Fabio Blanco said:
> MMmmm... I keep thinking Jiminy Cricket is a character from a  
> book by Carlo Collodi. A book adapted by some animators in a  
> Disney studio, but not a Disney invention... 

Actually, in the classic Collodi story, the cricket is called
either "Mr. Cricket" or the "Talking Cricket" and he is killed
by Pinocchio.  Jiminy Cricket, while based on the same character
is specific to the "Disney" version of the story and thus a 
Disney character.  I don't know anything about licensing fees
and such that Disney may need to pay to the Collodi family or
it's benefactors, like it does for the Milne and Burroughs families
for such adaptations as Pooh and Tarzan, but in the case of Disney
Family Tress it probably doesn't matter anyhow.  The character of
Jiminy Cricket, mostly through comics, but also through Disney
films, has moved far beyond his roots in Pinocchio.  

Like Figaro, a character actually created by Disney, the cat is
now living with Minnie and has had a few of his very own cartoons
as well.  In fact both Figaro and Cleo are now considered part of
Minnie's supporting cast (though people obviously still recall they
began as Gepetto's pets).

Jiminy went on to become the spokesbug for many of Disney's health
films, especially those shown on the Mickey Mouse Club.  He also
narrated the first half of the film FUN AND FANCY FREE (where Figaro
can also be seen).

Jiminy has appeared in many comics over the years as well.  He seems
to exist in the same world as Bucky Bug and Bootle Beetle.

Hence, Jiminy Cricket is fully integrated into the Disney universe.

Oh, and Gilles, as for his cousins Charlie Cricket and Charlie's son,
Junior Cricket, all I recall at this time is they appeared, I believe,
in some old WDC&S issues.  If I can, I will attempt to find specific
issues.  I also have the book with the Jiminy Cricket family tree,
but it only uses English. 

-Rich Bellacera
xephyr@cwnet.com






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