In 1947, The Walt Disney Company faced a dire situation, burdened by a $4 million debt following the financial setbacks of *Pinocchio*, *Fantasia*, and *Bambi*. World War II and other factors had significantly impacted the studio's success. However, the release of *Cinderella* proved to be a pivotal moment, rescuing the company from potential ruin and securing its legacy.
As *Cinderella* celebrates its 75th anniversary, we reflect on its enduring appeal and its surprising parallel to Walt Disney's own journey. The film not only revived Disney but also offered a beacon of hope to a world recovering from war, yearning for inspiration and belief.
The Right Film at the Right TimeDisney's 1937 triumph, *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, enabled the construction of the Burbank studio and paved the way for future animated features. However, the subsequent films, starting with *Pinocchio* (a $2.6 million budget, resulting in a $1 million loss despite critical acclaim), *Fantasia*, and *Bambi*, all underperformed. World War II significantly hampered Disney's European markets, impacting box office results.
“Disney's European markets dried up during the war, and the films weren’t being shown there,” explains Eric Goldberg, co-director of *Pocahontas* and lead animator on *Aladdin’s* Genie. “The studio was then tasked with creating training and propaganda films for the military. Throughout the 1940s, they produced 'Package Films'—collections of shorts compiled into feature-length releases. These were well-made but lacked the cohesive narrative of a traditional feature film.”
These Package Films, including those tied to the Good Neighbor Policy, helped offset losses but prevented the studio from focusing on full-length animated stories. Walt Disney himself expressed frustration, considering liquidation or selling the company before ultimately choosing to gamble on a new feature film.
“Walt was very good at reflecting the times, and I think he recognized what America needed after the war was hope and joy,” says Tori Cranner, Art Collections Manager at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. “Cinderella was the right choice for that moment in time.”
Cinderella and Disney’s Rags to Riches Tale
Walt's fascination with Cinderella dates back to 1922, when he created a short during his Laugh-O-Gram Studios days. This early adaptation, along with other Laugh-O-Gram productions, ultimately failed, but it highlighted Cinderella's enduring resonance with Walt, mirroring his own journey of humble beginnings and relentless pursuit of dreams.
Walt saw Cinderella as a more proactive character than Snow White, emphasizing her determination to achieve her dreams. This resonated with Walt's own story of overcoming challenges and setbacks. The project, initially conceived as a short in 1933, evolved into a feature film by 1938, finally released in 1950 after years of delays.
Disney's success with Cinderella stemmed from his ability to adapt classic fairytales, adding his unique touch and making them universally appealing. Goldberg notes, “Disney modernized these stories, making them enjoyable for all audiences. He made them palatable, and they’ve stood the test of time.”
The addition of animal companions and a more relatable Fairy Godmother contributed to the film's charm. The iconic transformation scene, painstakingly hand-drawn and painted, remains a testament to Disney's artistry.
Thanks so much for all your questions about Cinderella! Before we sign off, enjoy this pencil test footage of original animation drawings of the transformation scene, animated by Marc Davis and George Rowley. Thanks for joining us! #AskDisneyAnimation pic.twitter.com/2LquCBHX6F
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) February 15, 2020
“The perfect moment in the middle of that transformation where all the stardust and magic holds for just a fraction of a second before it all falls in and her dress changes…that's part of what makes that scene so magical,” Cranner explains.
The broken glass slipper, a Disney addition, further emphasizes Cinderella's strength and agency. Her resourcefulness in presenting the other slipper showcases her resilience and control.
Cinderella's success was immediate, earning $7 million on a $2.2 million budget, exceeding expectations and revitalizing the studio. Its impact extended beyond its financial success; it marked a return to the studio's core strength—creating narrative-driven animated features.
75 Years Later, Cinderella’s Magic Lives On
Cinderella's influence continues to resonate throughout Disney's works, notably in the iconic dress transformation scene in *Frozen*. Becky Bresee, lead animator on *Frozen 2* and *Wish*, confirms the deliberate connection, citing the sparkles and effects as direct homages to Cinderella's legacy.
While many contributed to Cinderella's success, including the Nine Old Men and Mary Blair, the film's enduring message of hope and perseverance remains its most powerful legacy. As Goldberg concludes, “Cinderella gives people hope that things will work out when you have perseverance and are a strong person. It shows that hope can be realized, and dreams can come true.”
