to finish my current projects!) I just may do that. What talent or skill from your past have you neglected because you don't have enough time?



3. Work on that positive attitude! Recently, a friend posted on their social media, "I'm so depressed." That was it. Where does one begin on that one? While I understand completely that these are some scary times, just what do you expect to come from dumping a message like that into the universe? Sure, you'll get the typical "Oh, you're a fabulous person!" responses from maybe fifty of your closest (social media) friends (who you've never met and probably never will). After that little hit of dopamine, that worthless puff of smoke up your ass won't even get you a cup of coffee. So...instead of feeling depressed...do something that makes you happy. And if you can’t find even one thing that makes you happy, then it’s fair to say that you are one of those people who enjoy being depressed. Yup…people like that do exist. For me, spending time with my dog always puts a smile on my face. Going for a run. Taking photos. Watching a favorite movie like “Pitch Perfect” or “It’s Complicated” (keep it funny and upbeat, people!) can do wonders, just as a classic TV comedy like “I Love Lucy.” The high I get from any of those activities lasts a lot longer than a social media zap. What’s your favorite happy activity?



4. Reinvent yourself! Remember Fagin’s song from “Oliver!” titled, “Reviewing the Situation”? If you’ve been unhappy with the cards life has dealt you (or the ones you’ve chosen), take a good solid look at yourself and make a change. You can either say, “It‘s too hard” and stay miserable, or put that brain to use and figure out a more productive fruitful path. Take the restaurant industry for example; some have closed their doors and others have reinvented themselves by providing pickup/takeout services. I saw a line two blocks long the other day for a BBQ restaurant near me. Kudos to the owner of that place for examining the current situation and figuring out how to make that proverbial lemonade!

Daveland suggestions of what to cut back on or avoid:

1. The media. Sure, everyone needs to stay on top of the news (and I use the term “news” very loosely lately), but do we really need as much as we get? Find out from reliable informed sources what you should be doing, mix in a good dose of common sense, and then go about your day. Realize that a "medical journalist” is not the same as an actual doctor or a source from the CDC. And while we are on the subject of doctors, remember that there are many different types; unless they are a specialist in the field they are discussing, their opinion may not count for squat. And finally, don’t get sucked in by the sensational and negative headlines. If it starts out with “could” or “might,” then I typically ignore it. There's a long list of coulda’ shoulda’ woulda’s out there, and if you get sucked into that rabbit hole, just about the only thing you’ll gain is a headache and depression.

2. Your computer/cellphone. Disconnect. Go back to basics. Enjoy life and reality (not the virtual one). While I don’t know that I necessarily believe the theories about 5G towers causing COVID-19 and other health issues, I do believe that having an electronic device next to your ear all day long cannot be good for you. I know I've stopped making calls while I walk my dog; instead I choose to enjoy that activity rather than attempt to multi-task. My dog and my friends/family deserve my undivided attention.

There you go. I hope you’ll take the Daveland Challenge to find something positive during what we are experiencing on this little planet together. Got any tips for staying positive lately?

See more photos at my main website.

Temple Tuesday: Shirley, Dickie, and Disney

At the time this August 1933 photo was taken, Dickie Moore was a much bigger child star than Shirley. He’d already made movies with some of the greats: Spencer Tracy, Marlene Dietrich, and Barbara Stanwyck. He did a one year stint with “Our Gang” in 1933 and then portrayed the title role in “Oliver Twist.” The publicity blurb on this charming still says:

“Dickie Moore, cunning child motion picture actor, and adorable Shirley Temple, child actress, are, respectively, manager and director of the Mickey Mouse Puppet show now playing to capacity crowds in the Hollywood Assistance League nursery. The crew is pictured playing Mickey and Minnie with cookies and tea back-stage between acts of the show. Photo shows Dickie Moore and little Shirley Temple, serving tea to Mickey and Minnie Mouse back-stage at the puppet show the youngsters are giving at the Hollywood Assistance League, leading charitable organization.”

The Assistance League was established in 1919 by Anne Banning and Ada Edwards Laughlin. Recognize the Laughlin name? She was the daughter-in-law of Homer Laughlin, whose art deco dishes fill my cabinets! But that’s another story. The first Assistance League raised money for Day Nursery, Girl’s Club, and other philanthropic programs. Many Hollywood celebrities participated in the league’s charitable events, including Jean Harlow. Shirley’s own involvement ran much longer than just this publicity shot opportunity; according to a San Diego Union-Tribune article published shortly after Shirley’s death:

“She was delightful,” recalled Marilyn Knowlden. That was 80 years ago when both had been cast in the 1934 film, “As the Earth Turns.” In the end, a schedule conflict prevented Temple from doing the movie, but they acted together four years later in the film, “Just Around the Corner.” She admired and respected her fellow actress. “Shirley was very intelligent and very committed to acting,” Knowlden recalled. “She worked hard. She always knew her lines. Plus, she was a very skilled dancer and always sang on pitch.” The last time Knowlden ran into Temple, she had transformed into Mrs. Charles Black and was working behind the sales counter in an Assistance League gift shop in the couple’s hometown of Atherton as a volunteer — another of Shirley’s passions.

Back to Dickie, Minnie, and Minnie! As fate would have it, I found one of the Mickey Mouse marionettes pictured with Shirley and Dickie online.





The torn paper tag on the bottom of Mickey’s foot says: “Manufactured for Bullocks Wilshire by license arrangement with Walter E. Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse.” Bullocks was a luxury department store located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and was the flagship of the Bullock’s store chain. In 1933, Bullock's commissioned the Hestwood Marionette Studio of Glendale, California and Henri Gordon to create marionettes featuring Disney characters, such as the Mickey & Minnie pictured above. They were made of composition, wood, and cloth: the ears felt and Minnie’s hat was velvet. They were approximately 12" tall.



Nine years later, the careers of both Dickie and Shirley were on the skids. They were teamed together for “Miss Annie Rooney,” where Shirley received her first screen kiss.



Barely a chaste peck on the cheek, it received worldwide press attention.

See more Shirley photos at my main website.