Shhhhh…. Listen!
One of my favorite items from Walt Disney World growing up (and later, one of my most treasured collectibles), was “The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion,” an LP album featuring an eerie soundtrack, narrated story, and a pre-Happy-Days-and-filmmaking-career Ron Howard.
Originally recorded in 1969 the album told the story of teenagers Mike (Ron Howard) and his lovely date Karen (voiced by Robie Lester). Intended as a simple promotional album, this Disneyland Records Storyteller album was released to commemorate the opening of The Haunted Mansion.
The story is narrated by the legendary Thurl Ravenscroft, (the original voice of Tony the Tiger, the singer of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” from Chuck Jones’ classic cartoon How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and various other Disney films and attractions).
While the album didn’t tell the actualy “story” of the Haunted Mansion itself, it did include many scenes from the Disneyland ride, as well as original sound effects (which added to the album’s already high “cool factor”). The story told on the LP is an original one, but with many faithful nods to the attraction upon which it is based, as it actually includes original scenes and effects that never made it into the final attraction
Fortunately for Haunted Mansion and Disneyland/Walt Disney World fans, The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion will finally be released on CD on September 22, 2009, although it will be available to own 12 days early exclusively to D23 members on September 10, 2009.
The CD contains two tracks…. (or does it?)
In 1969, this Disneyland Records Storyteller album was released to commemorate the opening of Haunted Mansion. Intended as a simple promotional album, this recording has become a cherished childhood memory for many a Disneyland guest. The Story and Song of The Haunted Mansion includes original scenes and effects that never made it into the final attraction as it follows the story of two teenagers (voiced by Robie Lester and a young Ron Howard) who take refuge inside the eerie mansion during a mysterious rainstorm.
2. BONUS TRACK – Grim Grinning Ghosts
The official Disneyland® Park version
There is also Bonus Content on the CD as well!: Insert this CD into your computer to enjoy a second session of HiRez Collin Campbell images of his original paintings for the 1969 vinyl release.
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You can order The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion
directly from Amazon.com by clicking the link or image above.
