Austria launches bid for Mickey Mouse copyright

[ProfGoofy]

Sorry if this story has mentioned already.

Austria has launched a tongue-in-cheek attempt to claim the Mickey Mouse copyright after discovering a picture of the Disney character on a medieval fresco.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_714510.html

The story reminded me of the Peter Sellers' movie, The Mouse That Roared, in which a small, poor country figured that they could make money by declaring war on America, lose the war, and then collect on Amercian Aid. However, through mishap, they become the most powerful nation in the world.

It's also like finding out that that old vase in your grandmother's attic is worth $500,000.

 

[wtg2000]

That's hilarious. Could it be the first hidden Mickey?

 

[bretsyboo]

guess this means he is older than 75

 

[KNWVIKING]

A story similar to this popped up a few years ago.

 

[mitros]

Exactly what is the significance of the empty lot?

 

[KNWVIKING]

Walts birthplace house used to be there.

 

[mitros]

Really?! I thought that house was preserved. Has it been gone for a long time, or is it's destruction something more recent?

 

[KNWVIKING]

.... I don't know that much Walt history. However..I thought the farm house is what was preserved.

 

[ProfGoofy]

KNWVIKING is correct. A picture of the house that stood on that spot can be found in the book The Art of Walt Disney (from Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdom) by Christopher Finch, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, copyright 1995, The Walt Disney Company, Page 16. The caption reads:
"Walt Disney's birthplace <December 5, 1901> at 1249 Tripp Avenue, Chicago, built by his father, Elias Disney."
I don't know what happened to the house, but I do know that Walt's father helped build "The White City" also known as the World's Columbian Exposition of 1983 (1983 Chicago World's Fair), which was mentioned in the book: THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson, Crown Publishers, copyright 2003. Though Walt wasn't alive at the time, could this have been a sign of things to come??? Sorry for the brief history lesson, but these things fascinate me.

 

[KNWVIKING]

I'll assume you mean 1883 ???

 

[ProfGoofy]

Ooops, yep typo, reversed the 8 and 9, actual date is 1893. It was meant to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus sailing the ocean blue... Yes it was a year late.

 

[searlproudbottom]

My Guess is E$sner purchased the lot and destroyed Walts home in an effort to erase the Disney legacy. Michael you are the true King and Roy isn't worthy, ( NOT)