One of the cleverest of Walt Disney's TV "clip shows", "The Goofy Success Story" originally aired as an episode of the weekly Disneyland anthology. Narrated by Jack Bailey of Queen for a Day fame, the program begins as a cheerful, chuckling vagrant named Dippy Dawg meets a Hollywood talent scout. Tested out as a bit player in a 1931 Mickey Mouse cartoon, Dippy is signed to an exclusive contract with Disney studios--but first, his name is changed to Goofy. Thanks to a high-pressure studio buildup, Goofy gains popularity as a supporting player, then is awarded his own starring series. Alas, a professional reversal sends Goofy right back to the bottom, whereupon he briefly considers ending it all. But in 1950, the Goof enjoys a spectacular comeback as star of the Oscar-winning cartoon Motor Mania. "The Goofy Success Story" was later released theatrically overseas.
by Hal Erickson
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