Mowgli and Kaa Production Drawings from "The Jungle Book," 1967

Original production drawing of Mowli and Kaa in graphite and blue pencils from "The Jungle Book," 1967; Numbered 47 lower right; Size - Mowgli and Kaa 8 1/2 x 6 1/2", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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

Wolfgang Reitherman 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 drawing of Mowli and Kaa in graphite and blue pencils from "The Jungle Book," 1967; Numbered 49 lower right; Size - Mowgli and Kaa 8 x 6 1/4", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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 drawing of Mowli and Kaa in graphite and blue pencils from "The Jungle Book," 1967; Numbered 55 lower right; Size - Mowgli and Kaa 8 x 7", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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.

Original production drawing of Mowli and Kaa in graphite and blue pencils from "The Jungle Book," 1967; Numbered 57 lower right; Size - Mowgli and Kaa 8 1/2 x 7", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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 a cape and hat.

Original production drawing of Mowli and Kaa in graphite and blue pencils from "The Jungle Book," 1967; Numbered 59 lower right; Size - Mowgli and Kaa 8 1/2 x 7", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

In these wonderful and large drawings, the animators were able to covey the sense of size and wight of the python Kaa as Mowgli struggles to try and push him off his head.  The dialog for this sequence is below:

Mowgil: "I don't trust anyone anymore."

Kaa: "I don't blame you. I'm not like those so-called fair-weather friends of yours. You can believe in me."

To view the scene which these drawings was used to create, click on the short video below:

#JungleBook #Mowgli #Kaa #productiondrawing #animation #animationart #WoolieReitherman #MiltKahl #untitledartgallery #SterlingHolloway #Disney

Original Production Animation Cels of Si And Am The Siamese Cats from "Lady And The Tramp," 1955

Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cels of Si and Am Siamese Cats set on a lithographic background from "Lady and the Tramp," 1955; Walt Disney Studios; Framed using a black and gold wood frame, two acid free mats, and UV Museum Perfect glass; Size - Si and Am 6 3/4 x 6", Image 8 x 10 1/2", Frame 17 1/4 x 19 1/2".

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

Si and Am account for a very large amount of Villain merchandise sold by Walt Disney Studios.  The cats were only in the film "Lady and the Tramp" for a very short amount of time; however their film time is very much remembered and loved.  With their names combined, "Siam" is the former name of the Kingdom of Thailand, referencing the cats' heritage.  Si and Am are a pair of identical twin seal-point Siamese cats and belong to Aunt Sarah.  Their physical appearance is sleek, with cream colored coats, angular wedge-shaped faces, and large blue almond eyes.  They have deep brown facial points with a darker, almost black muzzle with dark triangular ears; and their noses are black and small, and both have two middle incisors that hang over their lower lip.  Si and Am have dark brown "stockings" on their front legs and shorter "socks" on their hind legs, with dark long winding tails.

Cels without the background.

The famed Disney animator Milt Kahl did the final character design for Si and Am; but the cats were animated beautifully by Bob Carlson, Bill Justice, and John Sibley.  There is little doubt that a huge amount of the success of Si and Am goes to Peggy Lee and her performance of their signature song, "The Siamese Cat Song."  Peggy Lee was an American pop and jazz singer, songwriter, and actress who provided the original speaking and singing voices of not only Si and Am; but Darling and Peg.  She also composed the majority of the film's soundtrack with Sonny Burke; as well as performed "He's a Tramp", "La La Lu", "What Is a Baby?", and of course "The Siamese Cat Song"!

Si cel alone.

The cats storyline is that while Aunt Sarah is upstairs, Si and Am perform their trademark musical number, "The Siamese Cat Song".  During their song, the cats wreak havoc throughout the house, claiming it as their own, and even attempt to eat both the family fish and family bird!  During the closure of their song, Lady ferociously chases after them upon hearing of their intentions to sample some of the newborn baby's milk.  Lots of household damage ensues, and although the cats caused all the trouble, Si and Am feign injury in order to lay all the blame on Lady; who is then muzzled by Aunt Sarah.

Am cel alone.

Framed Si and Am original production animation cels.

Original production cels of Si and Am are extremely rare and this set is one of the finest I have ever seen in my 20+ years of collecting/dealing animation art.  I have only seen a handful of cels on the market and I have never seen any production drawings.  The cats famous quote is "We are Siamese if you please," and this pair of cels is from the very beginning of their famous song "The Siamese Cat Song," from which the line originates.  In this two cel setup both cats are full figure, with both blue eyes open, and have just emerged from their basket and begin to sing and wreck havoc!

