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Friday, December 21, 2018

Original Production Cels of Mowgli and Kaa from "The Jungle Book," 1967


Original hand painted production animation cels of Mowgli and Kaa from "The Jungle Book," 1967, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Size - Mowgli & Kaa: 6 1/4" x 9 3/4", Image 9 x 12"; Unframed.

To purchase this cel or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"You don't want me to look at you? Then you look at me." - Kaa 

"The Jungle Book," 1967 was the nineteenth animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Productions and inspired by Rudyard Kipling's book of the same name. The film was directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, it was to be the last film that was worked on by Walt Disney, as he passed away during its production. The film follows Mowgli, a feral child raised in the Indian jungle by wolves, as he encounters Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear; who try and convince him to leave the jungle before the villainous tiger Shere Khan finds him. Voice actors include: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, George Sanders and Louis Prima; as well as Disney regulars such as Sterling Holloway, J. Pat O'Malley, Verna Felton, and the director's son, Bruce Reitherman, as the voice of Mowgli.

Shere Khan, a Bengal tiger and Kaa a python were the main Villains in the 1967 Walt Disney film "The Jungle Book;" an adaption of writer Rudyard Kipling's series of stories. Wolfgang Reitherman was the animation director for the film and he began working for Walt Disney in 1934, along with future Disney legends Ward Kimball and Milt Kahl. The three worked together on a number of classic Disney shorts, including "The Band Concert," "Music Land," and "Elmer Elephant." Reitherman worked on various Disney feature films produced from 1937 to 1981, including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (animating the Slave in the Magic Mirror) up to "The Fox and the Hound," where he was the co-producer. Beginning with 1961's "One Hundred and One Dalmatians," "Woolie", as he was called by friends, served as Disney's chief animation director. In addition to "101 Dalmatians," Reitherman directed "The Sword in the Stone" (1963), "The Jungle Book" (1967), "The Aristocats" (1970), "Robin Hood" (1973) and "The Rescuers" (1977).


Original production animation cel of Mowgli without the background.

One of Reitherman's productions, the 1968 short "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day," won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. In addition, all three of Reitherman's sons — Bruce, Richard, and Robert provided voices for Disney characters, including Mowgli in "The Jungle Book," Christopher Robin in "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree," and Wart in "The Sword in the Stone."  Not only did Bruce Reitherman provided the voice of Mowgli in "The Jungle Book," but he also acted out certain scenes as live action reference for the animators. The character of Mowgli was animated by quite a few animators, however Milt Kahl set the final design and the majority of Mowgli's scenes were animated by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.


Original production animation cel of Kaa without the background.

Kaa the python, was animated by Frank Thomas in his entrance appearance of the film which is when Kaa first meets Mowgli and nearly eats Bagheera. Later in the film Kaa was animated by Milt Kahl, whose design for the snake may be more iconic; being that his scene was longer and included his trademark song "Trust In Me" as well as the famous interaction with the villainous tiger, Shere Khan.

Kaa was the second character who was originally voiced by Sterling Holloway, the first being Winnie-the-Pooh. Holloway's voice is just so wonderful in tone and pitch, and it is hard to imagine any other person doing the character justice. Kaa is very similar to another snake character, Sir Hiss from "Robin Hood". The two share several traits as both use hypnosis, and both suck up to the film's main antagonist (Shere Khan in Kaa's case, and Prince John in Sir Hiss's case). Exceptions are that they are different colors, sizes, and Sir Hiss wears clothing (cape and hat).

"Trust In Me" ("The Python's Song") was sung by Sterling Holloway and was written by famed Disney songwriters, Robert and Richard Sherman. In this wonderful cel setup (just prior to Kaa singing "Trust In Me), Kaa is trying to convince Mowgli that he is his friend, and wants nothing more than to help the boy. Milt Kahl's animation of Kaa is really brilliant as Mowgli tries to hide his eyes from Kaa's hypnotic stare; Kaa says to Mowgli "You don't want me to look at you? Then you look at me." Both characters are eyes open; and original artwork from "The Jungle Book" has become rare to the market. This would be a wonderful addition to any Walt Disney animation art collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of the Coachman Signed by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston from "Pinocchio," 1940


Original production animation drawing of the Coachman in green and graphite pencils from "Pinocchio," 1940, Walt Disney Studios; Signed by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston in pencil lower center; Numbered 74 lower right; Size - Coachman: 4 3/4 x 8 1/2", Sheet: 10 x 12"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

Foulfellow: "Pleasure Island? But the law! Suppose they..."
The Coachman: "No, no. There is no risk. They never come back... as BOYS!"

