Tag Archives: Marge Champion

The Late Great Willie Pyle

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Art Babbitt

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 →

Posted in 1941: The Disney Strike | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Marge on Art Babbitt

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Art Babbitt

A mini-doc on Art Babbitt, through the eyes and voice of his ex-wife, Marge, née Belcher, later Champion. Disney man Hal Adelquist is one of the other beach-goers.  Adelquist would later testify against Babbitt at the National Labor Relations Board … Continue reading →

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

How Babbitt Changed Animation Methodology – Pt 4 of 4

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Art Babbitt

LIVE ACTION REFERENCE We’ve discussed how Babbitt contributed to the development of animation and Disney’s golden age in many hugely significant ways.  The last method I’ll touch upon here is his use of Live Action reference. I’ve talked about it … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Alice in Wonderland, Animation, California, Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Marge Champion receives Lifetime Achievement Award Tonight!

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Disney fans might recognize Marge Champion, ex-wife and muse of Art Babbitt, as any one of these three characters: But to the dancing public, she’s a legend for her actual on-screen appearances.  And this very night, she is receiving a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Dance, Film, miscellaneous | Tagged | Leave a comment

Snow White on Tour

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Well, here we are, in Pittsburgh, on Friday, January 26th.  How’s 1940 treating you so far?  Brrr — Cold enough  for you?  Hey, hows about we take in a show tonight?  It just so happens I have a copy of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, 1942-1946: Repercussions, New York, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Disney’s Art Models

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Art Babbitt

For the Disney artists of the 1930s and early 40s, a huge credit of their exponential growth is owed to the in-studio art classes.  And while teachers like Don Graham and Eugene Fleury deserve their due, this post is to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, Dance, Disney, Illustration | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Babbitt’s Footage of the 1938 Oscars

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Art Babbitt

Happy Oscar season, everyone! The 10th Academy Awards was a unique event for the Disney Studios: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs received a nomination for best score, and The Old Mill won for best animated short. It was March 10th, 1938 … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Animation, Disney, Film, Hollywood, Photography, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Babbitt Birthday Brunch

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Art Babbitt

  Happy birthday Art Babbitt, you ol’ so-an’-so!  You’ve lied about your age before, but I’m afraid there’s no arguing that today you’re 105 years old. In around 1940 you and your lovely wife Marge hosted a brunch at your … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Film, Nine Old Men, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

Marge Champion, Disney and Art Babbitt

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Art Babbitt

On Monday I had the honor of meeting the lovely Marge Champion in her Manhattan apartment. Marge Belcher was born on September 2nd, 1919.  When she was 13 years old, she tried out as for the part of a reference … Continue reading →

Posted in 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, Dance, Disney, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments