Between Books - The Disney Revolt

 

The Disney Revolt by Jake S Friedman could be my favorite new Disney book of 2022. It entertains, educates, and provides more depth into a turning point moment in Disney history. This book is a must-read for those who are Disney animation history enthusiasts.

The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age by Jake S, Friedman details the rise of Disney animation, the animation strike of 1941, and the long-term repercussions of this event. While at moments, it reminds me of a Parallel Lives of Plutarch formula, using Walt Disney and Art Babbit as the main entries into the story, it is really the insight into Babbit’s life that gave me the most interest as a reader. Friedman discusses the early life and career of Walt Disney to the founding of his animation studio and the release of animated shorts to features with Snow White. Disney evolves as a businessman with working-class roots who was close to his small yet growing staff and invested in their development with the creation of the in-studio art school as he attempted to maximize his artist’s efforts. As the business grew, the gap between labor and management also grew. This led to miscommunication and differing priorities over schedules, salaries, credit, and bonuses. Additionally, labor in Hollywood became increasingly organized, due to market and criminal forces, which meant eventually union influences would make their way to the studio. Disney and his leadership team attempted to shepherd and control, these influences in an attempt to keep the union voices pro-Disney, At the same time, the intelligent and outspoken Babbit worked to limit management control hoping that the voice of the worker would be truly heard. This eventually led Babbit to lead the 1941 lockout that would polarize employees and in some cases break relationships forever. Case in point, Babbit himself would virtually be exiled within the studio and later forced to leave with his art contributions largely ignored by the studio. Friedman presents us a history of Disney labor relations that is factual and highlights the faults of all involved in what was a painful and messy moment in Disney history.

While I at times saw similarities with the Parallel lives structure, it was really the Babbit content that stuck most with me. Friedman, in my mind, does not make him the hero of the book he provides a balanced view of Babbit’s life. I have found that other books will make mention of Babbit as only a victim, but Friedman introduces us to a man who was innovative and artistic and yet flawed. Babbit could carry grudges and act on perceived offenses that perhaps would be best ignored. He was passionate about things that he believed matter, and in this case, making sure that Disney employees were able to be heard on the union issue and not forced into a decision and organization that did not truly represent them. It is easy to see him standing on the picket line, yelling at his colleagues for breaking the line, and doing so with a tone that would forever break their friendships, until their elder years. Friedman shows us also an artist who was not perfect, at times needing to work outside of the Disney standard, and was innovative as he brought forth ideas like film reference.

The Disney Studio does not leave this account guilt-free. Walt and his leadership team were very invested, too invested, in creating a pro-management union at the studio. And many of their actions were underhanded and deceitful. It was not Babbit, but the studio, that interacted with gangsters in attempts to end the strike! Reading this account, one’s stomach gets squeamish as you read about Disney’s counsel Gunther Lessing and some of his actions at and before Disney. For strikers and management, everyone has a share of the blame for the moment that turned vicious and ended the family feeling at the studio.

The text is a solid work of history. It is extensively researched and notated. Additionally, it is well-written and engaging for a work that is primarily academic in tone. I enjoyed the use of pictures, which are sprinkled through the pages instead of condensed in one spot. They are put next to the most relevant moments and help to move the story along.

The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age by Jake S, Friedman is an engaging story of a key moment in Disney and animation history. Readers get to better know Art Babbit, both his strengths and weaknesses, and are reminded that Disney is a company that acts on business interests. If you told me that I would “enjoy” a labor history, I would have likely laughed. But seeing this moment through the eyes of Babbit and Disney created different views of this moment and likely a better understanding of this turning point!



Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Between Books - They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years The 1940's - Part One

 

Short Version - They Drew as They Pleased by Didier Ghez is really good.  If you like or love Disney animation and books you will want very volume.

Long Version - They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years The 1940's - Part One by Didier Ghez is the second volume in this art driven series.  Ghez again features treasures from Disney's story artists.  The book covers artists that are well known in Kay Nielsen and Retta Scott but also those that Disney fans may not be as familiar with like Walt Scott.  Each chapter includes a brief description of the artist's work and the pages of their art, which are well-framed and often striking to the reader.

Honestly, I do not have a lot to say about this volume.  The artists picked are a great representation of the studio and the films which Disney had in production during a time that Ghez labels a musical era.  Ghez faces some issues straight one such as the status of women in the studio and Walt Disney's views of their contributions.  A theme which is unstated in this volume is short tenures with many of these artists quickly moving on in the time of economic uncertainty as World War II opens and labor changes after the studio strike.  If I had a to pick a criticism, I would have loved to see more of Retta Scott's art for Bambi and less of unfinished Disney projects due to her skill drawing animals.