"Pinocchio," 1940 was the second animated feature film produced by Disney, and followed on the success of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." 1937. It was released to theaters by RKO Radio Pictures on February 23, 1940 and was based on the Italian children's novel "The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi. The general plot of the film involves an old wood-carver named Geppetto, who carves a wooden puppet that he names Pinocchio. One night the puppet is brought to life by the Blue Fairy, who informs him that he can become a real boy if he proves himself to be "brave, truthful, and unselfish". Pinocchio's journey to become a real boy is challenged by his encounters with an array of scrupulous characters.

"Pinocchio" became the first animated feature to win an Academy Award; it won for both Best Music - Original Score and for Best Music - Original Song for "When You Wish Upon A Star." Most critics and audiences agree that "Pinocchio" is among the finest Disney features ever made, and one of the greatest animated films of all time. In 1994, it was added to the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."


Close up of the original drawing of the Coachman and the Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston signatures.

The Coachman is possibly the most evil of all the Disney villains. Unlike other villains who do not escape an ill fate: such as the Evil Queen who is struck by lighting, falls off a cliff, and is smashed by a falling bolder or Maleficent who is impaled by the Sword of Truth hurled by Prince Phillip; the Coachman has no such luck, and continues his purchase of stupid boys for their eventual conversion into donkeys that are then sold for gold.

The Coachman was voiced by Charles Judels who also provided the voice for another villain in Pinocchio, Stromboli. Everything surrounding the Coachman seems foreboding; from his long whip and his stagecoach used to transport the boys to Pleasure Island, to his henchman that appear to be dark featureless creatures carrying out his will.

This is a spectacular drawing of the Coachman from his first scene in "Pinocchio" which occurs at the The Red Lobster Inn where he meets with Honest John (Foulfellow) and Gideon. All three are seen smoking, Honest John and Gideon both have cigars and The Coachman has a pipe. The Coachman states the he is "collecting stupid little boys" to take to Pleasure Island where they can "tear the place apart" and that "they never come back... as boys!" This is a wonderful green shaded drawing of the Coachman, both eyes are open, and his eye eyebrows are conveying a menacing look. He is holding his pipe in his right hand, and his mouth is open as he is talking to Honest John and Gideon. In addition the drawing is hand signed by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. This would be a great addition to any vintage Walt Disney animation art collection!

Original Production Animation Cels of Peppermint Patty & Marcie from "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!" 1974


Original hand painted production animation cels of Peppermint Patty and Marcie from "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown," 1974; Production numbers in ink lower cel edges; Set on a lithographic background; Melendez Studios; Size - Peppermint Patty & Marcie: 3 x 3 1/2", Image 6 1/2 x 8 1/2"; Unframed.

To purchase this cel or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

Linus van Pelt: "Every Easter the Easter Beagle comes dancing along with his basket full of eggs, which he hands out to all the good little children."
Sally Brown: "That sounds faintly familiar. I remember sitting out in a stupid pumpkin patch all night waiting for The Great Pumpkin to come. And you know something? He never came! That was the worst night of my life.
Linus van Pelt: "But this is different. That was Halloween. This is Easter."

Charles Monroe Schulz (1922-2000) was an American cartoonist best known for the comic strip Peanuts, which featured Charlie Brown, his dog Snoopy, and their friends. Schulz is regarded as one of the most influential cartoonists of all time. At it's height, Peanuts was published daily in 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries, in 21 languages. Over the almost 50 years that Peanuts was published, Schulz drew nearly 18,000 strips. The strips, along with merchandise and product endorsements, produced $1 billion a year in annual revenue; with Schulz earning between $30-40 million/year. During the strips run, Schulz only took one vacation; a five week break in late 1997 to celebrate his 75th birthday. Reruns of the strip ran during that time period.


Original production animation cels of Peppermint Patty and Marcie without the background.

Jose Melendez, known as Bill Melendez, (1916-2008) was a Mexican American animator, film director, voice actor, and producer. He worked for the Walt Disney Company on Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi; as well as Warner Bros. and UPA animation studios. He then formed his own animation studio in 1964, Bill Melendez Productions. Bill Melendez met Charles Schulz in the late 1950's. Melendez had been hired by the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency to produce an animated commercial for the Ford Falcon. The Ford Motor Company wanted to use the "Peanuts" characters for the ad campaign. Schultz was opposed to the idea of animating his comic characters until he saw Melendez's drawings, which were consistent with Schultz's comic strip style. From that point on Melendez was the only person that Schultz trusted with animating his characters. Bill Melendez would go on to create every single television special and direct-to-video film for the Peanuts gang, with Bill Melendez directing the majority of them.

