"House of Mouse" - The Compilation Show of Mickey Mouse That Gathered Every Disney Character

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 

Welcome to our family time. Welcome to our brotherly time :)

 

 

 

No, just because I`m small,
doesn`t make me dumb enough
to go into your trap :)

Disney are known for depicting different worlds which are meant to be separate universes from each other. And usually these worlds are meant to be different franchises. While there were some plans of actually having these universes interact with each other before (in fact, it was seriously planned that Snow White was going to appear in Cinderella), it`s rarely actually happened in their full-length features. When these characters have managed to visit each other previously, it`s been through cameos and easter eggs (even though this time have proven how people take Disney cames too seriously, cough, Frozen/Tangled theory, cough).

Yes, he was affected by me :)
But I can`t help that I was
cursed :)

Yet now and then, there have been times where the most characters from the movies have gathered together in complitacions (one relevant example would`ve been Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but there are other examples). Regardless of the different opinions about such compilations, since people seems to be really divided about them (which was certainly evident in Roy Disney`s case for the Princess Franchise, since he was against it for depriving them their individuality). Yet for those who likes them, like myself, it`s nice to see the characters gathered. Even though they may not look as polished as they should`ve been (no offense to the creators).

 

 

 

General Information About The Show

At least we`re showing that
animals and humans can be in
harmony with each other :) For
once :)

And yes, parents. It does
come with a warning ;)
So don`t blame us ;)

House of Mouse is pretty much a platform for all the Disney characters (at the time) gathering. And that`s what have made the show noteworthy. In reality, House of Mouse could`ve been just another show into Disney`s evergoing catalog of franchises. But it`s a show that it was much as a vehicle for Mickey Mouse, at it was a one for the rest of the Disney characters. Even those from Disney`s less regarded movies (with the exception of those made after 2001–2003. Such as Lilo & Stitch and Dinosaur, for being CGI).

House of Mouse focuses on Mickey Mouse and his friends operating a dinner theater club in downtown ToonTown. Considered a popular venue by the residents, the club is frequented by a host of character from Disney animated properties. Such characters mostly appear as paying guests of the club, with a few voiced in episodes depending on the scripts provided to voice actors, although a number sometimes operate as performers for the club.  

We`re Lumiere`s family :)
The dysfunctional one :)

And as aforementioned, House is notable for including many rarely used Disney characters. Often with speaking parts for the first time. As Li'l Bad Wolf and April, May and June, who had appeared in Disney comic books but never before in an animated cartoon. House also featured cameos by characters created for other tv cartoons and theme park attractions. But those appearances were few and far between.  House was produced by Walt Disney Television Animation that originally aired for three seasons from January 13, 2001, to its finale on October 24, 2003. 52 episodes were produced.

We`re All in This Together,
Once We Know, That We Are,
We`re All Stars;)

Each episode focuses on a story involving Mickey and his associates facing an issue during an evening's operation of the club, and their efforts to overcome it.  The most common plot for episodes involves the group dealing with a serious problem caused by Pete in his attempts to shut down the club and use it for his own gains. These stories, often involving farcical mishaps, tended to act as a wraparound for the cartoon shorts played in between scenes, the theme of the story contributing towards the story-lines of the cartoon shorts shown in the episode. Cartoon shorts played in episodes focused on elements from classic theatrical cartoons of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, though most were reruns from Mickey Mouse Works, and featured a simple story. Some stories were set to a specific theme for a specific character, but with differing scenarios. For example, one set focused on Mickey seeking to rescue Minnie from Pete, against a different obstacle in each short, while another set focused on Pluto's efforts to get Mickey his paper while facing a different problem.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the Scenes Information

 

House of Mouse was a spin off of the popular, short-lived series Mickey Mouse Works. Which is why it featured many Mouse Works shorts, as well as classic Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck shorts from the 1930s–50s were also occasionally seen, particularly towards the end of the series' run when the finite backlog of Mouse Works shorts had almost been exhausted.

We`re playing tag with
stretched out hands :)

The show was nominated two for awards (Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual in Animation and Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production) while select cast members won two awards for their performances. House also featured two special films; Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse and Mickey's House of Villains. Alongside with an all-night marathon of the show, aired on Toon Disney in September 2002 under the title Night of 1,000 Toons. 

Yes, I`ve made you smaller :)
One fairy is more powerful
than three :)

Like with Mickey Mouse Works, the animation was outsourced to Toon City in the Philippines. But unlike that series, it was also outsourced to Walt Disney Animation Australia and Walt Disney Animation Japan. House of Mouse aired on One Saturday Morning on ABC. The theme song is performed by Brian Setzer. Even a soundtrack has been released. 

This is my best
Welcome-pose :)

Various characters had different actors to provide the voices in the show than in the films. Flora was voiced by Tress MacNeille (who'd later on voiced Merryweather in later projects) instead of Barbara Dirickson (who voiced her in all later appearances). Ratigan was voiced by Maurice LaMarche instead of Vincent Price. Dodger was voiced by Frank Welker instead of Billy Joel. Scuttle was voiced by Maurice LaMarche instead of Buddy Hackett. 

