The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture Grace Whitten American History II Spring Semester Henkel St. Petersburg College

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture Since the 1920s Walt Disney and his corporation have continued to shape the minds of countless generations: past, present, and future. The influence began in 1923 when Walt and his older brother, Roy opened the first Disney studio in Hollywood, California. By Walts death in 1966, hundreds of millions of lives had been affected by some variation of the Disney media empire. By then, that single small studio had turned into what we recognize Disney to be today

(Gabler, 2006).Walt Disney is best known as the man behind the mouse, but more accurately, he is the man that revolutionized the entertainment industry throughout the 20th century and his legacy continues to influence America even today (Watts, 1997). During his lifetime, Disney and his corporation have influenced American culture for close to a century through the entertainment industry, theme parks, and family values. On a train ride from New York to California, Mickey Mouse was born. This idea sparked the birth of a new generation of entertainment in America. Walt Disney originally wanted to title his principal character Mortimor, instead of Mickey Mouse. However his wife, Lillian, convinced him otherwise, officially creating the animated personality that we have all come to know and love (Vanpelt, 1999). Contrary to popular belief, Mickey Mouse initially made his film debut in the animated short Plane Crazy, a tribute to Charles Lindbergs trans-Atlantic flight, and not Steamboat Willie (Mallone, 2012). Plane Crazy was released without sound or color in 1928 and was followed shortly thereafter by the release of Gallopin Gaucho just a few months later. On November 18, 1928 Steamboat Willie premiered at the Colony Theatre in New York, becoming an overnight sensation with the American people. This short revolutionized the industry by being the first animation to include sound. This one cartoon could easily be the reason the industry exists today. From here, the Disney Corporation couldnt help but thrive.

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture

With newfound success putting a spring in his step, Walt Disney decided to retroactively include sound in both of his two previous short animations soon after the premier (Vanpelt, 1999). This style of animated shorts with sound paved the way for a new art form to develop, marking the birth of what we now call cartoons. Within five short years of his record breaking success with Steamboat Willie, Walt Disney was at it again. He embarked on a new business venture that was sure to change the face of pop culture all across America, forever. Technicolor was first introduced into the world of Disney in 1932 as part of the Silly Symphony series, Flowers and Trees. Although this was not the first animation to include color, it was the first to use an experimental new form of three-strip Technicolor. Redefining a genre didnt come without a price though. These methods were still in their trial phase at the time of Flowers and Trees which posed a major concern for both Disney and his investors. (Mallone, 2012). Technicolor proved to be exactly what Disney needed to push him over the edge, and into our hearts. Although money was always a concern for Walt Disney, with the help of his brother, Roy Disney, he signed a two year exclusive contract with Technicolor for use of their tri-color technology. Whether it was pride or indifference, Disney refused to accept any financial help from anyone. Technicolor, sensing a deal could be made, offered to offset the costs of their expensive coloring processes if Disney would include it in his Silly Symphonies. In lieu of payment, Walt Disney agreed to create thirteen Silly Symphonies in complete Technicolor. This contract was an extremely smart move on the part of Disney. It allowed him to have exclusive rights to this form of color giving him a significant head start over rivals (Gabler, 2006). Disney was once again ahead of all of his peers, and more importantly, his competitors. With the world at his feet, Disney was certainly a force to be reckoned with. But Walt didnt plan to stop there. After seeing the reaction of the American

