Original Production Animation Cel of Br'er Rabbit from "Song of the South," 1946

Original hand painted and hand inked production animation cel of Br'er Rabbit from "Song of the South," 1946, Walt Disney Studios; Signed by Marc Davis in ink lower center; Set on a lithographic background; Size - Br'er Rabbit: 4 x 3 1/4", Image 9 1/2 x 5"; Unframed.

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

"Don't you know you can't run away from trouble" -Uncle Remus
"Heh-heh.Where I'm goin', there ain't gonna be no trouble" - Br'er Rabbit
"Dey ain't no place dat fur." -Uncle Remus
"Well, just he same, I done made up my mind, and I ain't never comin' back. Well, so long Uncle Remus." - Br'er Rabbit
"As sho' hopes you knows what you's doin." -Uncle Remus

"Song of the South" from 1946 is a live-action/animated musical film produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures. It was based on the Uncle Remus stories collected by Joel Chandler Harris. Harris created the character of Uncle Remus in 1876 and began writing the Uncle Remus stories as a serial series to, in his words, "preserve in permanent shape those curious mementoes of a period that will no doubt be sadly misrepresented by historians of the future." President Teddy Roosevelt said of Harris, "Presidents may come and presidents may go, but Uncle Remus stays put. Georgia has done a great many things for the Union, but she has never done more than when she gave Mr. Joel Chandler Harris to American literature."

"Song of the South" was Disney's first feature film using live actors, who provided a framework for the animated segments throughout the film. The character of Uncle Remus, who was presumably a former slave, was played by James Baskett. The film includes several folk tales of the adventures of anthropomorphic Br'er Rabbit and his enemies, Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. The film's song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Song and is used often by both Disney and in popular culture. The film also inspired the Disney theme park water log attraction, "Splash Mountain."

Close up of the Marc Davis signature.

Because of the film's depiction of black former slaves and of race relations in Reconstruction-Era Georgia; the film has been controversial since its original release. A number of critics, both at the time of its release and in later decades, have described the film as racist. Consequently, "Song of the South" has never been released in its entirety on home video in the United States.

Br'er Bear is slow-witted (compared to Br'er Fox and Br'er Rabbit) and prone to violence when provoked. He is gullible which leaves him open to being tricked repeatedly by Br'er Rabbit, even when he accompanies the more sly Br'er Fox. He may be one of the most cruel and heartless of all the Disney villains. Br'er Bear was animated by Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, and Eric Larson and was voiced by Nicodemus (Nick) Stewart, who was an American television and film actor. Stewart was best known for his role as Lightnin' (Willie Jefferson) on the "Amos and Andy" television show.

Br'er Fox is the fast talking sly fox who is always trying to trick and trap poor Br'er Rabbit. Br'er Fox was animated by Marc Davis and Ollie Johnston and was voiced by James Baskett; who also was the star of the film portraying Uncle Remus. In recognition of his warm portrayal of the famous black storyteller, Baskett was given an Honorary Academy Award; making him the very first black male performer to receive an Oscar. Br'er Rabbit was also animated by the great Walt Disney animators Marc Davis and Ollie Johnston. Johnny Lee (an African-American singer, dancer and actor) provided the voice of Br'er Rabbit. When Lee had been called to do promotion for the film, James Baskett filled in as the voice of Br'er Rabbit for "The Laughing Place" segment.

This is an extremely rare original production cel of Br'er Rabbit from his very first encounter with Uncle Remus in the film, which occurs after Remus's performance of the song "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." In the scene Br'er Rabbit decides to leave his briar patch home, as it has been nothing but trouble. Uncle Remus tries to explain that you can't run away from trouble, but Br'er Rabbit has made up his mind. This is a fantastic full figure image of Br'er Rabbit, he is eyes open with his left front paw just below his chin. The contents of his briar patch home are contained in his bindle (handkerchief tied to a wooden stick). In addition the cel is hand signed in ink by Walt Disney master animator Marc Davis. Original animation artwork from "Song of the South" is rare to market, and this is a stand out piece for any vintage Disney animation collection! The dialog for this scene is below:

"Don't you know you can't run away from trouble" -Uncle Remus
"Heh-heh.Where I'm goin', there ain't gonna be no trouble" - Br'er Rabbit
"Dey ain't no place dat fur." -Uncle Remus
"Well, just he same, I done made up my mind, and I ain't never comin' back. Well, so long Uncle Remus." - Br'er Rabbit
"As sho' hopes you knows what you's doin." -Uncle Remus

