Van Eaton Galleries Presents
While at WED, Rolly was asked to do set design for the 1961 feature film “Babes in Toyland”. Rolly says, “I got a call from Walt asking me to come up to his office. That was the only time I ever set foot in Walt’s office, so I knew it was something important. Jack Donohue, the Director for ‘Babes in Toyland’, was there with Walt, and Jack needed a designer to create sets based on the poem ‘Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary’. Walt recommended me, and when Jack agreed, I went to Fred Joerger in the Model Shop to ask for help. Fred told me that not only would I have to design the props, but I would have to be the one to build them too! They were short-handed at the model shop and couldn’t spare anyone to help me, so I had to do it myself. I designed flowers that had these propellers which Walt remembered I could make because of my art show at the Disney studio. I also created a mobile out of cockle shells because they mention them in the original poem. I was building all of this, but I wasn’t in the Union. One day I was painting and a guy from the Model Shop runs over and takes the paint brush out of my hand. He told me that a representative from the Union was coming our way, and I had to pretend to do nothing until he left.” The film “Babes in Toyland” would go on to influence other Disney projects, with their iconic Toy Soldiers appearing in performances at Disneyland as well as in “Disney on Parade” which Rolly did set design for.
Rolly’s set design for ‘Babes in Toyland’. (1961)
105. “Babes in Toyland” Costume Character Head Prop. (Disneyland, 1969) An original walkaround character head used during the “Babes in Toyland” section of parades at Disneyland. This toy soldier head still retains its original helmet-like components inside for wearing the costume, and has its beautifully vibrant original paint. The costume head measures 28” tall. The condition is fair to good, with chips in the paint and some wear throughout from use. $800-$1,000
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106. Annette Funicello “Babes in Toyland” Framed Set. (Disney, 1961) A rare “Annette Dress Designer Kit” featuring paper cut-outs for Annette Funicello based on her role in “Babes in Toyland”. This film featured stylish set designs by Rolly Crump and the iconic performance of Annette Funicello, both of which inspired the artwork seen on the box and items in this framed set. The set measures 22.25”x22.25” and is in good condition with some wear to the original box lid. $200-$400