If you are reading this review you probably like or love Disney books.  Yes, you need a copy of They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years The 1940's - Part One by Didier Ghez in your library.  There is a pretty good chance you were already thinking about this!  Just let me confirm it for you.  It is an excellent volume with fantastic art that you want in your collection.

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Between Books - Son of Faster Cheaper

When I opened the envelope and saw the book I knew Son of Faster Cheaper was different than most Between Books.  This half-sized book reminded me of the cartoon books that I would often check out as a kid collecting newspaper comics.  And that was really not where the parallel ended.

Son of Faster Cheaper: A Sharp Look Inside the Animation Business by Floyd Norman showcases cartoons drawn by Norman during his 50 plus years in animation at studios including Disney, Hannah-Barbera and Pixar.  The cartoons are arranged in themed chapters that include glimpses of “Working for Walt”, Disney under the Eisner era, the “Animation Boom”, Norman’s forced “retirement” from Disney, and more.  The typical page is filled with one of Norman’s cartoons with maybe a sentence or two of commentary about what his image was capturing about the studios.  The book includes several negative perspectives about Michael Eisner and his era.  And being a story artist he attacks the mistreatment of animators and studio artists. 

One of the things that Norman does not back away from is Walt Disney.  And he does not give Walt, who I have always been under the impression Norman respected, an easy time.  He does show in his images the grumpy Walt who could be tough on struggling story men.  And his Disney model is very much an older gentleman with a hump and cigarette who is tougher older businessman than Uncle Walt.  And one gets the feeling he can capture the tough side of Walt with “love.”  But the man he does not appear to love is Michael Eisner and his stream of vice presidents.  Norman paints the Eisner era as one of greed with images of Eisner retooling the new Animation building and leading Disney animation through high profits for the few and never the animators.  Though, Frank Wells does seem to get a fairly positive depiction in his cartoons. 

Norman also depicts the work of animation.  In one chapter he captures in images the thankless job of the story artist, which very much feels like a visual representation of some of the themes found in Mouse in Transition.  And he also provides his thoughts on animation directors, having worked with both good and bad ones.

Norman’s images are simple.  But many of them are striking.  For some reason his depictions of the new Animation building really caught my attention, showing the state of things as he saw them under Eisner.  And much like those cartoon books of my childhood, Norman gave me several chuckles.

Son of Faster Cheaper is a quick and easy to read.  It helped me remember cartoon books of my childhood.  Personally, I like having a physical copy of this book in my hands, just so I can flip through the cartoons drawn by a legend.  And I found myself happy to see that future volumes by Norman, which I assume will be similar, are forthcoming in the future. 

I guess like when I was a kid, I like a good gag!

Review Copy Provided by Theme Park Press    

Between Books - Animation Anecdotes

Animation Anecdotes: The Hidden History of Classic American Animation by Jim Korkis provides snippets of animation history from Disney and other animation studios.  The book is broken into 14 chapters organized around studios including Disney, Hanna-Barbara, Bluth and more.  Additionally there are chapters on television productions, non-Disney features, miscellaneous and projects that were never made.  The chapters consist of stories from animation history that are generally never more than a few paragraphs in length.  The stories include lost history, humorous anecdotes, and interesting facets from animation's past.

As a Disney fan the Disney chapter caught my immediate attention, and luckily it was first.  My favorite story from this chapter focuses on Ward Kimball trying to avoid Ray Disney, Walt Disney's older brother.  And being a history fan I enjoyed reading of Adolph Hitler's complicated relationship with Mickey Mouse.  Additional chapters that I enjoyed because they brought back memories of my childhood include Hannah-Barbara and television cartoons.  These chapters allowed me to reflect on Marvel cartoons from my childhood and before along with other Saturday morning cartoons of my past.  I found myself almost shocked to read about how simplistic the animation of some of the earliest Marvel animated programs was.  I do have to admit that despite Batman being part of the other stable, I still really enjoyed these and pretty much all other superhero tales.

Again, the chapters are small.  And the tales are connected by theme and not telling a larger story.  So it is easy to pick the book up and down for commutes or short snippets of reading.  Korkis' writing is clear and easy to follow.  The book also has an index which allows the reader/researcher to jump to the topic or animator they want to read about.