#SongoftheSouth #BrerBear #BrerFox #BrerRabbit #TarBaby #MarcDavis #OllieJohnston #EricLarson #JoelChandlerHarris #UncleRemus #JamesBaskett #ZipaDeeDooDah #cel #productioncel #animation #animationart #Disney #WaltDisney #untitledartgallery #animationdrawing #productiondrawing #animationcel #laughinplace #laughingplace #thelaughingplace #JohnnyLee #HankPorter

Original Production Animation Cels of Captain Hook and Tinker Bell from "Peter Pan," 1953

Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cels of 1) Captain Hook 3) Candle Stick & Left Arm and Hand 3) Tinker Bell 4) Matching Wings from "Peter Pan," 1953; Walt Disney Studios; Set over a lithographic background with Candle Flame lithograph cel overlay; Production numbers in ink lower cel edges; Size - Captain Hook: 8 x 9 1/2",  Tinker Bell: 3 x 1 1/2", Image 10 1/2 x 13 1/2"; Unframed.

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

You know, there's trouble
brewin' on the island.
Women trouble.
I wouldn't want this
to go any farther, but...
the cook told me that
the first mate told him...
that he heard that Pan
has banished Tinker Bell.
Whoa!

Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=peter-pan

 "Ah, Hangman's Tree. So that's the entrance to his hiding place. Thank you, my dear. You've been most helpful." - 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 animated by legendary Frank Thomas and voiced by Hans Conried. Conried was also the voice of George Darling, which is consistent with the roles of "Peter Pan" for the stage. Conried was also an accomplished actor, appearing 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.

Original production animation cel of Captain Hook without the background.

Original production animation cel of a Candle Stick and Captain Hook's Left Arm and Hand without the background.

The legendary Frank Thomas animated Captain Hook, and his first sketches 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 villain and always rated as one the top male villains in the Disney film world.

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."

Tinker Bell was designed and animated by Walt Disney veteran animator, Marc Davis (who supervised the animation and contributed to the design of: Cinderella, Alice, Wendy, Tinker Bell, Aurora, Maleficent, and Cruella De Vil). Without the aid of a vocal performance, he relied on Tinker Bell's facial and body expressions for the animation; taking inspiration from previous pantomime characters such as Mickey Mouse's dog Pluto and Dopey from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Once "Peter Pan" was released, Tinker Bell received critical acclaim and would continue to be one of Disney's trademark characters. She has become one of the main spokes-characters for The Walt Disney Company and one of its most popular and iconic characters since her creation. Many people remember the opening to the TV show "The Wonderful World of Disney," as Tinker Bell would fly towards the center of the screen with a thin wand in her hand, waving it, and causing fairy dust to fly out towards the viewer!

From veteran Walt Disney animator Andreas Deja:
"To me Tinker Bell is perfection. Her character arc in the story is very strong. Because of her affection for Peter Pan she is jealous of Wendy, which gets her into trouble. But toward the end of the film she saves Peter's life as well as the other kids. Her animation throughout is flawless. Occasionally based on live action reference, Marc animated her beautifully. She always feels like a small figure, but the acting has great range and subtlety. Marc said he really enjoyed the challenge of a mute character, where pantomime is the name of the game."

Because of the public's love of the character, DisneyToon Studios decided to create a series of films staring Tinker Bell; and the movies were extremely popular and very well received. The voices of Mae Whitman, Raven-Symoné, Lucy Liu, America Ferrera, Kristin Chenoweth and Pamela Adlon are featured in the series of films. Each of the first four films is set around one of the four seasons: "Tinker Bell," 2008 centered around Spring, "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure," 2009 around Autumn, "Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue," 2010 around Summer, and "Secret of the Wings," 2012 around Winter. A fifth title, "Pixie Hollow Games," 2011 was supposed to be based on all four seasons, but it was released before "Secret of the Wings" and the film was scaled down. A sixth film, entitled "The Pirate Fairy," was released on April 1, 2014, followed by the release of a seventh film "Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast" on March 3, 2015. The film series was a spin-off of and prequel to the animated feature film "Peter Pan" and to its sequel, "Return to Never Land."

Original production animation cel of Tinker Bell and Matching Wings cel without the background.

Original production animation cel of Tinker Bell without the background.

Original production animation cel of Tinker Bell's Wings without the background.

Candle Flame lithograph cel overlay without the background.

