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Sunday, December 31, 2017

Original Production Animation Drawing of Captain Hook from "Peter Pan," 1953


Original production animation drawing of Captain Hook in red, green, and graphite pencils from "Peter Pan," 1953, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 71 in pencil lower right with production numbers stamp lower left; Size - Captain Hook 6 1/4 x 4 3/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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

"Ha ha ha, you wouldn’t dare fight old Hook man to man. You’d fly away like a cowardly sparrow." -  Captain Hook

The author J. M. Barrie first used Peter Pan as a character in a section of the adult novel "The Little White Bird" in 1902. He returned to that character with his stage play entitled "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," which premiered in London on December 27, 1904. The play ran until 1913, and it was later adapted by Walt Disney for the animated feature film entitled, "Peter Pan," in 1953.

Captain Hook was initially designed by Milt Kahl animated by legendary Frank Thomas and Wolfgang Reitherman. Hook voiced by Hans Conried who was also the voice of George Darling, which is consistent with the roles of "Peter Pan" for the stage. Conried was a well known actor including roles on "I Love Lucy" where he played an English tutor as well as playing the character Wrongway Feldman on "Gilligan's Island." His voice was so distinctive and so memorable that he was perfect for the role of Captain Hook; as he had a wonderful way of conveying both the rough gruff pirate role as well and the sly calculating villain.


Close up of the original production animation drawing of Captain Hook.

From Disney animator Andreas Deja:
Many of you would agree that Captain Hook is one of Frank Thomas' best creations. To some Frank is the best animator who ever lived. - He used live action reference for a number of his characters. In this case it was character actor Hans Conried who provided the voice and acting reference for Hook. Frank was very critical about the way other animators used live action. To him the acting ideas were all you needed, but you still had to pass judgement on the footage and interpret what the actor gave you. His animation never has that roto, floaty feel to it. For one thing Frank was way too talented and smart to let that happen."


Close up of the production number.


Close up of the production number stamp.

Frank Thomas's first sketches of Captain Hook were much more menacing than the final product. Walt Disney felt the character was going to be too frightening for children and so Thomas toned down his drawings. The result is a wonderful character and certainly one the fan favorite male villains in the Walt Disney film world.

This is a fantastic production drawing from the final battle between Captain Hook and Peter Pan aboard the pirate's ship "Jolly Roger." Hook has both eyes and mouth open, and has a wickedly evil smile. He is armed with his sword and hook, as he pursues Peter Pan onto the rope ladder rigging of the ship; daring Peter to face him. As Hook climbs up the rope ladder he says to Peter Pan, "Ha ha ha, you wouldn’t dare fight old Hook man to man. You’d fly away like a cowardly sparrow." A beautiful drawing of one of the greatest Disney Villains and a great addition to any animation art collection!

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