Watch The Story of the Animated Drawing

The Story of the Animated Drawing is a unique film that allows audiences to peer into the magical world of animation, with a particular focus on how this captivating art form progressed over the years. Released in 1955, the film stars Walt Disney himself and serves as a delightful and educational feature that chronicles the history and development of animation from its simplest forms to the complex and enchanting moving images that had become beloved by audiences around the world by the mid-20th century.

At its core, The Story of the Animated Drawing is an homage to the power of imagination and technology, and how they have merged to create living art. Through this special television film, viewers are taken on a historical journey exploring various techniques and forms of animation, starting with the earliest incarnations of the craft.

The film opens with an introduction by Walt Disney, where he reflects on the fascination humans have always had with giving life to inanimate objects. Disney's natural charm and authoritative knowledge shine as he narrates and guides the audience through the developmental milestones of animated drawings. The narrative is carefully structured to ensure that the audience not only enjoys the visual spectacle but also gains a profound understanding of the animation industry's roots and innovations.

Walt Disney examines the pre-cinematic devices that were used to create the illusion of motion well before the invention of film, such as the phenakistoscope and zoetrope. These predecessors to modern film and animation are methodically explained and demonstrated, providing instructive insights and showcasing early attempts to entertain and mystify viewers through moving images.

The documentary further chronicles the gradual sophistication of animated drawings, highlighting prominent figures and their groundbreaking contributions to the art form. Pioneers like Émile Cohl, Winsor McCay, and Georges Méliès are honored for their roles in shaping the future of animation with their inventive and visionary work. It delves into the seminal moments of experimentation with stop-motion animation, the creation of lifelike motion, and the introduction of synchronized sound in animated films.

A significant portion of the film is dedicated to discussing the various innovations that Walt Disney Studios itself brought to the animation industry. This not only includes the importance of character creation and storytelling but also the technical advancements such as the multiplane camera, which allowed for a more complex and visually rich product. It's a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection and creativity that defined Disney and his studio.

Throughout the film, Walt Disney's narration is complemented by the interweaving of clips and examples that vividly illustrate the evolving style and technology of animation over time. Classic scenes from celebrated animated works are threaded into the narrative, giving audiences not only a taste of the artistic prowess involved but also a feel of the times and societal influences that shaped these creations.

The Story of the Animated Drawing is not merely a rundown of historical facts and showcases of various animation techniques but an experience that reflects the wonder and excitement that animation has instilled in generations of viewers. It illuminates not just how animated drawings have evolved, but how they have managed to capture the essence of storytelling and artistic expression through the ages.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the journey of the animated drawing is not only an intellectual exploration but an emotional one as well. From the simple joys elicited by the bouncing images of Felix the Cat to the rich narratives and endearing characters in Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the documentary underscores the emotional connective tissue that binds the creators to their audience.

What also emerges from The Story of the Animated Drawing is Walt Disney’s genuinely visionary approach, and how his passion and innovations have laid the groundwork for the future of animation. He also hints at what possibilities lay ahead for the animation industry, especially given the technological advancements at the time — which now, decades later, audiences can appreciate as prophetic.

By the time the credits roll, viewers are left with not only a greater appreciation for the painstaking craft that goes into animated works but also a deeper connection to the diverse forms of animation that exist. The film leaves an indelible mark as both a piece of historical documentation and a celebration of an art form that continues to evolve and enchant the world.

The Story of the Animated Drawing is a timeless treasure for animation enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology, and the enduring legacy of Walt Disney as a pioneer of this beloved genre.

The Story of the Animated Drawing is a 1955 documentary with a runtime of 49 minutes.