After Captain Hook and Mr. Smee capture Tinker Bell, they convince her that Wendy is responsible for coming between her and Peter Pan. Hook says that he will "shanghai" Wendy, explaining that he will "Take her to sea with us. With her gone, Peter will soon forget this mad infatuation." However, in order to capture Wendy, Hook needs to know the location of Peter's secret hiding place. After Hook promises not to lay a finger or a hook on Peter Pan, Tinker Bell dips her feet in ink from Hook's ink well and walks across a map of Neverland. She finally marks an X at Hangman's Tree, the entrance to Peter Pan's hiding place. Hook grabs Tinker Bell in is left hand and says, "Ah, Hangman's Tree. So that's the entrance to his hiding place. Thank you, my dear. You've been most helpful." This is a fantastic multi-cel setup of Captain Hook and Tinker Bell. Hook is eyes and mouth open, and his gold hook is in clear view; and Tinker Bell is full figure and has her matching wings cel. A standout addition to any Walt Disney vintage animation art collection!

#Tinkerbell #PeterPan #Disney #WaltDisney #animationcel #animationdrawing #productioncel #productiondrawing #Smee #MrSmee #captainhook #cel #animation #animationart #hansconried #frankthomas #jollyroger #pirate #untitledartgallery #Neverland #MarcDavis #WolfgangReitherman #WendyDarling #DisneyCel #CaptainHook

Original Production Animation Cel Setup of Captain Hook and Tick-Tock from "Peter Pan," 1953

Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cel of Captain Hook and Tick-Tock with Water Effects cel from "Peter Pan," 1953; Walt Disney Studios; Set over a lithographic background; Production numbers lower cel edge and lower right corner; Size - Captain Hook, Tick-Tock, & Water Effects: 6 x 7 3/4", Image 11 1/2 x 14 1/2"; Unframed.

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

“Aye, but throwing it to that crocodile! That cursed beast liked the taste of me so well he's followed me ever since, licking his chops for the rest of me.” -  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.

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."

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.

The primary Villain of "Peter Pan" is Captain Hook, and the film is unusual because Captain Hook has a Villain; a crocodile which was named (in later publications) Tick-Tock. The name is derived from the fact that he had swallowed a clock, whose ticking sound was a warning to anyone he approached. Whenever Tick-Tock appeared in the original film, the song "Never Smile at a Crocodile" is played as his theme. "Never Smile at a Crocodile" was a song written by Frank Churchill with lyrics by Jack Lawrence; although only the music is heard in the film.

Original production animation cel of Captain Hook and Tick-Tock without the background.

Original production animation cel of Water Effects without the background.

Tick-Tock seems very set on eating Captain Hook. In a prior fight, Peter Pan cut off Hook's left hand and fed it to the crocodile; and once Tick-Tock had a taste of Captain Hook he wanted more! Tick-Tock's first appearance in the film was animated by John Lounsbery, but most of the crocodile's animation was done by lead Disney animator Wolfgang Reitherman. Reitherman was most known for directing action scenes in the Disney animated features and for later becoming Disney's chief animation director in 1961. Disney sound man Jimmy MacDonald provided Tick-Tock's biting sounds in the film (uncredited).

This is an absolutely spectacular two cel setup of Captain Hook and the Crocodile Tick-Tock with a water effects cel, and they occur at the very end of the film "Peter Pan." Tick-Tock has one eye open and is winking to the viewer with the other. His mouth is wide open, as poor Captain Hook is trying to keep the Crocodile's jaws from closing shut on him! A stunning and impressive setup from the Walt Disney vintage period for animation art!

#TickTock #crocodile #JimmyMacDonald #PeterPan #FrankChurchill #JohnLounsbery #JackLawrence #Disney #WaltDisney #CaptainHook #MrSmee #Smee #untitledartgallery #animation #cel #animationcel #animationart #animationdrawing #productiondrawing #productioncel #WolfgangReitherman #Tikerbell #JMBarrie #Tinkerbell #hansconried #frankthomas #jollyroger #pirate #Neverland #MarcDavis

Original Production Animation Cel Setup of Tick-Tock from "Peter Pan," 1953

Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cel of Tick-Tock with Matching Water Effects cel from "Peter Pan," 1953; Walt Disney Studios; Set over a lithographic background; Numbered 99A and W99A in ink lower right corners; Size - Tick-Tock & Water Effects: 8 1/4 x 13 1/4", Image 11 1/4 x 14 1/2"; Unframed.

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

“Aye, but throwing it to that crocodile! That cursed beast liked the taste of me so well he's followed me ever since, licking his chops for the rest of me.” -  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.

