Today in History—February 4: Walt Disney’s “Folly” That Earned $180 Million

February 4, 1938: Disney's first film almost didn't get made

On this day in 1938, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hit theaters nationwide, forever changing animation—and saving Walt Disney from bankruptcy.

The first full-length animated feature film, it took three years and $1.5 million ($36 million today)—six times its original budget—to make, and it required 400 additional employees, tripling the size of Walt Disney Productions.

Walt mortgaged his house, sold his car, and borrowed against his life insurance to finish what critics derided as “Disney’s folly.” He was betting it all on a color cartoon movie, something that had never been made before. He had already pushed the boundaries of animation with sound in 1928 and color in 1932, but a full-length cartoon was a whole new level of risk.

Hollywood was skeptical. Audiences loved Disney’s Mickey Mouse shorts, but they were appetizers, not entrees. No one knew if successful seven-minute bits would translate to a full-length story.

Until it did.

Snow White, a family-friendly telling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, debuted at the Carthay Circle Theater on December 21, 1937, to a Hollywood audience that included Shirley Temple, Hedy Lamarr, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, and Marlene Dietrich. Another 30,000 fans gathered outside. Walt watched nervously; the audience watched, engrossed. They gave it a standing ovation.

Next the film landed at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for a five-week run—longer than any other film there to date. And finally, on this day in February, it opened to audiences across the United States. Theaters had to add multiple screenings daily to accommodate the crowds. Sydney and London followed, and soon Snow White was showing in more than 40 countries. The film grossed $8 million (about $184 million today) in its first year and went on to become one of the highest grossing of all time.

Fun Fact

Rejected dwarfs included Awful, Crabby, Weepy, Flabby, Dirty, Dumpy, Hungry, Lazy, Nifty, Chesty, Shifty, and Biggy-Wiggy.

Disney also revolutionized marketing with Snow White. It was the first film to have a soundtrack for sale. Toy sales reportedly reached $2 million the first year. There were 2,183 different licensed merchandise items available, everything from drinking glasses to seeds (presumably not including apples).

Walt immediately started production on three more animated features.

And Snow White? She got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the film’s 50th anniversary.