Schulz was insistent that Snoopy not utter English dialogue; so Bill Melendez provided the voice for both Snoopy and Woodstock by reciting gibberish and then mechanically speeding up the sounds at different speeds to represent the two different characters. Bill Melendez won six Emmy Awards for his work with Schultz, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!" was the twelfth prime-time animated TV Peanuts special based on Charles Schulz's comic strip characters to be produced and animated by Bill Melendez. It was initially broadcast on April 9, 1974 at 8 PM on CBS. CBS re-aired the Easter special annually from 1974 to 2000, with ABC picking up the rights from 2001 through 2014.

The following six paragraphs are from Wikipedia and are the plot summary for "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!":

"While most of the Peanuts gang is getting ready for Easter, Linus, certain it is all a waste of time, tries in vain to convince then that the "Easter Beagle" (who is really Snoopy in disguise) will take care of everything. Only Charlie Brown's sister, Sally, believes him -although she still has some suspicions after their staking-out the pumpkin patch (in "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charle Brown, 1966).

Peppermint Patty and  Marcie attempt to color Easter Eggs, but as it is Marcie's first time, she does not know how to prepare the eggs properly. Marcie's first attempt fails as she fries the eggs on a griddle and flips them with a spatula. In their second attempt, Marcie tries cooking the eggs on a waffle iron for four of the eggs), in a toaster (for one of them), and baking them in the oven (for the remaining eight eggs). In the third and final attempt, Peppermint Patty now has spent the last of her money on more eggs. She explains to Marcie that the eggs must be cooked in boiling water. Marcie puts the eggs in the pot of boiling water and boils them (after she's told from Peppermint Patty that the eggs must be boiled; and neither be fried, roasted, toasted, nor waffle pressed). However, she puts the eggs in the pot of water without the shells. When she does, she makes egg soup. At the end of the final attempt, Peppermint Patty is out of money. Then they end up with no colored eggs and cannot make any more attempts. When Linus tells them about the Easter Beagle, Peppermint Patty suggests to agree with Linus's idea.

Woodstock wakes in his nest, shivering after a chilly spring rain. He goes to Snoopy for help, and Snoopy goes to a department store to buy a birdhouse. At first Woodstock hates it, but soon redecorates it into a bachelor pad, complete with television, contemporary artwork, a sunken bed, carpeting, and quadrophonic stereo system. Curios to see more of the inside, Snoopy's nose gets stuck in the door, causing the birdhouse to break, and forcing him to buy a replacement.

Lucy believes that Easter is a "gift-getting season" - much to Schroeder's chagrin. She decides to have her own egg hunt, and hides each Easter egg she paints to find them all on Easter morning. Unknown to her, Snoopy follows her and takes the eggs.

Easter morning arrives, and so does the Easter Beagle -Snoopy. He tosses eggs to everyone, and even tosses one into Woodstock's new birdhouse. Unfortunately, by the time he gets to Charlie Brown's house, he has no more eggs. He gives Charlie Brown an embarrassed smile; as there is no eggs for Charlie Brown. After Sally, Lucy, and Linus receive their eggs, Sally believes that Linus was right. There really was an Easter Beagle. Lucy says that the Easter Beagle gave her own egg to her. When Peppermint Patty and Marcie receive their eggs, Marcie asks what she should do with it. Patty tells her that they eat them; put salt on them and eat them. Marcie salts her egg and takes a bite; she eats her eff without removing the shells. 

Lucy soon realizes that Snoopy gave her one of her own eggs. Ten weeks pass, and Lucy is still brooding about it. Linus suggests that she talk about it with Snoopy. She visits Snoopy's doghouse to pick a fight, but Snoopy takes the fight out of her with a disarming kiss on the cheek." 

This is an extremely rare set of original production animation cels of Peppermint Patty and Marcie from "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!" They are from the scene when Marcie, unaware of the Easter holiday custom of coloring eggs, instead cracks and cooks them. This forces the gang to return to the big discount shopping store to purchase more eggs. This is an iconic piece of animation art history and a great addition to any collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of Bambi from "Bambi," 1942


Original production animation drawing in red, blue, and graphite pencils of Bambi from "Bambi," 1942, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 42 in pencil lower right; Size - Bambi: 2 1/2 x 2 1/2", Sheet: 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.


