Tag Archives: Gunther Lessing

Disney and the Mob: Willie Bioff

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Art Babbitt

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 →

Posted in 1941: The Disney Strike | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Letters of Termination

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Art Babbitt

Seventy-five years ago today, Art Babbitt was fired from Walt Disney Productions. It was Tuesday, May 27, 1941.  Babbitt was coming in from lunch and the security guard apologetically  handed him an envelope containing two letters.  “Bad news, Art,” he … Continue reading →

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Gunther Lessing and the Strike

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Art Babbitt

A homemade presentation on the origins of the Disney Strike, and tumultuous relationship between Babbitt and Walt Disney’s V.P.

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, 1941: The Disney Strike | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Happy Anniversary Disney Union and Occupy Movement

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Art Babbitt

Just about a week ago, we had 2 labor milestones: The one-year anniverary of the Occupy Movement (starting in Wall Street, New York) and the completion of the 70th full year of Disney’s company union (on Sept 21). Ok, it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 1941: The Disney Strike, Animation, California, Disney, FDR, Film, Labor, miscellaneous, OWS, politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment