Tag Archives: Disney

The Disney Strike Remembered: Cult of Personality

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Art Babbitt

It was 72 years ago today that a picket line formed outside the Disney Studios in Burbank, and hundreds of artist went out on strike.  It was Day One of what would ultimately be the largest (and most dramatic) strike … Continue reading →

Posted in 1941: The Disney Strike, Disney, Labor, New York | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Disney Training Program of the 1930s

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Assembled here are some quotations from primary sources about the training program that was in place at Disney’s in the early 1930s.  (Art Babbitt was part of Sharpsteen’s trainee unit from mid-1932 to early 1933.)  “…There were two of us … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Disney, Mickey Mouse, Nine Old Men | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Second Disney Task

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Art Babbitt

After Babbitt completed his first inbetweening test, news of his speed spread across the studio “like wildfire.”  Cartoons were, by their nature, expensive to make, requiring more time to produce six minutes of footage than a live action film required.  … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, Disney, Mickey Mouse | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

1936 Lecture part 3: Animation is Study

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Art Babbitt’s lecture to the Disney Staff on September 23, 1936 continues here.  Don’t miss parts One and Two.  In this section, Babbitt speaks some motivating words about being sensitive and critical to the world all around.

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, California, Disney, Hollywood, Mickey Mouse, miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Aldous Huxley on New Years Day

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Art Babbitt

To give you an idea of the scope of Babbitt’s celebrity while working at the Disney Studios, at age 34 he was invited to Aldous Huxley’s home for New Years.  A quote from Babbitt’s journal on Jan 1, 1942: Rang … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, 1941: The Disney Strike, Alice in Wonderland, Animation, California, Disney, Dumbo, Fantasia, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Disney Studio with Ice Cream

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Art Babbitt

I love this photo.  This was taken at the dawn of the Disney Golden Age.  Walt’s brother and business partner Roy had secured licensing deals, and with extra money from Mickey Mouse ice cream, wristwatches, cereal, etc., Walt had the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, California, Disney, Mickey Mouse, Nine Old Men, Photography, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Leftover Day!

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Art Babbitt

“Turkey, lobster, sweet potato pie/ “Pancakes piled up til they reach the sky/ “Lots of starches, lots of greens, fancy chocolate-covered [beans!]” “I’m gonna eat an’ eat an’ eat an’ eat an’ eat until I die.” -Goofy, in Fun and … Continue reading →

Posted in miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Art Babbitt

Well, Gorsh! One thing I’m thankful for is the incredible people I’ve met through this blog — not to mention all the amazing comments you have shared.   It’s so gratifying to know that others are inspired by this blog, so … Continue reading →

Posted in miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Organized Labor vs Steamboat Willie

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Art Babbitt

Sure, Art Babbitt and Walt Disney fought on opposite sides of the union during the Disney Strike, … but Walt Disney had a run-in with union unrest before Mickey Mouse ever premiered in his first film, Steamboat Willie! In late … Continue reading →

Posted in 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC, Animation, Disney, Film, Illustration, Labor, New York, Skeleton Dance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment