As Cinderella's dream came true and her story unfolded on the silver screen, it also marked a pivotal moment for The Walt Disney Company. In 1947, Disney faced a daunting $4 million debt following the financial struggles of films like Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Bambi, exacerbated by World War II and other challenges. However, the enchanting tale of Cinderella and her iconic glass slippers played a crucial role in rescuing Disney from the brink of ending its animation legacy prematurely.

Today, March 4, marks the 75th anniversary of Cinderella's wide release, a milestone that continues to resonate deeply within Disney. We had the privilege of speaking with several Disney insiders who remain inspired by this timeless rags-to-riches narrative. Remarkably, Cinderella's story parallels that of Walt Disney himself, offering not only a lifeline to the company but also a beacon of hope for a post-war world seeking inspiration and renewal.

To understand the significance of Cinderella, we must revisit Disney's transformative moment in 1937 with the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This groundbreaking film not only became the highest-grossing film until Gone with the Wind surpassed it two years later but also enabled Disney to establish its Burbank studio, setting the stage for a new era of animated feature films.

However, the subsequent films, starting with Pinocchio in 1940, faced financial setbacks. Despite its critical acclaim and Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, Pinocchio incurred a loss of about $1 million on a $2.6 million budget. Similarly, Fantasia and Bambi underperformed, further deepening Disney's financial woes. The onset of World War II played a significant role in these struggles, as explained by Eric Goldberg, co-director of Pocahontas and lead animator on Aladdin's Genie.

"Disney's European markets dried up during the war, and films like Pinocchio and Bambi couldn't be shown there," Goldberg noted. "The studio shifted to producing training and propaganda films for the U.S. government. Throughout the 1940s, Disney focused on 'Package Films' like Make Mine Music and Melody Time, which, while well-received, lacked a cohesive narrative."

Package Films were essentially compilations of short cartoons, and Disney produced six such films between Bambi in 1942 and Cinderella in 1950. These included Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, which were part of the U.S. Good Neighbor Policy aimed at countering Nazi influence in South America. While these films helped manage Disney's debt, they did not fulfill the studio's ambition to create feature-length animated stories.

Walt Disney's determination to return to feature animation was clear, as he stated in 1956, "I wanted to get back into the feature field... But it was a matter of investment and time." The stakes were high; failure could have led to the dissolution of Disney's animation studio. Amidst this uncertainty, Cinderella emerged as the chosen project, resonating with the success of Snow White and offering a message of hope and joy post-war.

"Walt recognized what America needed after the war—hope and joy," said Tori Cranner, Art Collections Manager at Walt Disney Animation Research Library. "Cinderella was the perfect story for that moment, offering a narrative of rising from the ashes to something beautiful."

Cinderella and Disney’s Rags to Riches Tale

Walt's connection to Cinderella dates back to 1922, when he produced a Cinderella short at Laugh-O-Gram Studios. This early project, though not commercially successful, laid the groundwork for his later endeavors. Cinderella's tale, adapted from Charles Perrault's 1697 version, resonated deeply with Walt, embodying themes of perseverance and dreams coming true.

Walt Disney once described Cinderella as a practical dreamer, contrasting her with Snow White. "Cinderella believed in dreams, but she also believed in doing something about them," he said. Her resilience in the face of adversity mirrored Walt's own journey from humble beginnings to overcoming numerous challenges with unwavering determination.

The development of Cinderella as a feature film began in 1933 as a Silly Symphony short but evolved into a full-length project by 1938. The war delayed its completion, but the extra time allowed for the film's refinement, culminating in a beloved classic that transcended its source material.

Disney's ability to transform traditional fairy tales into universally appealing stories was a key factor in Cinderella's success. "Disney put his own spin on these tales, infusing them with heart and passion," Goldberg explained. "He modernized them, making them enjoyable for all audiences."

The addition of animal friends like Jaq, Gus, and the birds provided comic relief and depth to Cinderella's character, while the Fairy Godmother, reimagined as a bumbling yet endearing figure, added a relatable touch. The iconic transformation scene, where Cinderella's dress magically changes, remains a highlight, showcasing the meticulous hand-drawn animation by Disney Legends Marc Davis and George Rowley.

"Every sparkle was hand-drawn and painted," Cranner marveled. "The magic holds for a fraction of a second before the dress transforms, creating a truly magical moment."

The narrative choice to have one glass slipper break at the end, a departure from previous versions, underscored Cinderella's agency and strength. "Cinderella is not a cipher; she has personality and strength," Goldberg emphasized. "When the slipper breaks, she presents the other one, showing her control and resilience."

Cinderella premiered in Boston on February 15, 1950, and its wide release on March 4 that year was a resounding success. Earning $7 million on a $2.2 million budget, it became the sixth-highest grossing film of 1950 and received three Academy Award nominations. Critics hailed it as a return to form for Disney, revitalizing the studio's focus on narrative-driven features.

"Cinderella's success gave Disney its mojo back," Goldberg said. "It paved the way for films like Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and many more."

75 Years Later, Cinderella’s Magic Lives On

Today, Cinderella's influence continues to permeate Disney's legacy. Her castle stands as a symbol at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland, and her story inspires modern films like Frozen, where Elsa's dress transformation echoes Cinderella's iconic scene.

"Cinderella's legacy is evident in the sparkles and effects of Elsa's transformation," said Becky Bresee, lead animator on Frozen 2 and Wish. "We honor the impact of Cinderella and other classic films in our work."

The contributions of Disney's Nine Old Men and Mary Blair further enriched Cinderella's visual and narrative appeal. As we celebrate this milestone, Eric Goldberg's reflection on Cinderella's enduring message of hope encapsulates its significance: "Cinderella gives people hope that perseverance and strength can lead to dreams coming true, no matter the era."