Cinderella at 75: The Princess and Glass Slippers That Saved Disney

In 1947, The Walt Disney Company faced a daunting $4 million debt, a consequence of the financial setbacks suffered by *Pinocchio*, *Fantasia*, and *Bambi*. World War II and other factors had significantly impacted the studio's success. However, the release of *Cinderella* proved to be a pivotal moment, rescuing the company from potential ruin and securing its legacy in animation.

As *Cinderella* celebrates its 75th anniversary, we explore the story's enduring resonance and its surprising parallel to Walt Disney's own journey. It offered not only hope to the studio but also to a world yearning for optimism and belief in the face of adversity.

Disney's 1937 triumph, *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, paved the way for the studio's Burbank expansion and ambitious future plans. However, subsequent films faced challenges. *Pinocchio*, despite critical acclaim and awards, lost approximately $1 million against a $2.6 million budget—a significant loss exceeding that of *Snow White*. *Fantasia* and *Bambi* further exacerbated the financial strain. World War II played a crucial role, severely limiting European markets and diverting studio resources towards wartime productions.

"Disney's European markets dried up during the war, impacting releases like *Pinocchio* and *Bambi*," explains Eric Goldberg, co-director of *Pocahontas* and lead animator on *Aladdin*'s Genie. "The studio shifted to government-commissioned training and propaganda films, followed by 'Package Films'—collections of shorts compiled into feature-length presentations. While these were successful, they weren't the narrative-driven features the studio was known for."

These "Package Films," including *Saludos Amigos* and *The Three Caballeros* (part of the Good Neighbor Policy), helped stabilize finances but hindered the creation of full-length animated stories. By 1947, Disney's debt stood at $4.2 million, reduced to $3 million by *Fun and Fancy Free*. Walt Disney's own frustration is evident in his 1956 statement: "But I wanted to get back. And my brother [Roy O. Disney] and I had quite a screamer… It was one of my big upsets… I said we’re going to either go forward, we’re going to get back in business, or I say let’s liquidate or let’s sell out."

Faced with the possibility of selling his shares, Walt and Roy opted for a high-stakes gamble: their first major animated feature since *Bambi*. Failure could have meant the end of Disney's animation studio.

"Walt was very good at reflecting the times, and I think he recognized what America needed after the war was hope and joy," says Tori Cranner, Art Collections Manager at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. "Cinderella was the right choice for that moment in time."

Cinderella and Disney’s Rags to Riches Tale

Walt's fascination with Cinderella dates back to 1922, when he created a short at Laugh-O-Gram Studios. This early adaptation, along with other Laugh-O-Gram productions, ultimately failed, but it solidified Cinderella's appeal for Walt. The tale of humble beginnings, dreams, and overcoming adversity resonated deeply with his own experiences.

Walt described Cinderella as "more practical" than Snow White, believing in action alongside dreams. This mirrored his own relentless work ethic and determination to succeed despite setbacks. The project evolved over a decade, shaped by the war and other challenges, culminating in the film we know today.

Disney's success lay in his ability to transform familiar fairytales into universally appealing narratives. Goldberg notes, "Disney brought his taste, entertainment sense, heart, and passion into it... He made these stories universally palatable and enjoyable for all audiences." The addition of animal companions, a more relatable Fairy Godmother, and Cinderella's proactive nature contributed to the film's charm and relatability.

"She believed in dreams all right, but she also believed in doing something about them."

The iconic transformation scene, meticulously crafted by Marc Davis and George Rowley, stands as a testament to Disney's artistry and innovation. Cranner highlights the "perfect moment... where all of the stardust and the magic holds for just a fraction of a second before it all falls in." The broken glass slipper, a Disney addition, underscores Cinderella's strength and agency.

Premiering in February 1950, *Cinderella* became an immediate success, earning $7 million against a $2.2 million budget, exceeding the box office performance of any Disney film since *Snow White*. Its critical acclaim and award nominations marked Disney's triumphant return to narrative-driven animation.

"When *Cinderella* came out, all the critics went, ‘Oh, this is great! Walt Disney's back on track again!’" Goldberg recalls. "Following *Cinderella*, Disney continued on to develop films like *Peter Pan*, *Lady and the Tramp*, *Sleeping Beauty*, 101 *Dalmatians*, *Jungle Book*, and so many more, and it was all thanks to *Cinderella*."

75 Years Later, Cinderella’s Magic Lives On

Cinderella's influence continues to resonate throughout Disney's work, notably in *Frozen*'s iconic Elsa transformation scene. Becky Bresee, lead animator on *Frozen 2* and *Wish*, explains the deliberate connection: "Cinderella's legacy can especially be seen in the sparkles and all the effects surrounding Elsa's dress."

Goldberg's concluding remarks encapsulate *Cinderella*'s enduring message: "I think the big thing about *Cinderella* is hope... that hope can actually be realized and dreams can come true, no matter what time you are living in."