The Walt Disney Company has a rich and lengthy history with decades of amazing movies, shows and park experiences. To commemorate Disney’s 100th birthday this year, I am spotlighting the company’s history year by year in this new ‘Disney by the Years’ series.
Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened in the world of Disney in the year 1940. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.
Disney Company Headlines in 1940:
Walt Disney Productions first offered public shares of the company in 1940, although the company didn’t have its IPO and official listing on the New York Stock Exchange until 1957.
The company also released its first Annual Report in 1940.
Disney Movies Headlines in 1940:
In 1940, Disney didn’t release many movies, but the two they did release, Pinocchio in February and Fantasia in November, are two iconic animated Disney films.
It should be noted that 1940 marked the debut of Daisy Duck who first appeared in the Disney short Mr. Duck Steps Out.
Disney also won an Oscar in 1940 for the short The Ugly Duckling.
That’s all for 1940. Stay tuned for in-depth looks at additional years in the very near future!