The figures at the Einsel Theater doubted that all the predictions their show promised would come true. But they were still hopeful.
Smart telephones that can check stocks, book holidays, and buy shopping? And can help kids with their homework while also hooking up to teleconference calls and sending mail? A tiny computer that was also a phone?
That honestly seemed more like witchcraft than technology.
They saw no evidence that this would happen, at least not any time soon. But it would be great if it did.
A wacky invention like that really would bring the world closer together.
Of all the stuff Disney Imagineers predicted in the 80s, including the Peloton?!, this weird little show is the creepiest.
The show's song was written by Thomas Tierney, a composer who's composed at least seventeen musicals. The song starts off with the lyrics;
"Now mom and dad and junior can own
A new-dangled smart telephone"
And it only gets weirder from there in its predictions.
This was forty years ago, after all.
Other choice lyrics
"On a screen at home make plans to roam
To your favourite ski resort"
"When you want to go shopping
It'll bring the store to your front door"
"The mail is moving
At electronic speed"
"You will talk to two or quite a few
On a teleconference call"
"Your phone will be a computer"
I could say more, but it's honestly best you check the song out for yourself!
It is an earworm and a half though!