"Whatch gonna call 'im?" - Thumper
"Well, I think I'll call him Bambi." - Bambi's Mother
"Bambi... Yep, I guess that'll do all right." - Thumper

"Bambi," 1942 is a full length animated film by Walt Disney Studios and based on the book "Bambi, A Life in the Woods" by Austrian author Felix Salten. The film was released by RKO Radio Pictures on August 13, 1942. "Bambi" received three Academy Award nominations: Best Sound (Sam Slyfield), Best Song (for "Love Is a Song" sung by Donald Novis), and Best Original Music Score. In June 2008, the American Film Institute presented a list of its "10 Top 10" (the best ten films in each of ten classic American film genres) and "Bambi" placed third in the animation category. In December 2011, "Bambi" was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

The story centers on Bambi, a white-tailed deer, his parents (the Great Prince of the forest and his unnamed mother), his animal friends Thumper (a pink-nosed rabbit), Flower (a skunk), and his childhood friend and future mate, a doe named Faline. Walt Disney wanted all of the animals to be more realistic and expressive than those in "Snow White". He had Rico LeBrun, a wildlife animal painter, come into the Disney Studios to lecture to the animators on the structure and movement of animals. The animators went on excursions to the Los Angeles Zoo and Walt Disney set up a small zoo at the Disney Animation Studio with animals such as rabbits, ducks, owls, skunks, and a pair of fawns aptly named Bambi and Faline; so that the artists could see first-hand animal movement. Animator Marc Davis created the final design of Bambi by incorporating LeBurn's realistic study of deer anatomy but exaggerating the character's face by making his proportions baby-like; including a short snout and big expressive eyes.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of Bambi.

"Bambi" was Walt Disney's favorite film he ever made, and it is not too surprising given his love of nature films. The special effects, particularly the water, and the lush hand painted backgrounds create a wonderful environment that allows the viewer to be totally immersed into the film. Combined with a great story of friendship and complete success in the creation of characters; the film is able to provide amazing feelings of both happiness and sadness, as the viewer watches Bambi grows up from fawn to deer.

Although the character of Bambi was designed by Marc Davis; animation was accomplished by Frank Thomas, Milt Kahl, Eric Larson, Ollie Johnson, and Preston Blair. The voice of Bambi was provided by four different actors, corresponding to the different ages of Bambi as he grew older: Bobby Stewart (baby), Donnie Dunagan (young), Hardie Albright (adolescent), and John Sutherland (young adult). Donnie Dunagan was also the performance model for the character, with the animators integrating his facial expressions onto the face of Bambi.

This is a rare original production animation drawing of Bambi from Walt Disney's favorite film. Bambi is full figure, eyes and mouth open, and the drawing is beautifully rendered in graphite and red pencils. This is a gorgeous piece of original animation artwork that is perfect for any art collection!

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Thursday, December 20, 2018

Original Production Animation Drawing of Alice from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951

 
Original production animation drawing of Alice in graphite and brown pencils from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Animation ladder upper right and numbered 87 in brown and graphite pencils lower right; Size - Alice: 5 3/4 x 3 3/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

"Curiouser and curiouser." - Alice

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.

Initial design for the character of Alice was accomplished by Mary Blair during the storyboard phase and also by Les Clark. Alice was animated by Ollie Johnston, Don Lusk, and Marc Davis who animated her for the tea party scene.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of Alice.

This is a masterly rendered drawing of Alice. Her mouth and eyes are open, her arms are by her side, and she wonderfully drawn in both brown and graphite pencils. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of Alice from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of Alice in graphite and brown pencils from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 5 in pencil lower right; Size - Alice: 6 x 4 1/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"Oh, that was lovely." - Alice

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.

Initial design for the character of Alice was accomplished by Mary Blair during the storyboard phase and also by Les Clark. Alice was animated by Ollie Johnston, Don Lusk, and Marc Davis who animated her for the tea party scene.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of Alice.

