Post by Taxigirl on Nov 17, 2003 10:09:18 GMT
[glow=red,2,300]HICKEY BURPY MICKEY[/glow] ;D
Celebrations marking the 75th birthday of cartoon legend Mickey Mouse will be led by Disney in the US on Tuesday.
Seventy-five statues of the icon measuring six feet will be unveiled at Walt Disney World in Florida.
A set of US postage stamps is being issued bearing Mickey's image, and his classic films are being re-released.
Mickey, created by a young Walt Disney during a train journey, was first seen on 18 November 1928 in a screening of Steamboat Willie in New York City.
The Disney World statues have been designed by entertainment figures including John Travolta and Sir Elton John, and tennis player Andre Agassi.
In the UK, leading fashion designers including Paul Smith and Julien Macdonald are dressing limited edition Mickey figures at London department store Selfridges in aid of charity.
Mickey's success was the catalyst for Disney's multi-billion dollar entertainment empire which now encompasses resorts and theme parks, films, TV shows, DVDs and merchandising.
He has appeared in more than 140 films, in comic books and on a vast range of products, from watches and toys to pyjamas.
Next year he is adapting to the digital age with the release of Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas using computer-generated imagery (CGI).