Disney in 1939

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

The Walt Disney Company has a rich and lengthy history with decades of amazing movies and significant company milestones.

Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened in the world of Disney in the year 1939. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.

Disney 1939 Movies Headlines:

In 1939, Disney released one notable movie:

  • December 21 – The Ugly Duckling (re-release) – This animated short film, originally released in 1931, was remade in color and became a classic, winning the Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).

Overall, 1939 was a significant year for Disney, especially with the success of The Ugly Duckling remake, which showcased Disney’s continued innovation in animation and storytelling.

Noteworthy Company News:

  • In 1939, Walt Disney began planning for what would become the company’s future headquarters. The studio moved to a new location in Burbank, California. The new Burbank studio was designed with the specific needs of animation production in mind, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that allowed Disney to continue to push the boundaries of animation.
  • The company also began work on its next major animated feature film, Pinocchio, which would be released in 1940. This period of planning and development was crucial for setting the stage for Disney’s future successes.

Overall, 1939 was a year of transition and preparation for Disney, marked by the move to a new studio in Burbank and the continued focus on creating high-quality animated content. These developments contributed to Disney’s ongoing legacy of creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry.


1939 Archives:

Here is the Internet’s largest rundown of all the Disney movies, songs and more released in the year 1939. New entries added daily, so be sure to check back often.

Disney Movies Released in 1939