The Gryphon and the Mock Turtle are two characters that were removed from the final draft of Alice in Wonderland in favor of the ones chosen. However, they eventually appeared in a Wonderland-based television commercial for Jell-O in the 1950s. A Mock Turtle named Jacque Turtelle appeared in the Alice's Wonderland Bakery Season 2 episode "Jacques Turtelle's Soup".
Background[]
Development[]
The 1930s[]
In the 1930s story treatment for the film, the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle would have been on the shore where Alice, the Dodo, and his followers washed up and would have taken part in the Caucus Race.
The 1940s[]
The two were still present in some near-final drafts made in the late 40s. While it is unknown where and when Alice would have encountered them, two songs were penned for the Mock Turtle at this point: "Beautiful Soup", in which he sang about some soup he made to the tune of "The Blue Danube", and "Lobster Quadrille", in which the Mock Turtle musically recites the poem of the same name while dancing with Alice, some lobsters, some oysters, and some baby turtles.
Appearances[]
Jell-O commercial[]
For the 1950s Jell-O commercial in which they appear, the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle sit with Alice on the beach, where the Mock Turtle expresses his discontent at having never studied cooking in school because it meant he would not be able to entertain with food. Alice then explains that he could simply entertain with Jell-O because it looked beautiful and he wouldn't have to cook it. At this realization, the Mock Turtle says he'd have a Jell-O party the next day, the invitation for which Alice and the Gryphon gratefully accept.
Trivia[]
- In the Little Golden Book of Alice in Wonderland, a cow-headed turtle creature (possibly the Mock Turtle) is among the creatures that appear in the Pool of Tears.
- In the 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle make non-physical appearances. The Red Queen has a mural depicting the Gryphon fighting against the Jabberwocky. Unlike in most depictions (including the classic Disney incarnation), this depiction has no wings. Although not seen in physical form nor mentioned by any of the characters, it is likely that the Jabberwocky was the one who destroyed the Gryphon. Also, the Mock Turtle is seen in a picture during the scene where the Knave of Hearts enters the room where the Mad Hatter is making hats.
Gallery[]
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