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 crippling $4 million debt, largely due to the underperformance of Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Bambi. World War II and other factors had severely impacted the studio's finances, threatening to end its animation legacy prematurely. However, a beloved princess and her iconic glass slipper stepped in to save the day: Cinderella.

As Cinderella marks its 75th anniversary of its wide release, we explore how this timeless rags-to-riches story mirrored Walt Disney's own journey and provided hope to both the company and a war-torn world.

The Right Film, the Right Time

Disney's 1937 triumph, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, fueled the studio's growth and allowed for the construction of its Burbank headquarters. However, subsequent films like Pinocchio, despite critical acclaim, faced financial setbacks. The loss of European markets due to World War II significantly impacted box office results. The studio was further diverted by wartime government contracts for training and propaganda films. The subsequent "Package Films," while financially sound, lacked the narrative depth of feature-length animations.

Walt Disney himself expressed frustration at the studio's deviation from feature animation, even contemplating selling his shares. However, he and his brother, Roy O. Disney, ultimately chose to gamble on a new feature-length animated film – a decision that could have meant the end of Disney's animation studio.

Cinderella's Significance

Cinderella, in various stages of development alongside Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, was selected for its resemblance to the successful Snow White. But more importantly, Walt believed it offered a message of hope and joy, crucial for a post-war America. Tori Cranner, Art Collections Manager at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, emphasized the film's timely message of hope and renewal.

Walt Disney's fascination with Cinderella dated back to 1922, when he created a short film during his Laugh-O-Gram Studios days. The story, adapted from Charles Perrault's classic tale, resonated with Walt's own journey from humble beginnings to success. He saw Cinderella's proactive nature – her belief in dreams and her willingness to pursue them – as a reflection of his own relentless work ethic.

Cinderella's enduring appeal stems from Disney's ability to transform a familiar fairytale into a universally palatable story. Eric Goldberg, co-director of Pocahontas and lead animator on Aladdin's Genie, highlights Disney's modernization of the fairytale, making it enjoyable for all audiences. The addition of Cinderella's animal companions, the unique portrayal of the Fairy Godmother, and the broken glass slipper all contributed to the film's success.

The Magic of Transformation

The iconic transformation scene, animated by Disney Legends Marc Davis and George Rowley, remains a highlight. Cranner emphasizes the meticulous hand-drawn and hand-painted detail, along with the subtle pause before the transformation, creating a magical effect. The broken glass slipper, a Disney addition, underscores Cinderella's strength and agency.

Cinderella's premiere in 1950 was a resounding success, earning $7 million against a $2.2 million budget. It revitalized the studio, leading to the creation of numerous beloved films like Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Sleeping Beauty.

A Lasting Legacy

Cinderella's influence continues to resonate in modern Disney films. Becky Bresee, lead animator on Frozen 2 and Wish, notes the direct connection between Elsa's dress transformation in Frozen and Cinderella's iconic moment.

The story of Cinderella is not just a fairytale; it's a testament to perseverance, hope, and the power of dreams. It's a story that saved a studio and continues to inspire audiences 75 years later.