In 1947, The Walt Disney Company faced a dire financial crisis, burdened by a $4 million debt following the underperformance of *Pinocchio*, *Fantasia*, and *Bambi*. World War II and other factors had significantly impacted the studio's European markets and overall profitability. However, the release of *Cinderella* in 1950 proved to be a pivotal moment, rescuing the company from potential ruin and solidifying its place in animation history. As *Cinderella* celebrates its 75th anniversary, we explore the film's impact, reflecting on its surprising parallels to Walt Disney's own journey.
The Right Film at the Right TimeDisney's success began with 1937's *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, a groundbreaking achievement that allowed the studio to build its Burbank headquarters and embark on ambitious feature-length animation projects. *Pinocchio*, released in 1940 with a significantly larger budget than *Snow White*, ultimately lost approximately $1 million despite critical acclaim. Subsequent films, *Fantasia* and *Bambi*, also underperformed, exacerbating the studio's financial woes. The outbreak of World War II played a significant role, severely impacting Disney's European markets and necessitating the production of wartime propaganda films for the U.S. government. Throughout the 1940s, the studio shifted to "Package Films"—collections of shorter cartoons compiled into feature-length releases. While these films recouped costs and reduced debt, they diverted the studio from its core strength: creating full-length animated narratives.
Walt Disney himself expressed his desire to return to feature-length animation, acknowledging the substantial investment and time required. Facing a potential sale of his shares, he and his brother, Roy O. Disney, opted for a high-stakes gamble: producing *Cinderella*, their first major animated feature since *Bambi*. The success of this film was crucial for the survival of Disney's animation studio.
Several factors contributed to the selection of *Cinderella*. Its similarities to the successful *Snow White* made it a relatively safe bet. However, Walt also believed in the story's broader potential to offer hope and joy to a post-war world in need of uplifting entertainment. Tori Cranner, Art Collections Manager at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, highlights the film's capacity to inspire hope and the beauty of overcoming adversity, a message particularly resonant after the war.
Cinderella and Disney’s Rags to Riches Tale
Walt Disney's connection to *Cinderella* dates back to 1922, when he created a short film during his time at Laugh-O-Gram Studios. The story, adapted from Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale, resonated with Disney due to its rags-to-riches theme and its message of perseverance. Although his early animation efforts were unsuccessful, the underlying theme of achieving dreams despite obstacles remained a powerful influence on his creative vision.
Walt Disney saw *Cinderella* as a story about a proactive dreamer who actively pursues her goals. This resonated with his own entrepreneurial spirit and determination. The film's development spanned over a decade, delayed by World War II and other challenges. However, this extended period allowed for refinement and evolution, shaping the final product into the beloved classic we know today.
The success of *Cinderella* stemmed from Disney's ability to adapt classic fairy tales, infusing them with his unique style and emotional depth. Eric Goldberg, co-director of *Pocahontas* and lead animator on *Aladdin's* Genie, notes Disney's talent in making these stories universally appealing, transforming potentially grim cautionary tales into enjoyable narratives for all audiences. The addition of charming animal companions, a more relatable Fairy Godmother, and the iconic transformation scene all contributed to the film's widespread appeal.
The animation of Cinderella's dress transformation, often cited as Walt's favorite, is a testament to the artistry of Disney Legends Marc Davis and George Rowley. The painstaking detail, including the hand-drawn sparkles, creates a magical and unforgettable moment. Tori Cranner highlights the subtle pause in the transformation, creating a breath-taking effect before the final reveal. The addition of the broken glass slipper adds depth to Cinderella's character, emphasizing her resourcefulness and agency.
Premiering in 1950, *Cinderella* was a resounding success, exceeding expectations and revitalizing Disney's financial prospects. The film's critical acclaim and box office performance marked a turning point for the studio, signaling a return to its creative strengths and paving the way for future animation triumphs. The film’s impact is undeniable, inspiring countless artists and continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
75 Years Later, Cinderella’s Magic Lives On
The enduring legacy of *Cinderella* is evident in Disney's continued success and the influence it has had on subsequent films. Her castle serves as an iconic symbol across Disney parks, and her transformative magic continues to inspire animators. Becky Bresee, lead animator on *Frozen 2* and *Wish*, notes the direct connection between Elsa's dress transformation in *Frozen* and *Cinderella's* iconic scene, highlighting the enduring impact of the earlier film.
Beyond the technical achievements, *Cinderella*'s enduring power lies in its message of hope and perseverance. As Eric Goldberg eloquently states, the film's enduring appeal lies in its ability to inspire belief in the possibility of realizing dreams, no matter the circumstances. This message of hope, woven into the fabric of a timeless fairy tale, continues to resonate with audiences 75 years later, cementing *Cinderella*'s status as a true Disney classic.