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture

people to the Silly Symphonies in color and the ratings of the new Mickey Mouse series he knew that the nation adored him and the corporation he had established. Most popular Disney characters originated in either the Mickey Mouse series or in other shorts, such as the Silly Symphonies. Although none can possibly hold a candle in terms of fame or critical appeal then the comedic trio of Goofy, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse. After nearly a century, these three characters are still instantly recognizable to children and adults all across the globe. The Three Little Pigs also made their debut and were a huge hit (OBrien, 1985). Up until this point, Disney was synonymous with innovative techniques in short animations using both sound and color (Gerstein, 1999). In 1937, Disney was back to doing what he did best; changing the face of pop culture, forever. Although not everyone was supportive of the project; there were even some rumors circulating that Disney was going under. Despite all of this, Disney had a vision and he was determined to make it happen. To say the debut of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Carthay City Theatre was a colossal smash would be an understatement. Disney earned much critical acclaim for his work on the film. Many people applauded his ability to make such extremely realistic and relatable characters and commended their fluid movements (Rausch,2004). Not only was it the first feature length animated film, but it was also a critical and a financial success as well. It grossed nearly $8 million dollars (pre-inflation) at the box office when it premiered during the depression. In a time when people could barely make ends meet, they still went to the movies. Many say this new industry offered a way to escape reality, if only for a little while. "No medium has contributed more greatly than the film to the maintenance of the national morale during a period featured by revolution, riot and political turmoil in other countries. -Will Hays, head of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association, 1937. With this film, Disney had truly created an alternate reality for people to escape to but he also

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture gave them hope. This film paved the way for all of the other Disney princess movies. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first movie with its own unique soundtrack. All of this added up to one thing; the financial success from this film saved Disney from going under and continued to allow him to create works for the American people to enjoy (Mintz, 2011) After the success, and a win from the Academy Awards for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney had more visions of movies that would go down in movie history. Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi were all released between 1937 and 1943. Disney couldnt help his success; Pinocchio earned two academy awards and is still a fan favorite 70 years later. (Disney & Collodi, 1986). Mickey made another appearance in Fantasia when Disney mixed animation with orchestrated music. This was not the first time this happened, but it was the first time that it was showed in a full length animation. Dumbo and Bambi were both very successful full length animations, and once again proved to be fan favorites. Bambi showed the true beauty of nature, and showed life through an animals eyes. Bambi was the first of Disneys many movies to empathize with the plight of animals everywhere. Disney was once again shaping American culture (Lutts, 1992).

During World War II, Disney once again stepped up to the plate. Even though all of their foreign market was gone, they put most of their efforts into making informative and entertaining shorts for the men and women serving in the war. Disney also made propaganda that had strong anti-German and anti-Japanese messages; however, these were not intended for the public and never aired on television because they were inappropriate for all viewers (Cohen, 2004). These films were extremely accurate and boosted the moral of soldiers both at home and overseas.

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture In 1945, Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros came out. This is important because

it was the first time Disney mixed real actors with cartoons. This technique also showed up again in Mary Poppins and the Song of the South. In The Three Caballeros, Disney brought in culture from South America, which was influenced by a trip he took to South America. It was popular in all of the Americas. The Make Mine Music, Song of the south, and Fun and Fancy Free were all released from 1946 to 1947. True Life Adventures nature films series were created over 12 years. These edutainment films were loved and praised as they raised awareness and gave Americans a better appreciation of nature (Van Riper, 2011). Melody Time, Seal Island, and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad were released between 1948 and 1949. The second Disney Princess movie, Cinderella, came out in 1950. The reaction to Cinderella was similar to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney continued to grow, expand, and impact American culture. Once again, Disney had a first: Treasure Island. It was Disneys first completely live-action film. Alice in Wonderland premiered in 1951 with Peter Pan premiering just two years later (Wingert, 2010). Theme parks are something most Americans have experienced. In 2009, approximately 280 million guests visited U.S. amusement facilities and safely enjoyed 1.7 billion rides ("Iaapa, 2012).1953 was the year that Walt Disney had the idea for an amusement park that would be end up being called Disneyland. Always the smart business man, Disney knew such a project would take a large amount of investments. Low on funds, he cut a deal with ABC. In return for a onehour television series about the upcoming attractions on the ABC network, ABC agreed to invest in the park and give Disney loans for the project. This showed to be mutually beneficial as it boosted ABCs ratings as well (Wingert,2010). Disney bought a 160-acre orange grove located in the slightly rural Anaheim, California. It was easily accessible and construction began on July

