TV and DVD
More details to come, but here's a list of some of the shows I have helped create or have appeared on.
More details to come, but here's a list of some of the shows I have helped create or have appeared on.
I supplied numerous publicity photos from Hayley's Disney films and assisted in fact checking. This may have been my first screen credit.
The 1964-65 New York World's Fair comes back to life in this documentary that combines archival footage, along with interviews with those who created key attractions at the fair. Discover little-known fair connections to some of the best known names in entertainment. See how Walt Disney used the fair to prepare the east coast for his brand of themed entertainment. Then learn how the legacy of the fair lives on all around us today in our technology, pop culture, and ideology. Hear from Iron Man director Jon Favreau, Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfeld, and Disney legends Bob Gurr and Rolly Crump on the wide-ranging influence of the fair. Its a light-hearted journey for the whole family through the history, and present-day impact of the 1964-65 New York World's Fair!
I am one of the people interviewed in the film. I also supplied many of the photos.
This special ran on Turner Classic Movies several times in December, 2008. I was interviewed about Disney's early live-action films and television series. It was great to be associated with some of the celebrities and crew who worked on so many of these memorable films.
I appeared in the episode "Worlds of Amusement" and discussed early roller coasters, Coney Island, theme parks, Disneyland, and world's fairs. I also supplied pictures and film footage. The episode first aired on October 6, 2015.
I supplied pictures of the Hertz "Corvette" strollers used at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair.
A rare "Escorter" from the 1964 World s Fair scoots into the shop for a restoration. Will Rick and the crew give this vintage vehicle a restoration that out of this world or will it be a world-class flop?
I supplied pictures of Escorters in use at the Fair to aid in the restoration process and for use on the show.
From Gertie the Dinosaur to Jurassic Park, this 2-hour TV special explores dinosaurs' impact on pop culture.
I supplied pictures of the Ford pavilion at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair for a sequence featuring the Disney dinosaurs at the Fair.
Peek beyond the magic of Disney Parks to discover what’s Behind the Attraction! From Executive Producers Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Brian Volk-Weiss, explore how Imagineers filled the Haunted Mansion with 999 happy haunts, how the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (while defying gravity in the process) and why Space Mountain took so long to launch. From the 1950s to today, from Jungle Cruise to “it’s a small world” to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Parks attractions have amazed millions. And this is the story of how they did it.
I appear in five episodes of this Disney+ series and also supplied reference photos and other research material.
Chicago famously has a sweet tooth, and why wouldn’t it? For much of the twentieth century, Chicago reigned supreme as the “Candy Capital of the World.” From Cracker Jack and M&Ms, to Snickers and Lemon Heads, many of the world’s most well-known sweets originated in the city. At its peak, 100 Chicago candy companies, including Wrigley, Mars, and Ferrara produced a third of all candy in the United States and employed more than 25,000 people. But however all-American this world of confection may appear, it was immigrants who came to Chicago in the nineteenth century who helped mold the industry.
WTTW in Chicago produced this documentary on Chicago's history as a candy producing center. I contributed vintage photos and videos. The show can be seen at https://interactive.wttw.com/chicago-stories/candy-capital.
And now a page from our “Sunday Morning” Almanac: November 13th, 1930, 86 years ago today ... the day the dairy industry experienced a genuine turn-around. For that was the day an experimental dairy farm in Plainsboro, N.J., owned by the Borden Company, inaugurated the “Rotolactor.” Best described as a bovine merry-go-round, the rotolactor could mechanically wash and milk 50 cows in just twelve-and-a-half minutes. Borden put a rotolactor on display at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. The story goes that when fairgoers kept asking which of the cows was “Elsie,” Borden’s advertising mascot, the company plucked a Jersey named You’ll Do Lobelia from the herd and cast her in the part.
I supplied historial photos for this segment titled "Almanac: The automatic cow milking machine". It can be seen at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/almanac-the-automatic-cow-milking-machine/.
I was interviewed by the E! cable network for their program airing the week of July 24, 1998. They wanted to salute Guy William's work as part of a look at the new Mask of Zorro film, and The Disney Channel was kind enough to suggest they interview me. There are some Zorro clips and history, a look at my Zorro website and scenes of yours truly.
"The best place in the world': Original Disney World employee recalls park's early days"
I contributed photos and assistance for this story saluting one of the original Walt Disney World cast members.
This show evidently only aired overseas and I don't have a copy, so I'm not sure how much I'm in it. I was interviewed about Disney's canine stars from television and films. If anyone has a copy please let me know!
My love of world's fairs paid off in an unexpected way when I was asked to consult on the film Iron Man 2. Part of the action revolves around a clue that was possibly hidden at "Stark Expo 74", a fictitious fair that bears an amazing resemblance to the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, and at a newer fair. I contributed the photographs used to create these fictitious fairs, suggestions on how some of the attractions might have looked, and what items you might have found in a fair designer's studio.
