Released in 1937 and produced by Walt Disney’s very young studio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs made a huge impact on film history when it hit theaters 86 years ago.
However, contrary to what we often believe (and sometimes confirm without the slightest doubt), Snow White is not the first animated feature film in history, even if it is clearly the first to have such a popular and global impact.
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Officially, Walt Disney’s adaptation of the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale is actually the fourth animated feature film, since the other three films are much less well-known than those that preceded it in the cinema.
Released in 1917 (20 years before Snow White!), the first of these was called El Apòstol and lasted 70 minutes. Directed by Argentinian Quirino Christian, it was a political satire, silent and black-and-white, made with puppets and cut-out paper, and which also met with some critical and public success upon its theatrical release.
El Apostol, whose last series depicted a great fire ravaging the city of Buenos Aires, tragically and ironically disappeared, as its only copy was destroyed by a real fire in 1926.
Five years later, the same Argentinian director signed a second animated film, Peludopolis, and this time on release. Following in his footsteps, the Italians Umberto Spano and Raoul Verdini prepared The Adventures of Pinocchio in 1936, 4 years before Walt Disney’s adventure.
It wasn’t until the following year that the latter completely turned the tables, presenting the world with its first animated masterpiece (and in color, unlike its three predecessors). Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a true critical and commercial triumph since its release in 1937, has amazed and fascinated the world.
He was even awarded with an honorary Oscar (along with this day, 7 small statues represented the 7 dwarfs) and the following mention: “An indisputable innovation in the field of cinematography, which has captivated millions of viewers and opened enormous perspectives for cinema.”
Opening Disney Studios’ grand epic on film, Walt’s first feature film was followed by many classics, from Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Cotton.
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Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
