Walt Disney Art Classics Convention 2004 - Part 1
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Although she has lived for many years in the United States, Lisa Davis still sounds much like Anita today. She stated that this was no accident, because she loves her English accent. She finished her tribute to Disney by saying, “I am so delighted you appreciate the work we did back then. It lives in my heart, and it is timeless.�? She spoke warmly of visiting Disneyland, and remembered when Walt proudly showed her a room full of designs for new attractions. She also mentioned how pleased she was that Walt would invite her to sit at his table in the studio commissary. “I am still in awe of the magnificence that is Disney,�? she said warmly, “I am so pleased to be with you today.�?

As she concluded her remarks, Andreas Deja chimed in with a question: “Didn’t you help with another character?�? Davis laughed and pointed out that during the time she was recording Anita’s lines she got married, pregnant, and had her first baby. She said that the microphones were so sensitive, they could pick up the tiniest stomach gurgle. When Lisa Daniels, the voice of Perdita, got married, she moved away to Australia. So Lisa Davis did record a few of Perdita’s lines, as well as some puppy voices. “It was the best time of my life,�? she concluded, “I am happy to be part of the heritage that I share today.�?

There was a warm round of applause for Lisa Davis. But the presentation wasn’t quite over. Andreas announced that a short drawing lesson would follow. But first, he needed a model. Although there were several eager volunteers in the crowd, Deja’s critical eye determined that David Pacheco would be just perfect. He was sent off stage to get prepared as Deja explained that working in modern styles was a bit more difficult than the animation of the 1930s. Aladdin and The Lion King were more complicated than Mickey and Donald. As he finished that thought, he turned and called behind him, “I wonder where our model is!�?

It’s the 102nd Dalmatian, Pacheco Pup!

From a door at the back of the stage, David Pacheco entered in a Dalmatian dog costume, to the crowd’s obvious delight. Deja looked at him critically, stepped over to the overhead projector and firmly announced, “You must be down on all fours.�? Amidst the laughter, Pacheco dutifully crouched down, then admonished, “Don’t look at my tail! Cheeky monkey!�?

Lisa Davis is amused at David Pacheco’s predicament as he models for Andreas Deja.

Once he was satisfied with the pose, Deja swiftly drew as Pacheco bemoaned the indignity of it all. Lisa Davis sat back, enjoying the spectacle. Whenever Pacheco tried to look over at the drawing, Deja would order him to maintain his pose. Finally, Pacheco firmly announced, “My tail is getting very uncomfortable!�?

As Andreas Deja worked, his drawing was shown on large screens on either side of the platform.

Fortunately, the drawing, a perfect likeness of Rolly, complete with the caption “I’m hungry Mother!!�? was finished. As everyone admired Deja’s work, there was a commotion at the back of the room. It was Cruella de Vil herself, toting a large, covered clothes rack and looking very eager. “I hear you’ve been discussing my favorite subject—puppies!�? she announced.

Cruella herself rounded out the presentation.

She searched in vain, finding only an imposter—David Pacheco. Stymied in her puppy lust, she grandly revealed the clothing rack, which was stuffed with furs. As she spoke tenderly of them, she pointed out that the day’s next speaker owned a coonskin coat, which he wore as a hat. And, she added in her rich Mayfair accent, “He kilt him a b’ar when he was only three!�? With that she urged all to clear the room so preparations could be made for the next “class.�?