To view the scene which these cels was used to create, click on the short video below:

#SiandAm #LadyandtheTramp #SiameseCat #animationart #cel #Disney #WaltDisney #PeggyLee #MiltKahl #untitledartgallery

Shere Khan Original Production Cel From "The Jungle Book," 1967

Original hand painted production cel of Shere Khan from "The Jungle Book," 1967; Still sealed in the original Walt Disney Art Corner Mat; Minor paint lifting, some paint stuck to background bottom lower left; Size - Shere Khan: 5 1/4" x 7", Image 6" x 8", Mat 10" x 12".

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

Shere Khan the tiger is the main antagonist in the 1967 Walt Disney film "The Jungle Book," an adaption of writer Rudyard Kipling's series of stories.  Khan was voiced by George Sanders, a veteran actor with a deep bass voice and a heavy British accent.  The choice of Sanders was perfect for Shere Khan who, in the film, seemed to adopt a British gentleman persona and used British phrases such as "Good show."

Milt Kahl, the great veteran Disney animator, was in charge of bringing Shere Khan to life and so of course Kahl set out on a crash course in tigers.  Kahl said in an interview: " I learned so much about tigers by studying them that I didn't have to rely on any life action crutch."  From Disney animator Andreas Dejas about the animation of Shere Khan, "Great perspective walk, and I love the way the tiger lies down, upper body first, then the rear.  The way he moves those front feet is worth studying alone.  Such great anatomy."

Matted Shere Khan cel

This is an absolutely wonderful cel of Shere Khan!  A great portrait image with both of his yellow eyes open, as well as his mouth showing off his very sharp teeth.  This is an Art Corner cel, still sealed in it's original mat with the Walt Disney sticker on the verso.  Art Corner was a retail shop located in Disneyland and sold original production cels.  Note: There is minor paint lifting and some paint stuck to background bottom lower left.

Back of the matted cel showing the original Walt Disney Art Corner label

#sherekhan #tiger #junglebook #disneyjunglebook #rudyardkipling #disney #animationcel #cel #georgesanders #miltkahl #andreasdejas

Witch with Apple drawing from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," 1937 - "Yes! One bite, and all your dreams will come true."

Original production drawing of the Witch with the poisoned apple from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," 1937; Red, green, blue and graphite pencils on peg hole paper; Numbered "460" lower right; Stamped production numbers lower left; Size - Witch  6 1/2 x 4 3/4", Sheet 15 1/2 x 12 1/2", Frame 28 x 29 3/4"; Framed with a gold wood frame, two acid free linen mats, gold wood fillet and conservation clear glass.

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

The famed animator Joe Grant created the initial sketches of the Witch, which had some basis in the early Witch drawings from Arthur Rackham's illustrations from "Hansel and Gretel."  After Walt Disney approved the character design; Norman Ferguson was given the task of animating her.  There were early concerns that the Witch would be viewed by the audience as more of a laughable and entertaining clown rather than an evil old hag; however, Norm's animation skill won out and the character seems even more menacing than her prior Queenly form.  The Witch is the only character in "Snow White" to look directly into the camera and therefore address the audience.  With her one tooth, expressive eyes, and boney hands; Ferguson had a lot of choices in which to invoke fear and to scare.  Despite her slow movements and apparent frailness, we all know there is pure evil afoot!

Framed Witch with apple production drawing.

I think of all the scenes with the Evil Queens transformed into the Old Hag/Witch; the best is when she is inside the Dwarf cottage and trying to get Snow White to take a bite from the poisoned apple.  The drawings of the Witch with the apple from this scene tend to be rare.  The vast majority of the drawings in the marketplace of the Witch with the apple are actually from when she has created the apple in her laboratory in her castle, and she is actually speaking to her pet raven.  However, this drawing is from that pivotal scene with Snow White: 

Witch: "And because you've been so good to poor old Granny, I'll share a secret with you. This is no ordinary apple, it's a magic wishing apple."

Snow White: "A wishing apple?"

Witch: "Yes! One bite, and all your dreams will come true."

Snow White: "Really?"

Witch: "Yes, girlie. Now, make a wish, and take a bite."

To view the scene which this drawing was used to create, click on the short video below:

#snowwhite #witch #evilqueen #oldhag #Disney #cel #productiondrawing #animation #animationart #WaltDisney #untitledartgallery

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," 1937 - Is It Too Frightening?

