February 5 - Peter Pan

Image copyright Disney

On this day, in 1953, Walt Disney Productions 14th animated feature, Peter Pan, debuted in theaters. Peter Pan is notable for being the last Disney film in a couple of categories. First, it's the last movie that RKO Radio Pictures distributed. A few months later, Walt created his own distribution company, Buena Vista Distribution. Pan is also the last picture that all of Walt's Nine Old Men would work on together as directing animators.

As early as 1935, Walt wanted to make Peter Pan as his second animated feature. Unfortunately, Paramount owned the film rights at the time and was unwilling to cut a deal. He was able to get the rights in 1939 and began production. By mid-1940, the story had been pretty well decided on and characters were being assigned to animators. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, starting World War II, work on both Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland, also in production, ground to a halt. The government had the Disney Studio working on propaganda and training films for the duration of the war and then the studio struggled through its financial problems immediately following. It wouldn't be until May 1949 that production on Pan started again in earnest.

Image copyright Cannes Film Festival

Not only was Peter Pan released in theaters in 1953, but it was also entered in the 1953 Cannes Film Festival. The film itself didn't win any awards in Cannes, but Walt was honored twice during the festival. During the opening ceremony, the French Minister of Information awarded him the Legion of Honour (he'd also been given one in 1936) and he was awarded the Jury Special Prize for "his contributions to the prestige of the festival."

The critical reception for Peter Pan was fairly positive. Several critics didn't think much of the film's music, but since it had been written over a period of 14 years by several different people, that's not surprising. It retains a decent score even today, although the movie's handling of Native Americans is justly panned. Even Disney Legend Marc Davis admitted years later that he didn't know if the Indians would have made it into the picture if done today, and if they did, they certainly wouldn't have been portrayed the same way. And who can forget that Michael Jackson called Peter Pan his favorite movie, going so far as to name his estate the Neverland Ranch (which brings up a whole other set of controversies we won't discuss here).

Image copyright Disney

Although it took so long to get the silver screen, Peter Pan manages to enjoy a healthy legacy. Peter Pan's Flight is easily one of the most popular rides at Disney Parks around the world. Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee all make appearances in parades daily. And the movie has spawned several sequels. Could you argue that all of this attention really belongs to the original play's creative author, JM Barrie? You could (and probably should). But you can't deny that Disney not only keeps Mr. Barrie's vision alive, but helps us all forget that Mary Martin fiasco (don't even get me started).