"Leisurama" is the story of a little pre-fabricated house, stocked with everything a person could need (except light bulbs)to walk in and begin a happy life, which started out at the 1964 NY World's Fair, and was eventually sold at Macy's! Along the way, you'll find out about the cold war, the World's Fair, the struggles of architects to have their project taken seriously and the fates of those homeowners who invested in a Leisurama home.
I contributed photos and research material from the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. The film is available online on Vimeo.
Filmmaker Matthew Silva created a wonderful look at the New York State Pavilion from the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, tracing it from the glory days of the Fair through it's current status as an empty ruin. His film has helped raise public awareness of the pavilion, which is currently (2015) being painted for the first time in decades. I supplied pictures of the pavilion and was one of the people interviewed in the film. On May 22, 2015 I was part of a panel at the world premiere of the film in New York.
Let your dreams take flight with Walt Disney's original classic. PETER PAN soars to new heights in the magical 2-disc Platinum Edition DVD with an all-new digital restoration. Fantastic adventures await Wendy and her brothers when Peter Pan, the hero of their stories, whisks them away to the magical world of Never Land. After following Peter and his feisty sidekick Tinker Bell past "the second star to the right and straight on till morning," they explore the island and Peter's secret hideout with the rambunctious Lost Boys and leap into high-flying battles with swashbuckling pirates and the infamous Captain Hook! Bursting with fantasy, adventure, and pixie dust, this 2-disc Platinum Edition includes three all-new games in Camp Never Land, deleted scenes, a new discovery -- in which Walt Disney reveals why he made PETER PAN -- and much more.
I was interviewed for A Fairy's Tale, a documentary on the creation of Tinker Bell and how she was used on the television series. Don't blink or you might miss me, but I'm there.
From the Cutting Room Floor to Your Living Room! During the production of Star Trek: The Original Series, bits and pieces of footage were left on the cutting room floor, then stored away in film cans for decades by the Gene Roddenberry Estate. Now, in celebration of the show’s 50th Anniversary, The Roddenberry Vault has finally been opened. Along with 12 of their favorite episodes, fans can see and own behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the series as well as alternate takes, deleted scenes, omitted dialogue, outtakes, and original visual FX elements.
I've been a Star Trek fan ever since it was first aired, and was lucky to meet a number of the cast and crew as I interviewed them for articles in Starlog magazine or at various events. Over the years I've collected the books, the tapes, the DVDs, the Blu-Rays, etc. - just like any good fan would. Thus, it was a special thrill to see my name on a Star Trek project. I supplied several world's fair images for a section on influences on Star Trek designs.
This segment was part of an ongoing series syndicated to television stations for a "This Date in History" piece. I was interviewed by a team in Chicago and discussed the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, which had opened on April 22, 1964. I had actually taped this many months before from the CBS News studios in Los Angeles. It was my first experience doing a "live remote" talking to unseen hosts back in the studio. It's not as easy as the pros make it look.
Bound by a shared destiny, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor jaded by disillusionment embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory as "Tomorrowland."
The film starts at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. I supplied the reference photos used to recreate the Fair, and consulted on a variety of items such as costume design, prop pieces, vehicles, etc. My work on the film was mentioned in the New York Times and at the D23 event in November, 2014.
An exploration of the world's most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. Compelling contributions from scientists, historians, and witnesses as they seek to shed light on how the impossible can happen.
I contributed a picture of the front gate of Malmstrom Air Force Base I had taken way, way back in 1967. Little did I know then that anyone else besides me would find it interesting.
When the Disney Channel was launched in 1983 the programming was a mix of new shows and oldies but goodies pulled from the film vaults, making it a wonderful thing indeed for Disney fans. Since most of these older shows had never been released on home video it was a rare opportunity to catch up with some old friends. As time went on, though, there was less and less of this vintage stuff, and more and more dumb teenage sitcoms. Finally, the old shows were relegated to airing late at night and early in the morning, on a segment titled "Vault Disney." I was brought in by Disney to help sell the concept and then to pick the shows. Not everything could be used (they didn't want to pay for any new video masters, for example) but it was one more chance to get this material seen again, so I was happy to participate. Sadly, in 2002 the segment was dropped, and the old TV shows are sitting unseen once again.
From Mickey Mouse to MARY POPPINS to Disneyland and beyond, Walt Disney touched the hearts of millions with his special brand of magic. In this revealing portrait, you'll discover the man behind the myth as never before. Inspired by daughter Diane Disney Miller and hosted by Disney legend Dick Van Dyke, the film features all-new interviews with friends, family, collaborators, and experts plus never-before-seen home movies. Through good times and bad, including a brush with bankruptcy during World War II, Walt remained a driven innovator and perfectionist behind studio gates and devoted family man at home. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth, WALT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH offers the most intimate look yet at the man whose legacy continues to inspire the world.