This wonderful drawing of Alice is from the most famous scene in the film, the Mad Tea Party. This scene was supervised by veteran Walt Disney animator Les Clark. In this particular sequence, the Dormouse emerges from a skyrocketing cake to recite "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." He slowly descends into a teapot, and in the next scene Alice smiles, applauds, and says "Oh, that was lovely." This is an absolutely perfect image of Alice; she is eyes open, smiling, and would be a great addition to any vintage Walt Disney animation art collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of Alice and The Queen of Hearts from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of Alice and Queen of Hearts in graphite pencil from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 10 lower right; Size - Alice & Queen of Hearts: 6 3/4 x 6 1/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"Do you play croquet?" - Queen of Hearts
"Why, yes, your majesty." - Alice
"Then let the game begin!" - Queen of Hearts

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.

Initial design for the character of Alice was accomplished by Mary Blair during the storyboard phase and also by Les Clark. Alice was animated by Ollie Johnston, Don Lusk, and Marc Davis who animated her for the tea party scene.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of Alice and the Queen of Hearts.

The Queen of Hearts was beautifully animated by Frank Thomas and voiced by Verna Felton; and most people, when you mention the Queen of Hearts from "Alice," remember hearing Verna's classic line "Off with their heads!" Ms. Felton not only voiced the Queen from "Alice" but the Fairy Godmother from "Cinderella," Flora and Queen Leah from "Sleeping Beauty," Aunt Sarah from "Lady and Tramp," and several other Disney characters. What is interesting is that all the other characters that Felton voiced are sweet and kind, with the typical grandmother type of voice; but not the Queen of Hearts. The Queen was loud and you never knew exactly when she would lose her temper.

This is a large and brilliant drawing of Alice and the Queen of Hearts as they are off to play croquet. Both characters are full figure, mouth and eyes open, and centered on the sheet in a wonderful action pose. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Original Production Animation Drawing of Alice from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of Alice in graphite and brown pencils from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 296 in pencil upper right; Size - Alice: 8 1/4 x 6", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"'Drink me.' Hmmm, better look first. For if one drinks much from a bottle marked 'poison', it's almost certain to disagree with one, sooner or later." - Alice

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.

Initial design for the character of Alice was accomplished by Mary Blair during the storyboard phase and also by Les Clark. Alice was animated by Ollie Johnston, Don Lusk, and Marc Davis who animated her for the tea party scene.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of Alice.

This is a large and beautifully rendered drawing of Alice from the scene that occurs soon after she falls down the rabbit hole. She arrives at a small door, that she can not possibly pass through; and the talking door knob encourages her to take a look at a bottle located on a table behind her. The tag on the bottle says "Drink Me." Alice goes over, picks up the bottle, and says "'Drink me.' Hmmm, better look first. For if one drinks much from a bottle marked 'poison', it's almost certain to disagree with one, sooner or later." In this drawing of Alice she is eyes open and holding the "Drink Me" bottle while reading the tag. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of The White Rabbit from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of the White Rabbit in graphite, brown, and blue pencils from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 101A lower right; Size - White Rabbit, Horn, & Shadow: 5 1/4 x 5", Sheet 10 x 12"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"I'm overdue. I'm really in a stew. No time to say goodbye, hello! I'm late. I'm late I'm late!" - White Rabbit

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.

The White Rabbit is one of the most well known and referenced fictional characters in Lewis Carroll's book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." He first appears in chapter one, wearing a waistcoat, and muttering "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!" Alice follows him down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, and encounters him again when he mistakes her for his housemaid Mary Ann. Soon Alice becomes trapped in his house after growing too large. The Rabbit shows up again in the last few chapters of the book, as a herald-like servant of the King and Queen of Hearts.

However, in Walt Disney's animated version of the story, the White Rabbit seems to be the most logical of all the Wonderland characters; and appears throughout the film to lead Alice along further into Wonderland. The Rabbit is perhaps most famous for the little song he sang at the beginning of the film - "I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I'm late! I'm late! I'm late!" He was animated by various animators including: Fred Moore, Ward Kimball, Judge Whitaker, and Wolfgang Reitherman. But most of the work was done by either Fred Moore or Ward Kimball; both of whom were wonderful at bringing this type of exaggerated character to life.


Close up of the White Rabbit original production animation drawing.

The White Rabbit was voiced by American Radio and Voice Actor Bill Thompson. Thompson had an extraordinary career spanning from the 1930's until he passed away in 1971. He worked extensively for Walt Disney Studios, and can be heard in many shorts and features, often in either dialect parts or a variation of his famous and masterful Wimple/Droopy voice. For "Alice In Wonderland," he was the voice of both the White Rabbit and the Dodo. He went on to be the voice of Mr. Smee (and the other pirates) in "Peter Pan," and also King Hubert in "Sleeping Beauty."