SOLD: Evil Queen Cel, Original production cel of the Evil Queen over a Courvoisier air brush background from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," 1937; Size - 7 3/4 x 5 3/4", Image 9 1/4 x 7 3/4", Frame 29 1/2 x 26 1/4"; Framed using a black and gold wood frame, 4 acid free mats (the two outer suede) and UV conservation clear glass.

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

Development on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs began in early 1934, and by June Walt Disney announced to The New York Times the production of his first feature, to be released under Walt Disney Productions.  Before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Disney studio had been primarily involved in the production of animated short subjects in the Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies series.  However, Disney hoped to expand his studio's prestige and revenues by moving into features, and he estimated that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs could be produced for a budget of $250,000 (this was ten times the budget of an average Silly Symphony).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was to be the first full-length cel animated feature in motion picture history, and as such Walt Disney had to fight to get the film produced. Both his brother and business partner Roy Disney, as well as his wife Lillian attempted to talk him out of it.  The Hollywood movie industry mockingly referred to the film, while is was in production, as "Disney's Folly."  Disney ended up having to mortgage his house to help finance the film's production, which would eventually ran up to a total cost of $1,488,422.74; an absolutely massive sum for a feature film in 1937!

SOLD - Original hand-painted and hand inked production animation cel of the Evil Queen; used during the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937, Walt Disney Studios; Placed on a hand watercolor non-production background that matches the scene; Framed using a hand-wrapped linen mat liner, an inset hand-carved gold wood interior fillet frame, a hand-wrapped linen mat liner, a hand-carved gold wood exterior frame and Museum Image Perfect UV protective glass; Size - Frame 23" x 22 1/2".

After a long and difficult four years, on January 13, 1938, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs made its New York premiere at Radio City Music Hall.  The film ran for five weeks in a row, the first motion picture to do so, and it could have played longer if not for prior commitments of the venue. It was to be the theatres' most successful engagement in all of the 1930s.  The film was loved by everyone and Disney, along with his animation team, had managed to make an animated film that the audience would believe!  The crowd would be sad and cry when Snow White bit the apple and was placed in a glass casket; and they would laugh, smile, and be happy during the song and dance numbers with the Dwarfs.  However, Disney was criticized by some for making a very scary film for children.

SOLD - Original hand-painted and hand inked production animation cel of the Evil Queen; numbered 129, and used during the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937, Walt Disney Studios together with an original hand-painted reproduction background; Framed using a hand-wrapped linen mat, an inset gold wood interior fillet frame, a hand-wrapped linen mat liner, a hand-carved gold wood exterior frame and Museum Image Perfect UV protective glass; Size - Frame 24 x 27 1/2".

When the movie was played at Radio City Music Hall on its first release, the theater managers had to replace the music played when Snow White runs into the Dark Forest; because they were nervous that the kids would be too frightened upon hearing it.  Snow White's run into the Forest had another result;  young children were still so scared by the sequence, that they wet their pants.  As a result, the velvet upholstery of each and every seat held by a child, had to be replaced prior to every showing of the film.

SOLD: Old Hag (Witch) with Apple Cel, Original hand painted and hand inked production cel of the Witch with the poisoned apple on matching lithographic background from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," 1937; Size - Witch 6 1/2 x 5 1/4", Image 9 1/2 x 13 1/4", Frame 29 x 20 1/4"; Framed with a black and gold wooden frame, three suede acid free mats, and UV conservation clear Museum Perfect glass.

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

The Walt Disney film's version of the Evil Queen changing into an Old Hag is very different compared to the original story.  In the Disney version, the Queen uses her dark magic powers to actually transform herself into an old woman instead of just taking on a disguise; as in the Brothers Grimm story.  Animation provided a transformation scene that is truly spectacular and the Disney team even made the event greater by utilizing the multi-plane camera; to make the room itself appeared to spin.  This sequence along with the flight of Snow White through the Dark Forest; caused the British Board of Film Censors (now, the British Board of Film Classification) to give the film an A-certificate (children had to be accompanied by an adult) upon its original release.  This resulted in a nationwide controversy as to whether the Forest and the Witch were too frightening for younger audiences.  Nevertheless, most local authorities simply overrode the censor's decision and gave the film a U-certificate (Suitable for children).

Walt Disney's response to the idea that the film was too frightening for children was, "I do not make films primarily for children. I make them for the child in all of us, whether we be six or sixty."  This may have been his statement, but he never made another film with such a scary villain.  Every film after Snow White had the main villain accompanied by a comedic sidekick; such as Maleficent and her Goons, Cruella de Vil with Horace and Jasper, or Medusa with Snoops.

