Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a beloved fairy tale that has been adapted numerous times, but its most iconic representation is arguably the 1937 animated film by Walt Disney Studios. Here is detailed information about this classic tale:
Origins of the Story
The story of Snow White has its roots in folklore. The earliest known version can be traced back to a 1634 story from Italy titled "The Young Slave." However, the tale as we recognize it today was popularized by the German Brothers Grimm in their 1812 collection of fairy tales, titled "Kinder- und Hausmärchen" (Children's and Household Tales). Their version, titled "Schneewittchen," was one of the tales that would later be adapted by Walt Disney.
Disney's Adaptation
Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a pioneering effort in the world of animation:
- Release: The film premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles on December 21, 1937.
- Production: It was Disney's first full-length cel-animated feature film and took three years to produce with a budget of approximately $1.49 million, which was an enormous sum at the time.
- Technological Innovations: The film introduced several technical innovations, including the use of the multiplane camera, which allowed for a three-dimensional perspective in scenes.
- Characters: The film features Snow White, the Evil Queen, the Huntsman, the Seven Dwarfs (Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey), and the Prince.
- Reception: It was a commercial success, grossing over $8 million in its initial release, which helped to secure the future of Disney's feature animation.
- Cultural Impact: The film is considered one of the greatest animated films ever made, with its songs like "Heigh-Ho," "Someday My Prince Will Come," and "Whistle While You Work" becoming cultural staples. It was also the first animated feature to be selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Story Summary
In Disney's version, Snow White, a beautiful princess, is pursued by her jealous stepmother, the Queen, who orders a huntsman to kill her. Instead, Snow White escapes into the woods and finds refuge with seven dwarfs. The Queen, learning of Snow White's survival, disguises herself and gives Snow White a poisoned apple that puts her into a death-like sleep. The dwarfs, believing her dead, place her in a glass coffin. Eventually, a prince discovers Snow White, and his kiss breaks the spell, reviving her. They live happily ever after, while the Queen meets her demise.
Legacy
- The film set the standard for Disney's future animated features, establishing many conventions that would become hallmarks of Disney animation.
- It has inspired numerous adaptations, including live-action films, television specials, books, and merchandise.
- The character of Snow White has become an emblem of innocence and beauty, with the story itself often used as a reference in discussions of fairy tales and their impact on culture.
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