The film is a detailed overview of Walt Disney's life—from his birth in Chicago in 1901 to his death in California in 1966. Topics covered include his difficult childhood, going to France at the end of World War I, his beginnings in animation, success with Mickey Mouse and the Silly Symphonies, his personal life and marriage to Lillian Disney, moving into animated features with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the 1941 strike at his studio, the struggles of the World War II years, the development and opening of Disneyland Park, the making of Mary Poppins, and Disney's initial ideas for "Disney World" and EPCOT before his death.
The documentary also looked at Disney's personal work habits, worldview, and leadership style—putting special attention to debunking negative rumors associated with Disney, such as accusations of racism and antisemitism.
Production
Diane Disney Miller, the eldest daughter of Walt Disney, had considered creating a documentary about her father for many years, as numerous books and other publications depicted her father in a negative light. Miller, and the rest of her family, wanted to create a more balanced look at Disney's life and dispel negative rumors and stories that have surrounded him for decades.[1]
In addition to footage of Disney and from his films and television shows, previously unreleased home video footage from the Disney family was also used in the documentary. In addition, the production crew shot new footage for the film on location in places where Disney lived and worked—including the family's former farm in Marceline, Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and Disneyland.[1]
Walt: The Man Behind the Myth was originally released on VHS and DVD by Disney in 2001.[2] The DVD was a 119-minute extended version of the original 86 minute documentary released on television and on VHS, and included bonus features, such as additional interview footage. The film was released on Blu-ray by The Walt Disney Family Foundation in 2016 with no bonus features, and was recut to 117 minutes.[5] The documentary has also been streamed on Netflix.
Notable Interviewees
Over 50 individuals were interviewed for the documentary, including many who knew Walt Disney personally. Other interviewees include filmmakers, historians, and authors.
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