We`re an odd, dysfunctional
couple :) But hey, we can show
us in public :)

Belle was voiced by Jodi Benson instead of Paige O`Hara. Genie was voiced by Dan Castellaneta instead of Robin Williams. Adult Simba was voiced by Cam Clarke instead of Matthew Broderick. Mufasa was voiced by Keith David instead of James Earl Jones. Timon was voiced by Kevin Schon instead of Nathan Lane. Zeus was voiced by Corey Burton instead of Rip Torn. Philoctetes was voiced by Robert Costanzo instead of Danny DeVito. Mushu was voiced by Mark Moseley instead of Eddie Murphy. Tantor was voiced by Jim Cummings instead of Wayne Knight. Kuzco was voiced by J.P. Manoux instead of David Spade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Roles of the Regular Disney Characters

 

Lean on Us, When
You`re Not Strong ;)

The squad from Duckburg plays important parts in House of Mouse. Mickey (Wayne Allwine) is the general manager and co-owner, but leaves the club's management to his friends. His role in the club is hosting the evening's entertainment as its showbiz superstar. Minnie (Russi Taylor) is the club's show planner and bookkeeper, and is responsible for the club's day-to-day administration. Her task is keeping the club running well makes her a pillar of support in times of crisis, especially in keeping Mickey calm when he panics over a situation. Donald (Tony Anselmo) is the club's deputy manager, responsible for the overall customer service at the club and tending to the needs of VIP guests. Although a co-owner, he`s envious of Mickey's position and tends to want to run the club himself, though his efforts are usually thwarted by his conscience preventing him betraying Mickey.

Don`t worry, you won`t be
anyone`s supper from now
on :)

Daisy (Tress MacNeille) is the reservation clerk for the club, but often dreams of being a star of her own. Which often sees her attempting to try out a new act in the club that often backfires. Goofy (voiced by Bill Farmer) is the head waiter, managing the club's restaurant operations with his usual accident-prone yet genial manner of work. Despite this difficulty, Goofy manages to ensure guests receive their meals without issues. Pluto (Bill Farmer) operates as both the club's mascot, and a assistant to both Mickey and Minnie. Horace Horsecollar (also Farmer) is the club's technical engineer. A recurring gag in the show is his habit of literally doing as told and hitting his equipment to get them working, and a tendency to state about what is wrong in general life.

We made it romantic for the
two former canines who ate
spaghetti with us ;) So don`t
worry, it`ll be romantic for you
too ;)

Clarabelle Cow (April Winchell) is the club's gossip monger with her own show, collecting and spreading rumours about characters all over ToonTown, although her gossip tends to occasionally cause problems as a result. Max (Jason Marsden) is the club's valet parking attendant. He enjoys his work, though various episodes feature stories about him debating over things he witnesses or wishes to enjoy.

We`re the Foo Duckers ;)

Huey, Dewey, and Louie (Tony Anselmo) are the club's house band. Throughout the series' run, they operates under different names and genres of music. Parodying noted music bands of the tim: The Quackstreet Boys, Quackwerk, Kid Duck and The Splashing Pumpkins. Gus Goose (Frank Welker) is  the club's chef, but his notorious gluttony causes him to eat the food he prepares for guests before it is served. Magic Mirror (Tony Jay) acts as the club's on-site consultant, providing advice when asked by Mickey and his friends, as well as answering queries about the club's guests.

Dumber than advertised ;)

Mike (Rod Roddy) is a talking microphone, who`s the club`s announcer. He`s involved at the beginning and end of the episodes, the latter often involving him providing a fictional advert connected to Disney's characters, cartoons, or animated films. The penguin waiters from Mary Poppins are the waiting staff, assisting Goofy. The brooms from Fantasia's The Sorcerer's Apprentice are the janitors, mainly keeping it clean. Pete (Jim Cummings) is show's main antagonist and the club's shady landlord. Episodes featuring him tend to have him seek a way to shut down the club. Per a contract he made with Mickey at the start of the series to own the House of Mouse, the club can only be shut down if theres no show going on. His efforts always backfire. Even Mortimer Mouse appeared on the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Purpose of This Show

While the term House of Mouse has been frequently used about the Disney company in various forms (and often as a shallow meaning), it`s a fitting synergy to actually have the series be named so. And yes, there`s a lot of puns and snarky self-references for the characters here.

The Blue Fairy gave me this
outfit :) Blame her :)

It wasn`t me who put you
there, Flounder :)

Yet regarding the gathering of the characters, while they should be scrutinized for belonging in their separate universes, the show could confirm that these characters are simply "actors" who`s acting for their characters, which many bloopers and outtakes have confirmed, (even though it should be a headscratcher, since animated characters aren`t litterally actors). But the compilation is what much makes this show unique among the ever growing jungle of Disney series. And it`s nice to see the various Disney characters interact with each other as well. And yeah, the gathering of the villains have been the most promoted aspect of the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue

 

We`re The Two Caballeros :)
The Third One left us :)

Otherwise, regarding of the quality of House of Mouse itself, it`s pretty much what you expect from Disney. It`s breezy, light-weight and entertaining. While the reaction have been mixed, at least there are some Disney fans who`ve liked it. Whether it should be compared to it`s show counterparts, at least House shines on it`s own terms. 

I recently lifted him up like
Rafiki did with Simba :)

And regardless of how it`s not been particularly credited by Disney historians for it`s compilation, at least it was nice to see a hand drawn show that featured Mickey Mouse, before the CGI craze took over. And since this show had it`s Anniversary last year, there`s nothing left to wish Happy Past 20th Anniversary, House of Mouse and may you continue to have many more.

 

 

Since it`s House of Mouse, it should`ve just included rodents and nobody else :)

 

 

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References: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Mouse 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272388/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_trv_1 

https://ew.com/article/2001/01/26/tv-show-reviews-bob-builder-disneys-house-mouse-jackie-chan-adventures-static/ 

http://www.tv.com/shows/disneys-house-of-mouse/