Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Movie Facts

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a classic Disney animated film released in 1937, based on the fairy tale of the same name. Here are 15 interesting facts about the movie:

1. The First Feature-Length Animated Film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the first feature-length animated film, running at 83 minutes. It was a massive undertaking for the Disney studio, which had previously only produced short animated films.
2. The Film’s Production Cost: The production cost of the film was $1.5 million, which was a significant sum of money at the time. The cost of the movie was so high that it was referred to as “Disney’s Folly” by many in the industry.
3. The Use of Technicolor: The movie was filmed using Technicolor, a new and expensive color process that allowed for vibrant colors to be captured on film. The use of Technicolor added to the movie’s visual appeal and helped make it a groundbreaking film.
4. The Box Office Success: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was a commercial success, grossing $8 million in its initial release and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1938.
5. The Voice of Snow White: Adriana Caselotti provided the voice of Snow White, and she was only 18 years old at the time. Caselotti was selected from over 150 actresses who auditioned for the part.
6. The Names of the Seven Dwarfs: The names of the seven dwarfs are Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. The names were chosen from a list of 50 possibilities.
7. The Marketing of the Film: Disney marketed the film heavily before its release, creating a nationwide tour that featured a traveling caravan of performers, costumes, and merchandise.
8. The Music of the Film: The movie’s soundtrack features several classic songs, including “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh-Ho.” The music was composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey.
9. The Influence of German Expressionism: The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by German Expressionism, a cinematic movement known for its dark and moody imagery. The use of shadows and contrast in the film’s animation was inspired by this style.
10. The Wishing Well Scene: The scene where Snow White sings “I’m Wishing” to the wishing well was filmed using live-action footage of Adriana Caselotti. The footage was then rotoscoped, a process where animators trace over live-action footage to create realistic animation.
11. The Inspiration for the Prince: The character of the Prince was inspired by actor Douglas Fairbanks, who was known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films.
12. The Changes to the Fairy Tale: The movie made several changes to the original Snow White fairy tale, including the addition of the seven dwarfs and the removal of some of the story’s darker elements.
13. The Popularity of the Film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has remained a beloved classic for over 80 years, spawning merchandise, theme park attractions, and even a live-action remake.
14. The Academy Award Win: The film won an honorary Academy Award in 1939 for its innovation and contribution to the film industry.
15. The Legacy of the Film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” paved the way for animated feature films and helped establish Disney as a major player in the entertainment industry. The film’s impact on popular culture and animation is still felt today.