Three Cheers for Walt Disney's Original Mouseketeers!

We want to extend our congratulations to each of the Mickey Mouse Club alumni who were presented "Mousecars" at the conclusion of the program celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club this past Sunday at D23 Expo 2015!

Award recipients were: Nancy Abbate, Sherry Alberoni, Sharon Baird, Billie Jean Beanblossom, Bobby Burgess, Tommy Cole, Tim Considine, Mary Espinosa, Darlene Gillespie, Judy Harriet, Cubby O’Brien, Paul Peterson, David Stollery and Doreen Tracey.

Lastly, our own Annette Funicello was awarded a "Mousecar" posthumously; which was accepted by Annette Funicello Research Fund volunteer, Dave Mason on behalf of the Research Fund and Annette's family.

The "Mousecar" was Walt Disney's version of the Oscar that he would award in-house to employees in recognition of their service to the company.

The trophies presented to the Mouseketeers were not reproductions, but recently discovered awards that Walt himself commissioned and never awarded before his passing in 1966.

Annette's "Mousecar"

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Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends

It's simply not often enough that I have the opportunity to alert our readers of a brand new Annette related product, but finally, the long dry spell between such releases has come to an end with the book, Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends . Rita Rose, former president of Annette's international fan club, has compiled the personal memories and reflections of over forty individuals who are related to, have met, worked with or befriended this most likable star. While Annette is famously remembered for being the same person in her daily life as she appears on screen, this book takes you deeper and reveals some of the lesser known dimensions of her character and personality. Find out what it was like to encounter Annette as a fan, to be a guest in her home, to collaborate with her in the recording studio and attend to her on-set or on one of her early promotional tours in the '60s. Some share how they first learned and reacted to the news of Annette...

NEWS: Bikini Beach and Pajama Party Debut on Blu Ray

Just in time for Christmas, MGM is releasing two of Annette's classic AIP films on Blu ray - a wonderful gift to fans this Holiday season! BIKINI BEACH (1964) and PAJAMA PARTY (1964) are both currently available to order at major retailers online and are scheduled to ship by December 5th. Those familiar with the MUSCLE BEACH PARTY, BEACH BLANKET BINGO and HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI Blu Rays can attest to the beautifully enhanced image and sound quality revealed in those releases. It is assumed we can expect the same level of improvement over the old DVD's for these latest titles as well!

A CLOSER LOOK: Bob Hope's Thanksgiving Special Promotional 33 1/3 rpm

Beginning in 1950, the legendary comedian and Hollywood personality, Bob Hope began making television specials for NBC. For these shows, Hope was joined by a variety of celebrity guests and other talent who performed and participated in skits consistent with the incredibly popular variety show format of the time. Hope's specials were considered must-watch television and were a popular draw through the mid- '80s. Annette Funicello's fans across the country felt especially blessed the Thanksgiving season of 1964 when it was announced that she would be appearing on Hope's upcoming holiday special. Annette made the appearance to promote her latest picture, Pajama Party (released November 11, 1964) and her Annette at Bikini Beach record album - which she performed two songs from on the show. I've always found vintage promotional ephemera to be especially interesting... seeing how the creatives of entertainment chose to promote their latest offering t...

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