Author Archives: Art Babbitt

Read it today: THE DISNEY REVOLT

The culmination of this blog, and 10+ years of writing, research, and perseverance. From Chicago Review Press. Available wherever books are sold! For a limited time – get 25% off with promo code DISNEY 25 on the publisher’s site. Also … Continue reading

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Art Babbitt’s Disney Legend Award, 2007

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“The Disney Revolt”

Keep your eyes peeled on July 5 for the release of my new book, THE DISNEY REVOLT, about Walt, Babbitt, the golden age of Disney, and the 1941 strike! Details about the book and TONS of never-before-seen material can be … Continue reading

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The Truth about Dave Hilberman

Let’s get one thing straight. In 1947, when Walt Disney spoke to the House of Un-American Activities Committee during the country’s hunt for Communists, he named only four names. Three of those names were business managers of the Screen Cartoonists … Continue reading

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“Picket Lines in Paradise”

Read my feature article for American History Magazine on Art Babbitt and the Disney Strike, “Picket Lines in Paradise.”  You’ll find it in the June 2017 issue of the magazine. It has been a couple months since the issue hit … Continue reading

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Gunther Lessing – a backstory

Gunther Lessing is often mentioned as a key player in the Disney strike.  As Walt Disney’s Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel, he certainly held influence. In the mid-1930s, Lessing had an affable relationship with Art Babbitt.  In December 1937 … Continue reading

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Wise words

            “Never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.”                 – Hillary Clinton’s concession speech, November 9, 2016

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Dumbo! During Labor Unrest!

                      This week marks the 75th birthday of one of my favorite films of all time, Dumbo (1941).  Amazing, right?  Watch it today and it feels as timeless as ever.  … Continue reading

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Disney and the Mob: Willie Bioff

Let’s talk about the mob for a minute. There was a man named Willie Bioff.  He was a member of Al Capone’s gang, as was his partner, George Browne.  They were both top men of the Hollywood stagehands’ union, the … Continue reading

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The Late Great Willie Pyle

On June 2nd at 8am, my friend Willis Pyle died of a heart attack in his New York City apartment.  Willie was 101 years old, but was sharp and witty to the end.  I was told that he was doing … Continue reading

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