This is an adorable original production animation drawing of the White Rabbit. He is full figure, wearing his eyeglasses, eyes and mouth open (with his tongue sticking out), has his horn in is right paw, and he is running forward; obviously because he is late. An absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of The White Rabbit from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of the White Rabbit in graphite pencil from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 9 lower right; Size - White Rabbit: 1 x 1 1/2", Sheet 10 x 12"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"I'm overdue. I'm really in a stew. No time to say goodbye, hello! I'm late. I'm late I'm late!" - White Rabbit

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.

The White Rabbit is one of the most well known and referenced fictional characters in Lewis Carroll's book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." He first appears in chapter one, wearing a waistcoat, and muttering "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!" Alice follows him down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, and encounters him again when he mistakes her for his housemaid Mary Ann. Soon Alice becomes trapped in his house after growing too large. The Rabbit shows up again in the last few chapters of the book, as a herald-like servant of the King and Queen of Hearts.

However, in Walt Disney's animated version of the story, the White Rabbit seems to be the most logical of all the Wonderland characters; and appears throughout the film to lead Alice along further into Wonderland. The Rabbit is perhaps most famous for the little song he sang at the beginning of the film - "I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I'm late! I'm late! I'm late!" He was animated by various animators including: Fred Moore, Ward Kimball, Judge Whitaker, and Wolfgang Reitherman. But most of the work was done by either Fred Moore or Ward Kimball; both of whom were wonderful at bringing this type of exaggerated character to life.


Close up of the White Rabbit original production animation drawing.

The White Rabbit was voiced by American Radio and Voice Actor Bill Thompson. Thompson had an extraordinary career spanning from the 1930's until he passed away in 1971. He worked extensively for Walt Disney Studios, and can be heard in many shorts and features, often in either dialect parts or a variation of his famous and masterful Wimple/Droopy voice. For "Alice In Wonderland," he was the voice of both the White Rabbit and the Dodo. He went on to be the voice of Mr. Smee (and the other pirates) in "Peter Pan," and also King Hubert in "Sleeping Beauty."

This is an adorable original production animation drawing of the White Rabbit. He is full figure, eyes and mouth open, has his horn in is right paw, and he is walking forward. An absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!

Original Production Animation Drawing of The Mad Hatter from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951


Original production animation drawing of the Mad Hatter in graphite pencil from "Alice In Wonderland," 1951, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 15 lower right; Size - Mad Hatter: 7 x 2 3/4", Sheet 10 x 12"; Unframed.

To purchase this drawing or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (commonly shortened to "Alice in Wonderland"), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. Disney reworked the story to fit with both a younger audience and a time frame suitable for an animated film (it's run time is only 75 minutes).

Kathryn Beaumont, who was born in London England, was just 10 years old when she was chosen for the voice of Alice. Walt Disney personally cast Beaumont after seeing her in the film "On an Island with You," in which the child actress had a small role. Disney was so impressed by her that she was also chosen to be the model for Alice, and would also go on to provide the voice for Wendy in "Peter Pan," 1953. Beaumont has also reprised her voice acting role as Alice in two episodes of the animated series, Disney's "House of Mouse," and as both Alice and Wendy in the video game "Kingdom Hearts." She did not retire as the voice of Alice and Wendy until 2005, when her role for these two characters was taken over by Hynden Walch.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of the Mad Hatter.

The Mad Hatter was voiced by Ed Wynn and he is one of the most memorable voices in "Alice" and a real stand out for the film. Wynn had a long history in Vaudeville and had developed his giggly, wavering voice in 1921 for the musical review, "The Perfect Fool." He had several roles at Walt Disney Studios, including his most famous acting role there as Uncle Albert in the film "Mary Poppins," in 1964.

The animator Ward Kimball was a tour de force for the film "Alice In Wonderland," and he animated the following: Alice (one scene), the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Walrus and the Carpenter, the Oysters, and the Dormouse. Kimball, was a superb draftsman, and he preferred to animate comical characters rather than realistic human figures. Because of this, "Alice In Wonderland" was the perfect film for him as it was filled with wonderful creatures all acting odd and comical. Animating came easily to him and he was constantly looking to do things in a different way; which lead Walt Disney to call Kimball a genius in the book "The Story of Walt Disney."

This is a large and beautifully rendered drawing of the Mad Hatter. He is full figure, eyes and mouth open, and he walking with his hand on his hip. A great action oriented image of one of the stand out characters from the film. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of vintage Walt Disney animation art and a great addition to any animation collection!