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Friday, December 21, 2012

It's Kind of a Cute Interview in The Mouse Castle Lounge

There's a lot to like about Rolly Crump. His artistic talent, his bawdy sense of humor, his unlimited imagination.

While reading his new memoir, It's Kind of a Cute Story, I discovered another reason to like him. The man appreciates a good martini.

Among the personal artwork in his book is more than one drawing of my favorite tasty beverage. There are lobsters with martinis, a bathtub martini, even a topless woman holding what has to be a martini.

Mr. Crump, sir, allow me to invite you to The Mouse Castle Lounge. I think we'll find a lot to talk about. I'll even forgive you your preference for gin (I'm a vodka man myself). I suppose, if you'd like, we could discuss some of the amazing projects you helped create over your lengthy career as an artist, designer and Imagineer at Disney: The Enchanted Tiki Room, It's a Small World and The Haunted Mansion to name just a few.

What? You can't make it right now? Well, send your co-author Jeff Heimbuch over and we'll have a chat.

And we did.

In The Mouse Castle Lounge this week, Jeff and I talk a lot about Rolly and the fun journey that led to It's Kind of a Cute Story, a clever, insightful and beautifully designed book from a man who considers himself very lucky to have had the career he did and who succeeded by working hard and always keeping a positive outlook. Rolly had no formal artistic training when he arrived at Disney, but he still managed to make his way by showing plenty of determination and just a bit of chutzpah, qualities that ultimately endeared him to his boss, Walt Disney.

Please be warned, my interview with Jeff contains profanity. We're pretty sure Rolly would approve.




The Mouse Castle Lounge can also be heard on iTunes and Stitcher.

www.themousecastle.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Jeff Kurtti and the Church of Walt in The Mouse Castle Lounge

In the latest episode of The Mouse Castle Lounge, I wrap up my three-part conversation with Disney historian Jeff Kurtti and we spend a lot of time talking about Walt Disney.

Not a bad way to finish an interview.

Walt Disney was a unique man of creative vision and drive who built an entertainment empire by taking risks and trusting his instincts. He made such an indelible impact on society and culture that, 46 years after his death, his influence can still be felt. Jeff and I talk about what made Walt tick, his very human foibles and the inevitable public backlash that came with all his success. There are those who trivialize Walt's accomplishments even now and to them we say, "You just don't get it."



The Mouse Castle Lounge can also be heard on iTunes and Stitcher.

www.themousecastle.com