It all began with a mouse.
And from that mouse sprung forth an empire that now owns several theme parks around the world, several television stations, and production subsidiaries. The far reaching grip of Disney cannot be underestimated: everyone at some point in their childhood fell in love with a Disney film, and it is because those films are so identifiable to us now that we can get huge nostalgia kick out of a trip to Disneyland, where we see all our favorite characters from all our favorite films.
Mickey Mouse may be the mascot, but the first feature Disney film, the first feature animated film, is already 75 years old. And that is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Seen today, the film has aged wonderfully well. Oh sure, Snow White and Prince Charming are just about the most bland characters you could imagine, but its still a delight to behold.
Of course the plot is simple: Snow White is decreed fairest in the land by The Evil Queen's Magic Mirror (who, really, is kind of a dick; he knows what The Queen will do) and so the Queen orders Snow White's execution. The Huntsman tasked with the job feels pity for the girl, so he sends her away (in Universal's upcoming release, he stays and trains her). After running through the woods, she stumbles upon the Dwarfs hut, and goes about cleaning for them.
Yadda yadda yadda, you know the rest. It's actually amazing how little plot there is in the film. It runs 83 minutes, but by the tenth minute Snow White is already running through the woods, and you wonder how the film will stretch the rest out. Disney fills the movie with delightful numbers and characters that pad out the film and, though the plot has little forward momentum, keeps the mood upbeat.
In fact, the movement of the plot fits the film. The focus shifts to the Seven Dwarfs realizing an intruder is in her house, and a long scene plays out where they slowly try and confront her, sending Dopey into the front line. Then Snow White makes them wash-up. Then they have a celebration. These are great, fun scenes and before you know it, the Queen has turned into the old Hag and the Dwarfs chase her off a cliff.
Its almost hard to imagine that this film was seen by children and adults alike who both loved it equally for different reasons. Of course Disney's greatest contribution is probably also the thing that has kept animation behind: its now seen as children's entertainment, and has to work the extra mile to prove itself to adults. Most, if not all, animated films produced in the US are aimed at children, because the more adult animated films do not get seen. Its an unfortunate stereotype because at its most powerful, animation can move you just as much as any live action film (see Grave of the Fireflies, a Japanese film that deals with dark subject matter).
However, Snow White's contribution cannot be understated; its success lead Disney to produce a variety of other films and create a line-up of characters and moments so memorable that it becomes timeless. Dumbo flying through the air; Cinderella putting on the glass slipper; The Bear Necessities of life; Cruella De Vil; Lady and the Tramp sharing spaghetti; Mickey Mouse commanding the waves. All this began with what is arguable the most famous kiss of all time.
