by B.W. Harold

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2011

For many Walt Disney has been part of childhood memories for as long as they can remember. For over 40 years, the company has made films the whole family can enjoy. And just as fashion, dinner menus, and social acceptance change, so too has the Walt Disney feature.

1937 of course introduced the world to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Opening the door for many timeless stories to be told. In the 1940's animated features were the product of the company due to the 1937 hit. "Pinocchio," "Dumbo," "Bambi," and an unforgettable telling of the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" followed in the 1940s. Other masterpieces from this time included "Fantasia" and "Song of the South."  These features are considered Disney gold, although they do have qualities that make them offensive to today's political correct world.

The 1950's ushered in the classics "Cinderella" and "Treasure Island." The latter was the first live action Disney feature created by the studio. It was followed by others such as "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," "Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier," and "Old Yeller." Many consider the 1950's the golden age of Disney due to the popularity of the television series "The Magical World of Disney." Beautiful features were created at this time including "Lady and the Tramp," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Peter Pan."

With the 50's ending in a disappointing release of  "Sleeping Beauty," the 1960's began a time when Disney began reflecting the culture and music of America at the time.

Examples of this are "101 Dalmatians," "The Jungle Book," and "The Parent Trap." Live action features dominated the Disney cannon during this time. Hayley Mills became the ideal all American girl, and Disney's mascot for promoting virtuous living and the American way. During the 60's she starred in "The Parent Trap," "Pollyanna," "Summer Magic," "That Darn Cat," and "The Moon-spinners."  Her movies gave the country innocent idealistic scenes to take the collective mind off the social turmoil that brewed in the 1960's. Disney focused on white middle class America at this time. And the poorer characters were princes in hiding.

The 1970's introduced features like "The Arisocats," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," and a folk music driven "Robin Hood." Characters in these films became more independent just as our nation had. Teenagers were no longer polite dolls their parents dressed up to take out in public. They were more taught the perils of adult life. More live action features

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