To view the transformation of the Evil Queen into the Old Hag, click on the video below:

#EvilQueen #WickedWitch #SnowWhite #OldHag #WaltDisney #RadioCityMusicHall #animation #animationcel #cel #productioncel #animationart #untitledartgallery

Original production cel of Cruella De Vil from "101 Dalmatians," 1961

Original hand painted production cel of Cruella De Vil from "101 Dalmatians," 1961; Set on a lithographic background; Size - Cruella De Vil: 6" x 6", Image 7 1/2" x 10"; Unframed.

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

Cruella along with Maleficent are two of the most favorite of all the Disney villains, and they were both animated by Marc Davis. The character of Cruella De Vil was created by Dodie Smith for his novel "101 Dalmatians" in 1956, but it was Davis's visual interpretation that the world remembers. Although some of Cruella's traits were based in the novel, Davis along with Bill Peat, morphed the character by making her razor thin and exaggerating her oversized coat onto her thin frame. The long cigarette holder was modeled on one Davis used himself. Inspiration was also drawn from Hollywood legends Tallulah Bankhead, Bette Davis, and Rosalind Russell. Movement, according to Davis, was consistent "like someone you wouldn't like," and another inspiration was based on "one woman I knew who was just a monster. She was tall and thin and talked constantly - you never knew what she was saying, but you couldn't get a word in edgewise."

The voice of Cruella was provided by Betty Lou Gerson. She had worked for Disney prior as the narrator for Cinderella, but her voice talent as Cruella De Vil is her tour de force! The highly pitched phrase "Anita Darling!" is completely iconic and has become part of Disney pop culture.

This is absolutely perfect cel of Cruella De Vil from the scene when she appears just after the birth of Pongo and Perdita's dalmatian puppies. She says, "Fifteen. Fifteen puppies! How marvelous! How marvelous!" In this cel her red gloved hand is up near her face and she is smiling in udder excitement.  She is wearing her classic mink coat; her cigarette with holder, along with the top of her purse can also be seen.

Original production cel of Cruella De Vil without the background.

To view the scene which this cel was used to create, click on the short video below:

#cruella #cruelladevil #101dalmatians #disney #cel #marcdavis #animation #animationart #art #animationcollection #untitledartgallery

Original production cel of J. Worthington Foulfellow (Honest John or The Fox), from "Pinocchio," 1940

Original hand painted and hand inked production cel of Foulfellow (Honest John) from "Pinocchio," 1940; Set over a Courvoisier air brush background with a calligraphy titled mat; Framed with two mats, gold wood frame, and glass; Size - Foulfellow: 6 1/2 x 5 1/2", Image 6 3/4 x 7 1/2", Frame 15 x 14 1/2".

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

Norm Ferguson (Fergy) was the animator responsible for bringing both J. Worthington Foulfellow (The Fox) and Gideon (The Cat) to life.  Fergy is most remembered for his creation of Pluto, but his animation of both Foulfellow and Gideon was one of the true highlights of the film "Pinocchio."  The inspiration for Foulfellow (also called Honest John) was the classic vaudeville acts; with the actor's overdone dialogue and skill at improvisations.  Foulfellow was a very fast talking and persuasive Fox, who would not give poor Pinocchio time to think or respond before moving forward with his own plan to better himself, at the expense of his poor victim.  Although dressed in a top hat, gloves, and a cape; all of his clothing is old, ragged, and with patches throughout.

Walter Catlett provided the voice of Foulfellow and endowed the character with a wonderful sophisticated style, that added to the level of sophistication to this petty criminal.  Catlett had started is own career in vaudeville and new how to impart that style into his reading of Honest John.  In addition, Walter Catlett's voice was also great for Fergy's animation; as it allowed for facial expressions and for mannerisms that enhanced the feel of Honest John.  This combination was perfect and really helped in the development of a much more brilliant character, and one of the most entertaining in the film.

This is a wonderful cel of the Honest John from the very famous scene in "Pinocchio" which occurs at the The Red Lobster Inn where the Coachman 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.  Foulfellow is always looking to make some money and in this cel he is wondering how to make a deal with the evil Coachman; the dialog is below:

Foulfellow: So, Coachman, what's your proposition?
The Coachman: How would you blokes like to make some real money?
[pulls out a big bag of gold pieces, which he drops on the table with a loud clank]

Framed original production cel of J. Worthington Foulfellow (Honest John or The Fox).

To see the cel made from this drawing in the film, just click on the short video below:

#pinocchio #foulfellow #honestjohn #jworthingtonfoulfellow #NormFerguson #disney #cel #art #animation #animationcollecting #pleasureisland #untitledartgallery #WaltDisney #WalterCatlett