Those who were teens in the 1950's remember with fondness coming home from school in the latter part of the 50's to watch Walt Disney Studios' Mickey Mouse Club. The second television show created by Disney, The Mickey Mouse Club was televised in part to help fund the creation of the Disneyland theme park. From 5:00-6:00 in its first two seasons and from 5:00-5:30 in its last two, U.S. teens were glued to the television.
The style was that of a variety show hosted by Jimmie Dodd who, incidentally, came up with the brilliant idea for the cast members to wear Mickey Mouse ears. The series featured a cast of young stars who signed on to each episode with the peppy Mouseketeer Roll Call. The most beloved cast member by far was Annette Funicello. The show contained a mix of newsreels, talent features, cartoons, musical numbers, and serials, among them Spin and Marty, The Hardy Boys, and Corky and White Shadow.
Every day had a unique theme. Monday was "Fun with Music"; Tuesday featured a guest star; Wednesday ushered in "Anything Can Happen Day"; Thursdays utilized a circus theme, and Friday concluded the week with a Talent Round-up. The music was fun, the kids were wholesome, and the message to teens of the fifties resonated through the years.
Though it only lasted four seasons, its fans never forgot it, and it was the Baby Boomers' misty memories of the show that instigated its reruns from 1975 to 1977 and the eventual development of the All New Mickey Mouse Club in January 1977. It, too, continued the idea of themed weekdays remixed to a disco beat. The revival did not catch on with 70's teens, however, and the show was cancelled.
A 1990's revival did much better. It carried the same title as the first revival, but was nicknamed MMC. Produced with a live audience in Orlando, the show employed a mixed race cast. Famous "graduates" of the MMC, which debuted in 1989 and continued in reruns until 1996, included pop stars Christine Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake.
The original Mickey Mouse Club stands as a fine example of what programming for older children could aspire to. Moral, varied, and educational, modern television producers could take a few examples from it.
The style was that of a variety show hosted by Jimmie Dodd who, incidentally, came up with the brilliant idea for the cast members to wear Mickey Mouse ears. The series featured a cast of young stars who signed on to each episode with the peppy Mouseketeer Roll Call. The most beloved cast member by far was Annette Funicello. The show contained a mix of newsreels, talent features, cartoons, musical numbers, and serials, among them Spin and Marty, The Hardy Boys, and Corky and White Shadow.
Every day had a unique theme. Monday was "Fun with Music"; Tuesday featured a guest star; Wednesday ushered in "Anything Can Happen Day"; Thursdays utilized a circus theme, and Friday concluded the week with a Talent Round-up. The music was fun, the kids were wholesome, and the message to teens of the fifties resonated through the years.
Though it only lasted four seasons, its fans never forgot it, and it was the Baby Boomers' misty memories of the show that instigated its reruns from 1975 to 1977 and the eventual development of the All New Mickey Mouse Club in January 1977. It, too, continued the idea of themed weekdays remixed to a disco beat. The revival did not catch on with 70's teens, however, and the show was cancelled.
A 1990's revival did much better. It carried the same title as the first revival, but was nicknamed MMC. Produced with a live audience in Orlando, the show employed a mixed race cast. Famous "graduates" of the MMC, which debuted in 1989 and continued in reruns until 1996, included pop stars Christine Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake.
The original Mickey Mouse Club stands as a fine example of what programming for older children could aspire to. Moral, varied, and educational, modern television producers could take a few examples from it.
About the Author:
Steve Collins is an Author in Encino, CA. A huge Disney fan, he uses a Disney Movie Club to fill the gaps in his collection. Read reviews of Disney Movie Club