For the Disney fan, Animation Anecdotes helps open one's mind to the larger developments in animation beyond the Disney studio.  One of the trends that a watchful Disney fan will notice is the movement of animators between Disney and other studios including Friz Frelang and Rudy Ising.  This is all done in an accessible format that can be enjoyed by both amateur and serious animation historians in an enjoyable manner.

Review Copy Provided by Theme Park Press 

Walt's Windows - The New Spirit

One of the highlights for me in David Lesjak's Service with Character: The Disney Studio & World War II is the discussion of the 1942 short "The New Spirit" produced for the U.S. Department of Treasury.  The goal for the film was to encourage the 15 million new taxpayers to pay their income taxes, seriously you could not prosecute them all if they did not pay! 

One can see how this short would have cut into Disney short bookings.  It really is humorous and over 70 years later Donald is still a star.

Man I wish my taxes were that easy.  Did you notice that along with living in Hollywood as an actor that Donald Duck has adopted his nephews?

It is a little unsettling to me to see Disney animation being used to depict guns, battleships and bombers.  But it does make a point, your taxes pay for the war effort.  And I cannot get "Taxes to Sink the Axis" out of my mind.

Honestly, I do feel like this short was a success, despite the fact that it resulted in little profit for the Walt Disney Studios.  It is funny, well animated, has star power and shows how Disney supported the war effort during World War II. 

Between Books - Service with Character

I'm a pretty sure that David Lesjak wrote Service with Character: The Disney Studio
& World War II for me.  My Master's degree focused on World War II history.  And when I crash my way through Disney books it is often this era my mind wanders towards.  So I am pretty sure that Lesjak wrote this title mostly so I can finally have my curious questions answered.

David Lesjak in Service with Character: The Disney Studio & World War II details the efforts of the Walt Disney Studio in supporting the American, and Allied, war effort.  He provides detailed chapters on the home front, insignia creation, propaganda and training films and contributions to print media.  Along with these chapters that provide a transactional history of the studio's efforts, Lesjak provides a detailed look at the development of the failed Gremlins live-action film and all its complications.  As a companion to the chapters, the authors provides a detailed list of supporting artifacts that can be viewed online.  And he reprints letters and messages of interest in a series of Appendixes.  

Overall I was impressed with Service with Character as a solid historical monograph that has been well researched and written in a clear manner that even non history buffs could read.  The topics did satisfy my interest on a number of topics, like insignia.  I am pleased to now have this volume in my Between Library for easy reference.  My only quibble is around the lists of supporting collectibles for viewing.  I really wish that some of them could have been included as illustrations within the text.  It would likely be cost prohibitive to print images of the numerous items listed.  I am still old school reading print copies.  And it is difficult to reference a website during my prime reading time.  So, reading through the artifacts I was inspired to go look for some of these objects.  At the time of this posting, the website supporting the book with the collectibles is not yet up.  

The book really illuminated this period of Disney history for me.  And the book makes it clear that the Walt Disney Studio was financially pressed during this era, and much of it was due to Walt Disney's own efforts.  Disney legitimately supported the American war effort and his choices lead him to lose money during a time where his film markets were already dwindling.  For example, the short film he made for the Treasury Department The New Spirit further limited his markets by providing a free Disney short to theaters.  Therefore, they did not need to order the newest Disney short to bring in an audience.  And it is remarkable reading the struggles Disney went through to get paid by the U.S. government while being accused of price gouging on a product that was actually cutting into Disney profits.  And the story of Disney's insignia production, which was completed for free and always in demand, was a topic I have wanted to read about for awhile.  As one reads through the chapter one can easily grow to admire the dedication of Henry "Hank" Porter who took the lead on this Disney morale initiative for the armed forces.    

Service with Character is a must own for Walt Disney Studio history fans.  The text does an excellent job outlining a key moment in studio history.  Additionally, World War II history enthusiasts will also enjoy this book, since it shows one company's war efforts.  In many ways, Disney is one example of the many companies who's production was reoriented towards the war and struggled with diminishing profits and dwindling work forces.  

For me, Service with Character has filled a key need in my Between Books library.  I love the detailed accounts of film and insignia production found in the text.  And I cannot help but admire the efforts of Walt Disney and his staff for keeping a studio open while finding their own avenues to support the war effort.  

Review Copy Provided for Review

Mousey Movie Review - Saving Mr. Banks

To say I liked Saving Mr. Banks is an understatement.  I have  seen it twice now, and on my dime each time.  And both times I thoroughly enjoyed this story about P.L. Travers the author of Mary Poppins and her struggles, both spiritually and creatively, in bringing her famous nanny to life.

