Book Description

DISNEY GOES TO WAR World War II had a profound impact on Walt Disney and his Studio. When the Nazi juggernaut rolled across Europe, theater doors were shuttered causing Disney's ledger to turn from black to red. Prewar, Disney films were distributed to 55 countries. By 1944, the majority of the company's revenue was being generated by just three countries. Disney adapted by having his Studio declared a war plant. Government work sustained the Studio for the war's duration, and Walt Disney, ever the patriot, offered his services at cost or for free. The classic fairy tales were quickly replaced with military training films, and propaganda films the Studio's Publicity Department labeled "psychological productions". Disney characters also pitched in on the home front. Mickey and the rest of the gang promoted war bonds, savings stamps, rationing, victory gardens, and salvage campaigns. And as new fighting units were formed, Disney artists fulfilled 1,200 requests for combat insignia sent in by servicemen looking for a familiar reminder of life back home. Service With Character explores this fascinating history of the Disney Studios. As one newspaper writer reported: "How fortunate America is to have Walt [Disney] on the job today. He's a...genius for whom the Axis would gladly give a dozen crack divisions."