Bidding for this lot will end on Friday, March 27th. The auction will begin at 2:00 PM (PDT) / 5:00 PM (EDT) / 9:00 PM (GMT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Wednesday, March 25th or Thursday, March 26th.
A framed original production cel setup featuring Scrooge McDuck and Willie the Giant from Disney's Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983). Mickey's Christmas Carol was directed by Burny Mattinson, one of Walt Disney Animation's legendary story artists, and marked the first theatrical appearance of Mickey Mouse in over 30 years. It also introduced Scrooge McDuck's defining screen portrayal, cementing him as Disney's definitive Ebenezer. His performance in this film later inspired the tone and personality of DuckTales (1987), making it one of the most influential reinterpretations of a classic character. Beloved by audiences and animators alike, Mickey's Christmas Carol was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Short Film and continues to be an annual tradition for generations of Disney fans.
This sequence was animated by Ed Gombert and Dale Baer, two of the film's key supervising animators. Baer's fluid motion and expressive exaggeration gave Willie his distinctive warmth and comedic humanity, while Gombert's work on Scrooge captured the precision and restraint that defined his character throughout the film. Together, their collaboration created one of the short's most memorable and balanced interactions, the blustering but kind-hearted giant contrasted with Scrooge's cautious reserve.
This charming moment shows Scrooge peering nervously through the window as Willie, in the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present, looks on with good-natured curiosity. The multi-cel setup includes a rare hand-painted window overlay, giving the scene remarkable depth and the illusion of cinematic perspective. It comes presented in a dark-stained wooden frame, which exhibits some scuffing and wear.
Warm, funny, and deeply nostalgic, this production cel setup perfectly encapsulates the heart and craftsmanship that have made the film a perennial favorite. Professionally and cleverly matted and framed, this is a superb and display-ready artefact from one of Disney's most enduring and beloved animated classics. Dimensions (framed): 42 cm x 45 cm x 1.5 cm (16.5" x 17.75" x 0.5")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: $900 - 1,800