The film stars Emma Thompson as Travers, an accomplished actress who has taken a turn in a Mary Poppins like role in the delightful Nanny McPhee and its sequel(s).  Tom Hanks, Woody of the Toy Story franchise and cough cough future Disney legend, plays Walt Disney himself.  The film jumps between two settings.  The first is a two week period in 1961, where Disney's team of the Sherman Brothers and scriptwriter Don DaGradi worked directly with Travers to flesh out the script for a possible Mary Poppins at the Disney Studio.  The second is flashbacks to Travers' childhood in Australia, where the audience learns that the Mary Poppins' story has a deeper meaning to Travers.  This story is based on real events, so audiences need to keep the perspective that some scenes in this Mousey Movie are either fictional or occurred at another time:

• The Evil Queen: Emma Thompson is wonderful!  She makes you forget that she is an actress.  She makes you hate Travers (okay I may have been pre-disposed to that), and she is also able to make you feel for the Travers' character.  She really should receive the accolades that she has been receiving for this role.  But Tom Hanks does an excellent job also.  I know many have mocked his mustache, but I have looked at this role as Hanks the actor not mimicking Disney but portraying Disney.  So I did not need or want Hanks to be a body double, I wanted him to act.  And he does a great job researching the role and portraying a Missouri born business mogul.  But it is likely Paul Giamatti as the chauffeur Ralph who steals the movie and provides it heart.  Honestly, this entire cast does a great job!

• King of the Forest: There are plenty of moments that will thrill the Disney fanboy.  These include a ton of Disney plush, pretending to be with the Sherman brothers as they compose their classic works and reproductions of concept art for Mary Poppins.  My favorite moments are digging around Walt's working office.  Here my favorite item is a picture from Marceline from Walt and Roy O. Disney's visit to their hometown.  My other favorite moment is when DaGardi announces to the boys that Walt is coming using the Bambi based code phrase for the boss is coming, after Disney gives his warning cough of course.  Really a lot of this story is about a culture clash, between the very proper Mrs. Travers and call we Walt, Mr. Disney.  And the film does a great job of showing that culture including the use of first names, which Walt insisted on.  

• Let It Go:  Okay Disney fans to quote Princess Elsa, "Let it go!"  Yes, when Disney and Travers go to Disneyland, you can see the computers of the modern ticket machines.  And yes, the Mickey walk-around character is vintage, but Pluto looks a little too modern.  Yes, it's true, you should not see the sign for Pinocchio's Daring Journey as they ride the King Arthur Carousel.  I do have a background in history, so I am the guy who bored all my friends and family with facts about Braveheart instead of just enjoying it.  So if I can let it go, you can too.  Seriously, the cold never brothered me anyway.          

• Daddy Day: An emotional touchstone of this movie is that Walt Disney explains that bringing Mary Poppins to light is to fulfill a promise to his daughters, a promise that he had spent 20 years pursuing.  In his office there are pictures of both Diane and Sharon Disney, and he uses their images to underscore his desire to make this film.  I have decided in the movie premiere scene at the end that the young lady walking with a tall handsome man is Walt's daughter Diane Disney Miller and husband Ron Miller.  In my mind, I have decided this closes the circle on the promise.  Additionally, those who wait until the very end will see this film is dedicated to Diane Disney Miller who passed away shortly before the release date of this film.  And yes, I shed a little tear as I wondered what she would have thought of Hanks' portrayal of her father. 

• Fathers and Daughters: The story of P.L. Travers is really not about her struggle with Walt Disney, it is her struggle to remember her father.  As a dad, this story was very meaningful for me as I tried to imagine what my own children will remember about me.  I did take the Between Tween to my second showing, and the movie lead to plenty of discussions about childhood, creativity and familial love.  Oh, and there were tears, so many tears!  This movie is not fluff!  It gives you something to mull over.

Saving Mr. Banks is a wonderful story that Disney and non-Disney fans should see.  Of course, as a Disney fan I fully supported Walt on the screen in his quest to create his classic.  But I feel this story based on the real events were fair to both Travers and Disney.  Even Walt Disney expresses support for Travers' position at one point.  And as a Disney fan, I smiled as I watched them depict Richard Sherman singing to Walt his favorite song, "Feed the Birds" for the very first time.  The Disneyland scenes and studio scenes created huge excitement for me, especially since I visited both during the summer of filming.  Honestly, I as a Disney fan wanted and needed to like this film.  But as a movie fan, I love Saving Mr. Banks.

