Created a New Fairyland

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 9

Created a New Fairyland

WALT DISNEY, GENIUS OP I'ILMS, IN LONDON MAKER OF Walt (Mickey Mouse) Disney, the man who lias made millions iaugli, whoso film-fairyland characters have ousted tho story-book heroes and heroines from tho affection of the world's children, is in London. A genius of the screen; but he’s a shy and unassuming young fellow, willing to talk about everything except Ins own activities. When I told him (says the Daily Mirror’s film critic) of tho phenomenal success in this country of liis Silly Symphony, "Thu Tortoise and the Hare,” and Mickey’s first colour talkie, “The Baud Concert,” his face lighted up with au infectious smile. Donald tile Duck. lie told me that tho Silly Symphony idea developed as a result of the demand for a film cartoon without a central character which could be wedded to music. "Of all my recent characters,’■ said Mr Disney, "my personal preference is for Donald the Duck, a character that lias already made a world-wide hit. ••Several people suggested we make a star of him, but I think it would be unwise to do so. "Wo have to make twenty-six pictures a year—thirteen Mickey .Mouse Cartoons and thirteen Willy Symphonies —and when I get back to Hollywood wo plan to put a full-lezigth fairy taic, ‘Snow White and tho Seven Dwarfs,’ into production. "It will take a year to make, and will run for an hour and a quarter. "While I am in England I hope to see a lot of polo. It is my only recreation in Hollywood. "I find golf impossible, because people will talk ‘shop ’ and prevent my brain getting a complete rest.” I then had a chat with Mrs Disney, i who was one of Disney’s three assist- ’ ants in the pre-Mickey Mouse days. She i told mo that her first view of England from the train of the glorious Devon , countryside reminded her of a picture i book. [ She added that her one regret at leaving Hollywood was having to pan 1 from Diane, her scvcntecn-montk-old . daughter.