Born: December 5, 1901, Chicago Now try to imagine a world untouched by Walt Disney. A world without his magic, imagination, and optimism. That means no Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck; none of his animated classics, with their songs, characters or stories as we know of them today. Walt was always creating, improving, or dreaming up something new. Even at a very early age his interest in art showed. When he was seven years old, he sold small sketches, and drawings to nearby neighbors. Years later Walt discovered his first movie house on Marceline's Main Street. There he saw a dramatic black-and-white recreation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It was during these carefree teen years of country living young Walt began to love, and appreciate nature and wildlife, and family and community, which were a large part of agrarian living. As a young adult his talents were first put to use in a silent cartoon entitled Plane Crazy. However, before the cartoon could be released, sound was introduced in the motion picture industry. Walt decided to scrap it. Thus, Mickey Mouse made his screen debut in Steamboat Willie, the world's first synchronized sound cartoon. Technicolor was introduced to animation during the production of his Silly Symphonies Cartoon Features. Walt Disney held the patent for Technicolor for two years, allowing him to make the only color cartoons. In 1932, the production entitled Flowers and Trees won Walt the first of his studio's Academy Awards. Walt Disney was a legend and dreamer of the 20th century. Walt Disney did more to touch the hearts, minds of millions of people around the world. Through his work he brought joy, happiness, and a universal means of communication to the people of every nation. It is certain that there will never again be another man, quite like Walt Disney. DISCLAIMER: ©Copyright 2007 Amy unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved. |