This is one of my favorite projects for Disney. I was thrilled and honored to be part of this documentary about Walt Disney. I had first met Diane Disney Miller at Disneyland when I was on a panel about the CD-ROM biography of Walt described here. I was flattered when she told me that she really enjoyed what I said that night about her father. A few years later I was then invited to be part of this project, which was sponsored by the Disney family. I was the main person speaking about Walt's television work. It was daunting talking about Walt with his family there on the stage watching, but I was happy how it all turned out. It was the first show to air on ABC following the events of 9/11, and has since been released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Inspired by true life heroes, these are two of Walt's most exciting television shows, ELFEGO BACA and THE SWAMP FOX. Elfego Baca is a gunfighter (Robert Loggia) in the old west who changes his ways to become sheriff and then a lawyer. Elfego deals with rampaging cowboys, outlaws and more in this exciting series about law and order on the frontier. The Swamp Fox stars Leslie Nielsen (who starred in the classic film "Forbidden Planet," and would later become famous for the "Airplane" and "Naked Gun" movies) as Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. This patriot fought the British using unusual methods, and became known as "The Swamp Fox." In this superb series, Marion matches wits with the Tories in a story of adventure and action. Bonus materials will include an interview with Robert Loggia, star of "Elfego Baca;" "Tales of Courage and Adventure" a featurette that examines the origins of these historical figures and the fascinating story of their lives, still frame galleries from these TV shows, and more. Introductions by Leonard Maltin.
I appeared in Walt Disney Presents Heroes of the American Frontier, a documentary about all of the Disney western heroes. This included the two title stars of the DVD set, along with Davy Crockett and other less well-known efforts. Fans of the series were justifiably upset that Disney didn't release all of the episodes of Elfego Baca or the Swamp Fox. Why they mixed the two of them into one DVD set and just didn't do a complete set of one or the other (or even better, both) is a mystery to me. I loved both of these characters and hope Disney releases the remaining episodes some day soon.
THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB'S magical mix of entertainment was so captivating to television's first generation of children, watching it became a daily ritual. And so the first day of the show's second season, millions thrilled to the debut of a new adventure series, THE HARDY BOYS: THE MYSTERY OF THE APPLEGATE Treasure. All the cliff-hanging suspense unfolds right here, including the entire MICKEY MOUSE CLUB episode that introduced the series. Plus, you'll get clued in to the truth behind the novels' author Franklin W. Dixon, and you'll witness the reunion of Tim Considine (Frank Hardy) and Tommy Kirk (Joe Hardy) at the scene of the crime -- Stage 2 at the Disney Studio.
This show about the Hardy Boys serials from the Mickey Mouse Club was released as part of the Disney Treasures set of DVDs. I'm a big fan of the Hardy Boys book and the Mickey Mouse Club serial, so being part of this project was a special treat. I was interviewed about the creation, casting and popularity of the serial, and also did fact checking on all of the Treasures series released that year.
Out of the night, when the full moon is bright, comes the horseman known as Zorro. Debuting October 10, 1957, Walt Disney's thrilling series about the masked avenger was so successful, it made Zorro a household name -- and quashed every series that went up against it. Filled with action, adventure and suspense, this volume presents the first season's 39 episodes (all newly restored and remastered) in their original black-and-white format. To enrich your experience of Disney's unforgettable classic, this six-disc set also includes ZORRO: EL BANDIDO and ZORRO: ADIOS EL CUCHILLO, the rarely seen two-part, one-hour specials shown on Disney's anthology series, WALT DISNEY PRESENTS. Then discover the many faces of Zorro from his literary beginnings through the creation of the Disney TV series. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.
Anyone who knows me will know that I am a big fan of the Disney version of Zorro. When I wrote my book on Disney television that was the first chapter I put together, using it to help sell the rest of the project to the publisher. I had been pushing for a DVD release of the series ever since DVDs first hit the scene. Disney did release a colorized version of the show, and a few episodes on VHS, but I felt that it really should be shown in the original black and white. Happily the powers that be finally agreed. Both seasons are now available, for a total of 78 30-minute episodes, as well as the four one-hour episodes shown on the anthology series. Each season is in a boxed set with other extras. I'm thrilled to be part of a documentary about the series and Guy Williams on the Season One set.
I have full details on the DVD sets here.
The simple question, 'What happened to the World's Fair?' launches a journey that uncovers the sorted past, present, and future of the United State's role in the largest global event in human history.
I am one of the people interviewed in the film. I also supplied a number of photos.
This was an interesting project in many ways. I was working on my Disney television book in my spare time, but I was working full-time at Warner Bros. One Wednesday I got an urgent call from a producer at Disney asking if I could come by for a meeting about a new television project as soon as possible. I met with him the next day, and it turned out that ABC had rejected the studio's initial plans for a show commemorating the upcoming 40th anniversary of the anthology series. They needed a new idea and they needed it immediately. I told him I would give it a shot and would have something for him the next day, a Friday.
I quickly did my best to lay out a one-hour program about the series, and after a night of little sleep delivered the results Friday afternoon. On Monday he called and said there was good news and bad news. The bad news was ABC didn't want to do a hour-long show, and I was crushed. The good news was they wanted to do a two-hour show! That launched a series of meetings with the outside production company Disney had hired to put the show together. When it was all over there was some resemblance to my original show, and I did get a screen credit, so all-in-all it was a fun project. Just don't ask me how they picked some of the cast. I still can't figure it out.
