Cinderella at 75: The Princess and Glass Slippers That Saved Disney

Celebrating 75 Years of Cinderella: How a Princess Saved Disney

In 1947, The Walt Disney Company faced a daunting $4 million debt, jeopardizing its future after the financial setbacks of Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Bambi. World War II and other factors had severely impacted the studio's European markets and overall profitability. However, the release of Cinderella marked a turning point, rescuing Disney from potential ruin and becoming a symbol of hope for a world rebuilding itself.

This 75th-anniversary milestone prompts reflection on the film's enduring legacy. Its rags-to-riches narrative surprisingly mirrors Walt Disney's own journey, a tale of perseverance and unwavering dreams.

The Right Film, the Right Time

Disney's initial success with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) allowed for the construction of the Burbank studio. However, subsequent films, despite critical acclaim (Pinocchio's Best Original Score and Song Oscars), struggled financially due to the war's disruption of European markets and the studio's shift to wartime propaganda films and "Package Films" – compilations of shorter cartoons. These Package Films, while financially viable, lacked the narrative depth of feature-length animations.

Walt Disney himself expressed frustration, contemplating selling his shares and dissolving the animation studio. Yet, he and his brother Roy chose a risky gamble: investing heavily in a new feature animation, Cinderella, a decision that could have ended Disney's animation legacy.

Cinderella's selection wasn't arbitrary. Its similarities to Snow White, coupled with Walt's belief in its potential to offer hope and joy to a post-war audience, made it the ideal project. Tori Cranner, Art Collections Manager at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, emphasizes the film's timely message of hope and the possibility of beauty emerging from adversity.

Cinderella's Resonance with Walt Disney

Walt's fascination with Cinderella dates back to 1922, when he created a short film at Laugh-O-Gram Studios. The story, adapted from Charles Perrault's classic tale, resonated deeply with Walt's own experiences of humble beginnings and overcoming challenges. While his earlier Cinderella adaptation was unsuccessful, the underlying theme of achieving dreams despite adversity remained a powerful inspiration.

Walt admired Cinderella's proactive nature, contrasting her with the more passive Snow White. He saw in Cinderella a reflection of his own relentless pursuit of his dreams.

Disney's masterful storytelling transformed the classic fairytale into a universally appealing narrative. Eric Goldberg, co-director of Pocahontas and lead animator on Aladdin, highlights Disney's ability to modernize the tale, making it enjoyable for all ages while softening the grimmer aspects of the original story.

The film's success is also attributed to creative additions: Cinderella's animal companions provided comic relief and emotional depth, while the Fairy Godmother's more relatable, bumbling personality made her more endearing. The iconic transformation scene, meticulously animated by Marc Davis and George Rowley, remains a testament to Disney's artistry. Cranner notes the subtle magic of a momentary pause before the transformation, adding to the scene's enchantment.

The broken glass slipper, a Disney addition, underscores Cinderella's strength and agency. Goldberg emphasizes Cinderella's strong personality and resourcefulness, showcased by her quick thinking in presenting the remaining slipper.

Cinderella's triumphant premiere in 1950 marked Disney's return to form. Its box office success and critical acclaim revitalized the studio, paving the way for future classics such as Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and many more.

A Legacy That Endures

Cinderella's influence continues to resonate throughout Disney's animation legacy. Becky Bresee, lead animator on Frozen 2 and Wish, points to the direct connection between Elsa's dress transformation in Frozen and Cinderella's iconic moment, highlighting the enduring impact of the earlier film.

The story of Cinderella is not just a fairytale; it's a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the enduring magic of dreams. It's a story that saved Disney and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.