Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a classic animated film produced by Walt Disney and released in 1937. It is the first full-length cel-animated feature film in history and marks a significant milestone in the world of animation and filmmaking.

The film is based on the German fairy tale “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a beautiful princess named Snow White who becomes the target of her jealous stepmother, the wicked Queen. Fearing that Snow White’s beauty surpasses her own, the Queen orders a huntsman to take Snow White into the forest and kill her. However, the huntsman takes pity on Snow White and lets her escape.

Lost and frightened, Snow White finds refuge in the home of seven friendly dwarfs: Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey, who welcome her and protect her from the Queen’s wrath. As Snow White and the dwarfs form a bond, the Queen discovers that Snow White is still alive and disguises herself as an old hag to poison her with an enchanted apple.

The film is a masterpiece of animation, featuring groundbreaking techniques and expressive character design. It was a major success upon its release and became the highest-grossing film of its time, despite initial skepticism from the film industry about the viability of an animated feature-length film.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” introduced audiences to the Disney Princess franchise, establishing Snow White as the first Disney Princess and setting the standard for future animated princess films. The film’s success also enabled Walt Disney to build his animation studio into the entertainment empire it is today.

The film’s charming characters, memorable songs, and heartwarming story have captivated audiences for generations. Snow White’s innocence and kindness, the comical and endearing dwarfs, and the evil Queen’s iconic transformation into the wicked witch have become iconic elements of Disney’s storytelling.

In addition to its cultural impact, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” received critical acclaim and has been included in numerous lists of the greatest films of all time. It was also recognized with an honorary Academy Award for Walt Disney, consisting of one full-size Oscar and seven miniature ones, symbolizing the seven dwarfs.

Overall, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” remains a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences of all ages, proving to be an enduring testament to the artistry and creativity of Walt Disney and his team of animators.

Fun Facts

Walt Disney received one regular-sized Oscar (Honorary Award) for Snow White and seven miniature awards to go with it.
It has been said that the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs inspired the creation of The Wizard of Oz.
After it was released, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs quickly became the highest-grossing sound film.
Snow White was the biggest movie of 1938.
Snow White has been re-released to theaters 8 times since it’s initial run.
It took more than three years to create the movie.
Snow White was widely referred to as ‘Disney’s Folly’ while it was in production.
Walt Disney had to mortgage his home to finance Snow White
The movie was originally supposed to be focused on the Dwarfs.
Snow White was the first US film to have a soundtrack album.
There is a live-action Snow White spin-off movie, Rose Red, planned for future release.

Additional Details

Movie Studio: Disney
Year Released: 1937
Type of Movie: Animated
Box Office: $418.2 million
Awards: Won Academy Award
IMDB Link

Cast

Adriana Caselotti: Snow White
Lucille La Verne: Queen Grimhilde / Witch
Harry Stockwell: The Prince
Roy Atwell: Doc
Pinto Colvig: Grumpy and Sleepy
Otis Harlan: Happy
Scotty Mattraw: Bashful
Billy Gilbert: Sneezy
Eddie Collins: Dopey
Moroni Olsen: The Magic Mirror
Stuart Buchanan: The Huntsman

Crew

Directors: David Hand, William Cottrell, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce and Ben Sharpsteen
Producer: Walt Disney
Writers: Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander, Dick Rickard, Earl Hurd, Merrill De Maris, Dorothy Ann Blank and Webb Smith
Music: Frank Churchill, Paul Smith and Leigh Harline