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"Who's the
leader of the club
That's made for you and me?"
The
show, which aired daily, featured a true variety of entertainment:
singing, dancing, guest stars, classic Disney cartoons, serials, and
a group of talented kids who became overnight sensations—the
Mouseketeers. Led by adult leader Jimmy Dodd, and flanked by hefty
Disney animator Roy Williams, the Mouseketeers sang and danced their
way into the hearts of the first TV generation.
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The show always began with Donald Duck hitting a gong with a
hammer, most generally it vibrated him or broke or fell or
something. |
Then came the
famous Mousketeer Roll Call. "Sound Off Now!" Each Mousketeer
would stand up and shout out there names, "Doreen,", "Annette",
"Cubby" and so on until each member had introduced themselves.
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The original
roll call:
Sharon
Baird
Bobby Burgess
Lonnie Burr
Tommy Cole
Annette Funicello
Darlene Gillespie
Cubby O'Brien
Karen Pendelton
Doreen Tracey |
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The standout of the group was Annette Funicello. Young America
watched as the lovely and talented teenaged beauty developed
before their very eyes. Annette soon starred in her own serial
on the show, and went on to a successful career in film and
music. |
Another popular element of the show was the serialized adventures of
The Hardy Boys and Spin and Marty. Veteran Disney
child actor Tim Considine starred in both, making him what many
refer to as the "Honorary Mouseketeer." Other serial performers
included Tommy Kirk, David Stollery, and Roy Barcroft.
Each show would end with the
Mousekartoon.
The original Mickey Mouse club
had a different theme for each day.
Monday
-Fun with Music Day!
Each day also had its own special
song. The Mousketeers often hosted special guests and the dances,
skits and music arrangements were always in classical great disney
style.
Tueday
- Guest Star Day!
Over the years newcomers and veteran
performers alike appeared on the Mousketeers Guest Star Day. Many
young performers got there first real break here.
Wednesday
- Anything Can Happen Day
This was kind of the open day
leaving room to insert anything at anytime.
Thursday
- Circus Day
Some really talented and unusual
performers appeared on Circus day over the years. Clowns, jugglers,
animal trainers, you name it and it probably appeared here.
Friday
- Talent Round-up Day
“Saddle your poney, here we go, down
to the talent rodeo!” Some outstanding people made guest
appearances here and the Mouseketeers were really pretty good at
handling the guests. It seemed like each Mousketeer had some area,
talent, in which they excelled, singing, dancing, drums, quite an
assortment of talents.
One of
the most influential and successful shows of its time, The Mickey
Mouse Club went off the air in 1959. It returned in a new
version in 1977, and again in 1989, both of which helped launch the
careers of future young superstars.
"Now it's time to say goodbye,
To all our company,
M-I-C, See you real soon!
K-E-Y, Why? Because we like you!
M-O-U-S...E..."
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