The NFFC held their annual summer convention from July 15 - 20th.  LaughingPlace.com is presenting a series of reports from the convention. For more information on the NFFC, see LaughingPlace.com/NFFC.

The Bruce and David Show – Memories
Saturday, July 19th 2003 9AM NFFC Convention

Saturday’s first segment was a retrospective of the Bruce and David Show and a moving tribute to David Mumford who tragically passed away last January. The duo of Imagineers, Bruce Gordon and David Mumford, had been a popular event at past NFFC Conventions. From 1989 to 2000, audiences were guaranteed laughter, fun, insider information, and giveaways at the show.

The tribute started with a special video presentation with photos and memories from Mumford’s life to the tune of Louis Armstrong’s, “Wonderful World.�? From there Gordon went on to list the various shows over the years; highlighting with video clips the unique talent that was David Mumford.

If there was one thing the Bruce and David show was famous for it would have to be throwing items. From bags of Fritos to the infamous incident (well, they were almost all infamous) with the Swiss Family Treehouse leaves, the duo never failed to create a stir. Below is a list of the topic of each seminar and, when mentioned in the seminar, the items thrown.

1989 - The History of the NY World’s Fair; the first teaming of Bruce and David

1990 - Sounds of Disneyland; including the Frito Kid and tossed Frito bags.

1991 - 3-D Slide show of Disneyland Construction; tossed 3-D glasses.

1992 - 40th Anniversary of W.D.I. (mostly covering the Glendale Airport)

1993 - New Fantasyland 10th Anniversary

1994 - Haunted Mansion & shameless promotion with the debut of the ‘Nickel Tour’

1995 - Disneyland Anniversaries; tossed unused giftgiver tickets 1996 - Their first extended skit; tossed WDW 25th anniversary slides 1997 - second extended skit; tossed toilet paper rolls (made a big mess)

1998 - Tokyo Disney Sea and Mermaid Lagoon (David Mumford Art Director); tossed shamless plug for next book “Walt’s Time�?

1999 - Last time Mumford appeared on stage (also appearing Roberta Brubaker); tossed Swiss Family Treehouse leaves.

2000 - The ‘Teleconference’ - Last Bruce and Dave show done with a faked teleconference to cover while Mumford was working in Japan.

The Bruce and Dave Show - Memories seminar ended with a reveal of the last book Gordon and Mumford worked on together. Mumford was able to review the proofs of the book in January and the book is scheduled for an August availability. “Ellenshaw Under Glass: the life and career of Peter Ellenshaw�? is an exhaustive look at Disney’s most famous Matte Artist.

The show ended with another special video presentation this time of David Mumford’s various appearances at past NFFC conventions and with a much deserved standing ovation.