On the blog this week, I'm featuring segments from articles on the new DisneyShawn.com, currently showcasing the attractions of early Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. Be sure to follow the link for more.
For the first 30 years or so, Main Street Cinema at Disneyland showcased a selection of silent film classics, set to the (pre-recorded) accompaniment of a piano. Even Norma Desmond herself (Gloria Swanson) once graced the screen. There were William S. Hart westerns, Keystone Kops comedies and even non-Disney animation in the form of Gertie the Dinosaur. The six features changed from time to time and were interspersed with the occasional newsreel (only good news, of course) or hand-tinted period slide ("Ladies over 40 need not remove their hats").
It all changed in 1988, when the Cinema honored Mickey Mouse's 60th anniversary by switching over to the classic Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts seen today.
Photo courtesy of Davelandweb.com, used with permission.
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