Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Originally published on social media on April 9th, 2022
Originally, I planned on discussing this film for it’s entertainment value alone. I would have highlighted the portions I enjoyed, which dwarf was my favorite (Bashful), and how cute the animals were. However, I probably would have still called it a horror movie for children.
Then I realized how that was the wrong approach. This was Walt Disney’s first full length feature film, and it deserves to be treated with respect for its contributions to the Disney legacy. Also, knowing the history behind the way it was made, I cannot help but admire it in its historical context.
Last year, my mom and I went to the Walt Disney family museum in San Francisco and saw Walt’s multiplane camera used for this film and others. The techniques the animators utilized to create different textures, stunning environments, and character movements are genius &
and amazing for 1937! Walt was truly a pioneer for animation and more!
This film in particular not only has a great Disneyland ride, but is full of fascinating history. Here are some incredible facts about this film. If you know other facts, feel free to add them in the comments:
-Disney Studios in Burbank was built with the profits of this film. The main building itself has the seven dwarfs carved into its architecture.
- Snow White is supposed to be 14
- The queen’s appearance was inspired by Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, and Greta Garbo.
-The original design for Snow White was done by the artists behind Betty Boop. They gave her pouting red lips, long eyelashes, and a glimpse of her ankles causing her to look more like a 'flapper' than a demure princess. Walt Disney threw this out as he wanted Snow White to be wholesome.
- Here’s a fan theory: the skeleton seen being mocked by the Queen was the Prince. Many fans believe Snow White actually died and the final scene where Snow White and the Prince arrive at the Prince's castle was really them reunited in the afterlife.
-Deemed too scary for children in England, people under 16 had to be accompanied by a parent.
- Walt won an honorary Oscar for this film and it was presented to him by Shirley Temple.