TIME: 8:45 pm
LOCATION: 6316 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, California - Carthay Circle Theatre
ADULT TICKET PRICE: $5.50
ATTENDANCE: 1500+ inside (sold out); well over a thousand outside
EVENT: World Premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
EXTRAORDINARY FACT: It's eighty years later and we're still talking about it!
Image via Snow White...An Art in Its Making 1994, p.137.
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This 1937 Carthay Circle program book belonged to Madeleine Wheeler, the executive secretary for Roy O. Disney for over 34 years. She attended the screening that night and kept this amongst her personal possessions for the rest of her life. (See another example in an earlier Archive entry.)
Program images courtesy of Kevin Hicks.
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News from the event made headlines near and wide. December 24, 1937 newspaper clippings: Decatur Herald and The Capitol Journal, both published three days after the premiere.
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Premiere footage.
Video posted online by The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Happy 80th Snow White! If you missed it, see our detailed coverage of the Carthay Circle world premiere in our Archive entry from five years ago.
Happy Birthday Snow White!
ReplyDeleteYay 1937 Fan! We made it to 80! :)
DeleteHappy 80th Anniversary to the “One that started it all!” STILL the fairest one of all in my opinion! Thanks, Robert, for all the hard work you put in to make this GREAT blog possible! It’s been a pleasure working with you these past few years! Looking forward to the 100th Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael. It truly has been a pleasure. The Archive wouldn't be the same without you. And yes, looking forward to the 100th! ;)
DeleteThanks, Robert! Your blog is a joy! I'll send a special thing for you in these days.
DeleteThank you Nunz for all your support and all that you have contributed. The same holds true for what I said to Michael, the Archive would not nearly be as complete without you.
DeleteOn the 80th anniversary of the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiere, a big thank you for your enthusiasm and for sharing all the wonderful rarities connected with the film. "Snow White" is a movie I cherish; it has its flaws and was surpassed technically, but of its type I don't think it has been matched for charm, heart, or for that matter sheer scariness: a very rewarding cinematic experience, now 80 years young.
ReplyDeleteIt seems appropriate it premiered on December 21st, which is usually the winter solstice; the film counters this cold, long night with the hopeful message that love will be the redemptive force in a world beset with envy, cruelty, murderousness. For those who find that too naïve an outlook for a major work, well, that happens to be the gist of no less a cultural landmark than Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelungen" operas. That earlier musical fantasy also features dwarfs toiling in treasure caves, sorcery, magic apples and a maiden awakened from long slumber with a kiss; after much corrupt and nefarious behavior, love conquers and renews all. This message is just as genuine in the world of "Snow White",and far more loveable there. Plus "Snow White" is a brisk 83 minutes, and the Ring cycle grinds on for 17 hours.
In February, "Snow White" will have a 5-day run at the resplendent El Capitan theatre in Hollywood, the way it should be seen; I hope a new generation of youngsters is introduced to it on the big screen. A live appearance by Snow herself is promised.
Thank you for the kind comments Stefano. And I must say I agree completely with your thoughts about the movie, the solstice, and the power of the story.
DeleteI am currently working on a SW documentary film (though quite different from the usual ones out there). I think video of you sharing your insights might be a nice addition. Watch for my blog post at the end of the year for more detailed info. We can talk after that if you are interested.
Awwww, 80 years old already? It seems like only yesterday the film was turning 50. My how time flies. A very happy birthday ever after, to Snow White!
ReplyDeleteTime flies when you're having fun! It will be interesting to see TM if we're still posting in 25 years for the 100th. :)
ReplyDelete