The primary Villain of "Peter Pan" is Captain Hook, and the film is unusual because Captain Hook has a Villain; a crocodile which was named (in later publications) Tick-Tock. The name is derived from the fact that he had swallowed a clock, whose ticking sound was a warning to anyone he approached. Whenever Tick-Tock appeared in the original film, the song "Never Smile at a Crocodile" is played as his theme. "Never Smile at a Crocodile" was a song written by Frank Churchill with lyrics by Jack Lawrence; although only the music is heard in the film.

Original production animation cel of Tick-Tock without the background.

Original production animation cel of Water Effects without the background.

Tick-Tock seems very set on eating Captain Hook. In a prior fight, Peter Pan cut off Hook's left hand and fed it to the crocodile; and once Tick-Tock had a taste of Captain Hook he wanted more! Tick-Tock's first appearance in the film was animated by John Lounsbery, but most of the crocodile's animation was done by lead Disney animator Wolfgang Reitherman. Reitherman was most known for directing action scenes in the Disney animated features and for later becoming Disney's chief animation director in 1961. Disney sound man Jimmy MacDonald provided Tick-Tock's biting sounds in the film (uncredited).

This is an absolutely spectacular two cel setup of the Crocodile Tick-Tock with his matching water effects cel. The cels occur during the battle between Captain Hook and Peter Pan at Skull Rock. Tick-Tock is looking up at Hook, just waiting for him to fall. Tick-Tock is eyes open, has his tongue sticking out, and both his upper body and the end of his tail is out of the water. A stunning and impressive setup from the Walt Disney vintage period for animation art!

#TickTock #crocodile #JimmyMacDonald #PeterPan #FrankChurchill #JohnLounsbery #JackLawrence #Disney #WaltDisney #CaptainHook #MrSmee #Smee #untitledartgallery #animation #cel #animationcel #animationart #animationdrawing #productiondrawing #productioncel #WolfgangReitherman #Tikerbell #JMBarrie #Tinkerbell #hansconried #frankthomas #jollyroger #pirate #Neverland #MarcDavis

Original Production Animation Cel of Tinker Bell from "Peter Pan," 1953

Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cel of Tinker Bell from "Peter Pan," 1953; Walt Disney Studios; Set over a lithographic background; Numbered 18 in ink lower right; Size - Tinker Bell: 6 1/4 x 2 1/4", Image 11 x 14 1/2"; Unframed.

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

"Don't you understand, Tink? You mean more to me than anything in this whole world!" - Peter Pan

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.

Original production animation cel of Tinker Bell without the background.

Tinker Bell was designed and animated by Walt Disney veteran animator, Marc Davis (who supervised the animation and contributed to the design of: Cinderella, Alice, Wendy, Tinker Bell, Aurora, Maleficent, and Cruella De Vil). Without the aid of a vocal performance, he relied on Tinker Bell's facial and body expressions for the animation; taking inspiration from previous pantomime characters such as Mickey Mouse's dog Pluto and Dopey from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Once "Peter Pan" was released, Tinker Bell received critical acclaim and would continue to be one of Disney's trademark characters. She has become one of the main spokes-characters for The Walt Disney Company and one of its most popular and iconic characters since her creation. Many people remember the opening to the TV show "The Wonderful World of Disney," as Tinker Bell would fly towards the center of the screen with a thin wand in her hand, waving it, and causing fairy dust to fly out towards the viewer!

From veteran Walt Disney animator Andreas Deja:
"To me Tinker Bell is perfection. Her character arc in the story is very strong. Because of her affection for Peter Pan she is jealous of Wendy, which gets her into trouble. But toward the end of the film she saves Peter's life as well as the other kids. Her animation throughout is flawless. Occasionally based on live action reference, Marc animated her beautifully. She always feels like a small figure, but the acting has great range and subtlety. Marc said he really enjoyed the challenge of a mute character, where pantomime is the name of the game."

Because of the public's love of the character, DisneyToon Studios decided to create a series of films staring Tinker Bell; and the movies were extremely popular and very well received. The voices of Mae Whitman, Raven-Symoné, Lucy Liu, America Ferrera, Kristin Chenoweth and Pamela Adlon are featured in the series of films. Each of the first four films is set around one of the four seasons: "Tinker Bell," 2008 centered around Spring, "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure," 2009 around Autumn, "Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue," 2010 around Summer, and "Secret of the Wings," 2012 around Winter. A fifth title, "Pixie Hollow Games," 2011 was supposed to be based on all four seasons, but it was released before "Secret of the Wings" and the film was scaled down. A sixth film, entitled "The Pirate Fairy," was released on April 1, 2014, followed by the release of a seventh film "Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast" on March 3, 2015. The film series was a spin-off of and prequel to the animated feature film "Peter Pan" and to its sequel, "Return to Never Land."

