MICKEY MOUSE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19127, 23 September 1936, Page 8

MICKEY MOUSE

EIGHTH BIETHDAY

SATURDA VS ANNIVERSARY

Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Mouse are the only two universal characters that have ever existed. The 'greatest kings and conquerors, gods and devils, have by comparison been local celebrities. Mickey's domain is to-day even moro extensive than Chaplin's. Charlie's moustache, hat, pants, shoes and cane belong to western civilisation»and perhaps make him a foreigner in a, few limited regions. Mickey Mouse is not a foreigner in any part oE the world. Mickey's public extends to and beyond the frontiers of civilisation. He has, for example, an Eskimo following in. .Alaska. Douglas Fairbanks on his world tcur endeared himself to cannibals and headhunters by showing them movies of Mickey Mouse. Tribes of Kaffirs in South' Africa recently declined to accept any cake.s of soap which did ncjt bear the image of Mickey Mouse, just as formerly they declined to accept coins which did not bear the image of Queen Victoria. Tribes of connoisseurs in the big cities have taken up Mickey Mouse and' lorgnettes are focussed on the original drawings of him on the walls of fashionable galleries.

Mickey bas received greater honours abroad than at home. He .was recently created a citizen of Fiance at a carnival in Granville. His eighth, birthday on September 28 will be the occasion of world-wide celebrations. Mickey's greatest triumph in Germany was Hitler's denunciation of young Nordics who were wearing Mickey Mouse emblems instead of the swastika. Since Stalin ordered tho young people to laugh and be gay, Mickey Mouse films have been shown* in Russia. The animated cartoon is the life of the movie business in Japan, where the feature picture is often cut to pieces because of the prejudice of the Orientals against scenes where lovers are shown frying in the deep fat of passion. Mickey will be eight years' old on September 28, but United Artists have set aside Saturday. September 26, to signal the anniversary of the remarkable rodent and international celebrity. Wherever motion pictures are shown birthday parlies will, be the order 61 the day. .Special Qisborno celebrations are being held at the Majestic Theatre. ~ where, in addition, to a. selected programme of children's films, 40 juvenile performers will appear on the stage, in. "Pop-eye's Parly to Mickey Mouse," arranged by Miss' Maureen Keany.*