History Daily: Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” Opens at the Box Office
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers)

Introduction and Disneyland’s Early Days

[00:20]
On July 13, 1955, just days before Disneyland officially opened its gates in Anaheim, California, a select group of VIPs attended a special preview event. Hosted by none other than Walt Disney himself, the atmosphere was tense yet hopeful. Lindsay Graham sets the scene:

“Walt chain smokes nervously. This theme park has been years in the making and costs millions of dollars. It's a huge gamble for Walt and his company, and now the moment of truth is near.” [00:20]

As Hollywood stars like Terry Grant and Spencer Tracy arrived, Disney showcased the magic of Disneyland, hoping to impress both celebrities and the real guests he had envisioned for the park. The delight on the children’s faces aboard the Disneyland Railroad lifted Walt’s spirits, reaffirming his dedication despite the immense pressure.

The State of Walt Disney Studios in the 1950s

[04:10]
Fast forward to early 1950 at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Lindsay Graham delves into the tumultuous period faced by the studio:

“The 1940s started with a string of critical hits, including Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi, but the box office returns didn't match the acclaim.” [04:10]

Post-World War II, Disney struggled with financial losses due to underperforming anthology films like Fun and Fancy Free and Melody Time. The company was teetering on the brink of shutting down its animation division, relying heavily on the success of Cinderella to stave off financial ruin.

The Ambitious Project: Sleeping Beauty

[04:10]
Walt Disney, determined to secure the studio's future, greenlights Sleeping Beauty as the next animated feature. He appoints veteran animator Wilfred Jackson as director, setting an initial release date of Christmas 1955.

“Walt wants Sleeping Beauty to push the envelope, to astonish audiences with the quality of its animation.” [04:10]

To achieve this vision, Walt hires artist Ivan Earle, whose lifelike paintings set a new standard for animation. However, the animators balk at the demanding level of detail required, fearing it will be too time-consuming and costly.

Production Challenges and Setbacks

[10:52]
By 1957, seven years into production, Sleeping Beauty remains incomplete. An early cut of the film reveals significant shortcomings:

“After half a decade of work and millions of dollars, Sleeping Beauty is still far from ready.” [10:52]

Walt's dissatisfaction stems from the film’s lack of narrative substance despite its stunning visual style. The departure of director Wilfred Jackson due to a heart attack leaves the project in disarray, with escalating costs nearing $6 million and deadlines slipping.

Industry Competition and UPA’s Rise

[10:52]
During this period, the animation industry faces fierce competition. United Productions of America (UPA), founded by former Disney employees, embraces an abstract and modern art-influenced style that gains critical acclaim. Their success starkly contrasts with Disney’s struggles.

“UPA began scooping up the big awards typically captured by Disney.” [10:52]

Walt's attempt to outshine UPA with Sleeping Beauty’s realistic animation only exacerbates production delays and financial strain, culminating in the postponement of the film’s release multiple times.

The Catastrophic Release and Immediate Fallout

[17:37]
Finally, on January 29, 1959, after a decade of labor and mounting expenses, Sleeping Beauty premieres. The initial reception is disastrous:

“Words like monotonous, cold, and even rotten leap out from the page at Walt.” [17:37]

Box office numbers for the opening day are dismal, leading to the film’s eventual failure to recoup its production costs. The Walt Disney Company records its first financial loss in over a decade, forcing Walt to reassess his strategy.

Aftermath: Shifting Focus and Company Impact

[17:37]
In the wake of Sleeping Beauty’s failure, Walt Disney redirects the company’s focus from animation to live-action films. Only two animated features are released in the subsequent five years, both nearly complete before Sleeping Beauty’s troubled release. Projects are canceled, and the animation division faces extinction rumors.

“Walt needs a new hit, and he believes bringing another fairy tale princess to life will do the trick.” [04:10]

Despite initial setbacks, Sleeping Beauty eventually garners a reevaluated appreciation for its animation quality and creativity. Re-releases and home video sales help the film finally recoup its budget, paving the way for a resurgence in Disney’s animation endeavors.

Legacy and Renaissance of Disney Animation

[17:37]
By the mid-1980s, under the leadership of Disney CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, the animation department experiences a renaissance. Classics such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin revive Disney’s prominence in animation, restoring the studio’s reputation tarnished by Sleeping Beauty’s initial failure.

“The movie is then re-released in theaters and eventually on home video, finding new audiences and finally recouping its vast budget.” [17:37]

This period marks Disney's return to the forefront of animated filmmaking, ensuring that the legacy of Sleeping Beauty as a symbol of perseverance and artistic ambition endures.

Conclusion

The story of Sleeping Beauty encapsulates a pivotal moment in Disney’s history, highlighting the challenges of creative ambition, industry competition, and financial risk. Walt Disney’s unwavering commitment to his vision, despite numerous obstacles, ultimately contributed to the enduring legacy and success of the Walt Disney Company.

“Every day, we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world.” [04:10]

Upcoming on History Daily:
January 30, 1661 - The English Civil War Leader Oliver Cromwell

This episode was hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsay Graham, with audio editing by Mohammed Shazid, sound design by Matthew Filler, and music by Lindsay Graham. Written and researched by Owen Paul Nichols. Executive producers include William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.