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture 21, 1954 (Wingert, 2010). On July 17, 1955, Disneyland had it invitation only grand opening. Despite horrible heat waves, the park was adored. Disneyland was the first of its kind; it was an

atmosphere where all ages could enjoy themselves equally. It allowed young adults and elders to get back in touch with their inner child. The park had different sections with different themes to them; this also made the entire experience more enjoyable. The park was humongous, clean, orderly, and the staff was friendly and polite. Every park since it opened, has been compared, on some level, to Disneyland. It was a common theme to see Disney teach family values in each and every one of his short animations to full length films. Walt Disneys work always strived to cultivate a wholesome image. Disney had a gift, he could keep an entire family of all ages entertained for hours on end. He aimed to bring families closer and to open path ways for family discussion on the values of strong moral fiber and right vs wrong. His parks also influenced family time to be a happy and joyous time where they could each appreciate the others fully.

Unfortunately, Walt Disney died December 15, 1966 from an Acute Circulatory Collapse. This one man did a tremendous amount to define pop culture as we know it today. He embodied and surpassed the American dream. Disney and his corporation have influenced American culture for close to a century through the entertainment industry, theme parks, and family values. He started out as a poor child from Illinois with a dream, and left the world pursuing and going above and beyond what he had previously envisioned (Wingert, 2010). He allowed people to escape the harsh reality of their everyday existence and made age appropriate entertainment that everyone could enjoy at the same time. Americans trusted Disney, and continue to trust him and the corporation he left behind to entertain, teach and inspire them. [his] impact now lives in every household, as well as a place in everyone's soul (Watts,

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture 1997). Even though Uncle Walt died, the dream and the visions live on. Disney is still revolutionizing and shaping American pop culture today. He left us with an entertainment

industry that will be forever changed, happy memories to cherish for a lifetime, and the message that All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. -Walt Disney.

The Influence Disney had during his Lifetime on American Culture References
Cohen, K. F. (2004). Forbidden animation: Censored cartoons and blacklisted animators in america. London: McFarland. Disney, W., & Collodi, C. (1986). Pinocchio. New York: Gallery Books. Gabler, N. (2006). Walt Disney: The triumph of the American imagination. New York: Random House Inc. Gerstein, D. (1999). Dcml: Disney comics history, 1930-1984. Retrieved from http://stp.ling.uu.se/~starback/dcml/history.html Iaapa. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.iaapa.org/pressroom/AmusementRideInjuryStatistics.asp Johnson, P. (1993). Walt disney and his influence on the mass media. Retrieved from http://www.lib.niu.edu/1993/ihy930354.html Lutts, R. H. (1992, October). The trouble with bambi: Walt disney. Retrieved from http://www.history.vt.edu/Barrow/Hist2104/readings/bambi.html Malone, P. (2012, January 20). Disney shorts 1928: Plane crazy. Retrieved from http://disneyshorts.org/shorts.aspx?shortID=94 Mintz, S. (2011, 2012 12). Digital history. Retrieved from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/historyonline/hollywood_great_depression.cfm O'Brien, F. (1985). Walt Disneys goofy: the good sport. HP Books. Rausch, A. J. (2004). Turning points in film history. New York: NY Citadel Press.

Vanpelt, L. (1999). Opposing copyright extension. Retrieved from http://www.public.asu.edu/~dkarjala/publicdomain/Vanpelt-s99.html Van Riper, B. (2011). Learning from mickey, donald and walt: Essays on disne'ys edutainment films. (p. 10). McFarland. Watts, S. (1997). The magic kingdom: Walt Disney and the American way of life. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. Wingert, C. (2010, 05 07). Disney historical timeline. Retrieved from http://www.justdisney.com/walt_disney/timeline/index.html

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