Based on a German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this classic work of animation art was also a work of faith for Walt Disney, who went against the common belief that the film of Snow White could not be made. Besides artistic breakthroughs, the film also inspired many breakthroughs in animation techniques, equipment design and methods that had to be developed to meet the new creative challenges the film presented.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Nicknamed while it was in production as "Disney's Folly" by contemporary observers, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs earned critical acclaim and made film history when it premiered in 1937. The first full-length animated film took Walt Disney three years to produce and cost $1.5 million to make. Today the much-loved story of the young princess who is hunted by her wickedly jealous stepmother and befriended by seven little men is as fresh and lovely as the day it first enchanted audiences over 70 years ago.
Wicked Queen/Witch
The forces of good and evil are strikingly depicted in the difference between Snow White and her deadly enemy, the Wicked Queen, who is as vain and cruel as Snow White is kind and loving. One of Disney's most powerful characters, this villainess has two personalities - both of them are dreadful!
As the Wicked Queen, her icy beauty cannot hide her obsessive jealousy. As the Witch, her outside is as ugly as her inside! From warty nose to shrieking cackle, she's the epitome of evil - and an animated version of one's worst nightmare.
Snow White
The young princess who finds refuge from her wicked stepmother with seven pint-sized friends is as beautiful as the day she first appeared on screen in 1937. Snow White seems very young, even for a Disney Princess. In fact, it's her innocence and trust that enables the wicked stepmother to trick her.
But her pure, lovable nature also stands her in good stead, winning her the friendship and protection of the forest animals, the dwarfs and - of course - the handsome prince. Snow White rides away with the Prince on horseback and, as expected, they live happily ever after.
The pioneering animation in the film is breathtaking and songs such as "Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho" and "Whistle While You Work" are sure to get your toes tapping as you sing along!
Sources
- Just Disney. Information retrieved 15th February 2011
- Veness, S (2009) The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World. Adams Media
Linda Smallwood - Hi my name is Linda Smallwood. I am married with two sons aged 13 and 11 and live in North Wales. After 18 years working for The ...
