Last night on PBS was the first part of the Walt Disney American Experience. A show that features documentaries of great American inventors, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and legends in their field. The 2 part episode featured none other than Walt Disney himself. I have watch a lot of documentaries about Walt, I have read many books, blogs, websites, and magazines. When I say a lot.... I mean A LOT. I can honestly say that last night was the first time I saw new footage featured in a program about him. It was also the first time I heard new audio of Walt speaking! It was captivating not only because of the new sensory material, but the subject matter was hard hitting. Often times when you learn of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse it is presented in such a passive way that you do not realize the struggle and determination it took for Walt to pitch the cartoon to theater after theater for 3 months before someone gave him a chance. This program took it beyond the fairy dust of wishing on a star and pulled back the curtain on the reality of what it took for a man and a mouse to build the empire that took on his name.
Part 1 covered his humble childhood through the release of Pinocchio and the cartoonist union strike of 1941. Part 2 airs tonight on PBS. Check your local listing for re-runs and times. You can also purchase the series on Amazon.com here:
Part 1 covered his humble childhood through the release of Pinocchio and the cartoonist union strike of 1941. Part 2 airs tonight on PBS. Check your local listing for re-runs and times. You can also purchase the series on Amazon.com here: