On December 21, 1937, a legendary Disney animated film premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The film was none other than "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated feature film in history.
The premiere was a star-studded event, attended by Hollywood's biggest names, including Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Temple, and Judy Garland. Walt Disney himself was there, nervous about how the audience would react to his groundbreaking film.
The movie had been in production for three years and had cost a staggering $1.5 million to make (equivalent to about $28 million today). Many in the film industry dubbed it "Disney's Folly," believing that audiences wouldn't sit through a feature-length animated film.
However, when the curtains rose and the film began, the audience was enchanted. They laughed at the antics of the seven dwarfs, gasped at the evil Queen's transformation into a hideous witch, and cheered when Snow White was awakened by true love's kiss.
The film was a massive success, grossing over $8 million during its initial release (equivalent to about $150 million today). It received a special Academy Award, presented to Walt Disney by Shirley Temple, for being "a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field."
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" paved the way for future animated features and established Disney as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. It's a date that will forever be remembered in the history of cinema and in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
