BACKSTORY (July 17, 1955–Present): The Main Street Cinema originally showed classic silent movies, such as those by Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, and The Keystone Kops. According to Touring Plans.com, Opening day films included:
•"A Dash Through the Clouds," a 1912 Mack Sennett drama about biplanes
•"Dealing for Daisy," a 1915 William S. Hart western
•"Fatima's Dance," year unknown, a risqué belly dance sequence by Fatima, a famous dancer of the time
•"Gertie the Dinosaur," Winsor McCay's 1914 cartoon
•"The Noise of Bombs," a Keystone Kops Comedy
•"Shifting Sands," a 1918 Gloria Swanson melodrama
Today, the cinema still thrives but shows only Mickey Mouse cartoons. From the Disneyland website:
Transport yourself back to the Golden Age of Cinema and rediscover classic films at this nostalgic movie theater. It's been "standing room only" at this 6-screen picture palace since opening day in 1955.
Steamboat Willie Don't miss Steamboat Willie, the movie that made Mickey Mouse a star! Steamboat Willie was the first Disney cartoon to feature synchronized sound. The cartoon was directed by Walt Disney. The title is a parody of the Buster Keaton film, Steamboat Bill Jr.
History In order to preserve the bygone golden age of cinema for future generations, Walt Disney opened Main Street Cinema on July 17, 1955. The door to the left of the entrance reads, "It takes people to make the dream a reality." The inscription commemorates all the Cast Members that have worked at Disneyland Park since opening day. This special symbol was installed during the Disneyland Park 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2005.
Hidden Mickey Look for the guide lights on the floor near the step up to the viewing platform. They are shaped like Mickey Mouse!