Honestly, this short review barely touches all my thoughts on this Mousey Movie, which you need to go see if you have not taken it in yet!

I should warn you, you will want to go straight home and watch Mary Poppins!

Dreaming Disney - Mickey Through the Decades

I live Between Disney. And in Betweenland there are some things that are just not going to happen. Though I will admit that I have lucked out and been able to schedule our family vacation to Disneyland over the last few years, so I ask for no fan pity. Some things are just pipe dreams for me. For example, I doubt I would ever be able to go to a D23 Studio Tour. I simply cannot imagine timing my vacation perfectly to match up with the schedule. But hey, I am still a lucky guy and having my schedule coincide with a D23 Expo once was probably as lucky as I was going to get.

But lightening struck again when D23 put out notice for sign-ups to attend Old Navy’s Mickey Through the Decades Collection at the Walt Disney Studios event. And best of all, it was scheduled for a day where the Between Family would not be going into Disneyland on a already scheduled vacation!

The day started with us renting a car and gulp driving through the LA area traffic. We left early to give ourselves plenty of time. This meant we had time to explore. We drove around Griffith Park, where Disneyland as an idea was germinated. And after we found the studio I searched the GPS for close by attractions and found the Hollywood Sign. With the sign adventure in our rear view mirror the Between Family was in full tourist mode when we checked in at the studio.

The event itself was somewhat of a free for all, with you choosing between several activities. There was one area where press photographed the three celebrities sporting Old Navy’s new Mickey Mouse tees. The three celebrities Jennifer Love Hewitt, Constance Marie and Brooke Burke mingled with the press, but really did not spend time with the other invitees. Though I did see some of their kids enjoying the offered activities. They took photos, answered press questions, but really did not interact with the fans. In fact I never saw anyone ask any of them for their autographs.

Old Navy's Mickey Collection

It was everyone else, like us, who got to have fun. The invited guests were given a voucher for a free t-shirt. Since Jeffrey and other staff pointed out there were plenty of t-shirts we skipped over the crowd of people at the Old Navy tent. Honestly, this may have been a mistake since there were a limited number of shirts in each style and the Between Family had to chose from the picked over remains. We instead went first to have our photo taken with Mickey, in a 50’s costume. He would be relieved by Minnie throughout the event with her 50’s themed dress also.

After our picture with the main mouse we jumped into the line to get a Disney artist to draw a custom Mickey sketch for us. You could get Mickey or Minnie. As I stood with the Between Kid, the artist asked him what picture was desired. The response was baby Mickey, which the child ahead of us had gotten. The artist instead described a Star Wars Mickey Mouse. The Between Kid said no, baby Mickey please. So the artist laughed and said let’s do baby Mickey for you but Luke Skywalker Mickey for dad! He saw the gleam in my eye! So of course I loved it and was thrilled to get my own custom Mickey/Star Wars mash-up. (Note, I did ask later a character artist in the park if they could make me an Agent Coulson Mickey. He stated currently Marvel is not included in what they can produce).

Mickey Skywalker

After the Between Kid got a Mickey temporary tattoo and grabbed some coloring sheets, we ate. And we ate in the Commissary! The food itself was burgers and hotdogs from a caterer. But it was super fun to be able to say that we were eating inside the Disney Commissary. And sitting inside away from the heat, we saw the Saving Mr. Banks trailer for the first time.

After eating, we went into a conference room to watch some of the new Mickey Mouse shorts. We were given popcorn, candy and bottled water. They were bragging that one of the shorts had not been seen yet. But I could not tell you which one since we had not seen around three of them.

Oh, and now the real fun began. When we left the Commissary building we noticed some guests walking around. So we tested our limits. We walked down to Pluto’s Corner and snapped some pictures. And since we made it that far, we took some pictures of the Animation Building. The Between Wife shook her head as I pointed out to the kids that this was the building that Walt Disney worked in. And then we walked a little further to get good pictures of the Team Disney Building. And since we were there we wandered around Legends Plaza, with me in full geek mode as I put my hand in the impressions left by Marc Davis, Roy E. Disney and others. So we may never be able to go on the official Disney tour. But it our unofficial self guided tour made the trip to Burbank.

The Team Disney Building

Reaching Out to a Legend

After we left the Studio and went to the beach. So it was an awesome day overall.

Yes I live Between Disney. But you never know what you may find Disney Adjacent until you open yourself up!