June 13, 1949: "DISNEY SIGNS THE 'VOICE OF ALICE, BURBANK, CAL....Kathryn Beaumont, 11-year-old English girl, is shown as she signed a contract as the voice of Alice in Walt Disney's lavish cartoon feature production of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Kathryn is the daughter of British actor-singer Kenneth Beaumont. Disney (who stands beside her) gave her a voice test and was immediately captivated. It was originally intended for Margaret O'Brien to play the voice."
Today is Kathryn Beaumont's birthday. I was lucky enough to celebrate with her and a few friends while enjoying a wonderful brunch at one of her favorite local restaurants in Studio City.
Kathy is doing great. She was happy that our LA pandemic lockdown has recently been lifted, and that it is now possible to socialize with -vaccinated- friends again. (Here's hoping it will stay that way.)
At the restaurant we witnessed a few teens being completely consumed by looking at their cel phones. We had a giggle when I asked her if she, as a former school teacher, would be able to have her pupils put down their phones in class and pay attention. Her answer was: "I don't know...I really don't know."
I had no idea Ms Beaumont was a school teacher! What a wonderful and unexpected revelation. (For me, at least.)
ReplyDeleteI love her interludes on the DVD/Blu-ray special features of the Peter/Alice releases. She looks like a lovely woman.
I'm rather curious what subject she taught! Though I'm not sure if it's any of my business. I am a school teacher myself, so perhaps that's my I'm curious, haha!
Any updates on Mushka? I think you last posted that the pencil animation is done, right? So right now it'll be digital ink and paint and compositing?
Thank you Andreas. :-)
I'm happy to know that she's doing well, she seems like such a lovely person. I remember an old post of yours where you shared photos of you two looking at production drawings, and one photo of her in particular caught my attention, because at first it looked like she was posing for a picture, but really she was just looking down at one of the drawings. She just seems to have an innate class and grace to her, which I love.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever watched the 1948 Esther Williams movie called "On an Island With You"? Kathryn Beaumont was in that movie where even though her screen-time in the movie was kinda brief, she did have some nice scenes with Jimmy Durante. And I think it was one of the reasons Disney chose Kathryn to be Alice, if you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Deja, my name is Emma and I am the editor of the online magazine The Talks. I'm seeking your contact information in regards to an interview request! If you're interested, please email me at emma@the-talks.com. Hope to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying reading your blog, by the way! Thanks for keeping it so up to date.
Of all my Disney heroes that I’ve met over the years, Kathryn Beaumont remains my #1 personal favorite! She was so kind. Wonderful meeting!
ReplyDelete