This is an exceptionally rare original production animation cel of Tinker Bell. Production artwork of Tinker Bell is rare to the market, and this is both a great pose and a large image. She stands over six inches tall, full figure, eyes open, and sporting a great pouting mouth expression. This would be the stand out piece for any serious Walt Disney animation art collection!

#Tinkerbell #PeterPan #Disney #WaltDisney #animationcel #animationdrawing #productioncel #productiondrawing #Smee #MrSmee #captainhook #cel #animation #animationart #hansconried #frankthomas #jollyroger #pirate #untitledartgallery #Neverland #MarcDavis #WolfgangReitherman #WendyDarling #DisneyCel #Nana

Original Production Animation Drawing of the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio," 1940

Original production animation drawing in blue, red, and graphite pencils of the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio," 1940, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 54 in pencil and production numbers stamp lower right; Signed by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston in pencil lower center; Size - Blue Fairy: 8 1/2 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!

    “As I live and breathe... A fairy!” 

    ―Jiminy Cricket upon witnessing the Blue Fairy for the first time

"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."

Due to the huge success of "Snow White," Walt Disney wanted more famous voice actors for "Pinocchio." He cast popular singer Cliff Edwards (who had made the first record selling over a million copies) as Jiminy Cricket. Disney also wanted the character of Pinocchio to be voiced by a real child. The role ended up going to twelve year old actor Dickie Jones, who had previously been in Frank Capra's enormous Hollywood hit, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."

Animation began in September 1938 and just as in "Snow White," live-action footage was shot for "Pinocchio" with the actors playing the scenes; which was supervised by Hamilton Luske. The animators then used the footage as a guide for their animation drawings by studying the human movement and then incorporating many of those poses and scenes. The title character was animated by Milt Kahl (initial design), Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston. "When I was doing Pinocchio," Johnston said, "I thought of the character being real, a living person, not a drawing."

In a story meeting for the upcoming film "Pinocchio" on January 12, 1939, Walt Disney stated that the Blue Fairy was to "give the appearance of loveliness... (but not look like) a glamour girl." The early model sheets and preliminary sketches reflect this idea, depicting the character as an ethereal beauty with swirling, billowing clothes and loose, unkempt hair (to reflect the fact that the fairy has literally flown into the scene). At some point in development, the design was changed to a less ethereal figure with human proportions. This final version of the character, with her glittery dress, solid hair, and more human proportions, suggested the inspiration of Jean Harlow (the American actress and sex symbol of the 1930's who was dubbed the "Blond Bombshell") and thus ultimately resembling the 'glamour girl' Walt Disney had initially tried to avoid. However, Disney seemed pleased with this version of the character, whose newly-found sexual allure worked on both Jiminy Cricket and the male animators working on the film, who reportedly whistled on first seeing a color test of the Blue Fairy. 

Close up of the Blue Fairy drawing and the signatures.

Jack Campbell's animation of the Blue Fairy closely followed live-action footage of Marge Champion (who was also the performance model for Snow White) under the direction of Hamilton Luske. The Blue Fairy, was the only female character (besides Cleo the fish) in the film "Pinocchio" and was voiced by Evelyn Venable, an American actress. Evelyn was also the model for the first ever Columbia Pictures Torch Lady.

Oskar Fischinger, a famous abstract filmmaker from Germany, who had been hired by Disney primarily to help with "Fantasia's" opening sequence of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The segment consisted of live-action of the orchestra playing the piece, illuminated by abstract light patterns set in time to the music and backed by stylized and superimposed shadows. Fischinger went on to be responsible for animation of the Blue Fairy's magic, including the effects surrounding her when she first enters Geppetto's workshop and the beams of light emanating from the Blue Fairy's wand.

This original production drawing is an absolute perfect image of the Blue Fairy. Her mouth and eyes are open, her pair of wings are visible as is her wand, and her flowing gown is delicately rendered beautifully. The drawing is hand signed by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston in pencil; and would be a great addition to any vintage Walt Disney animation art collection!

#Pinocchio #JiminyCricket #CliffEdwards #BlueFairy #Geppetto #WaltDisney #Disney #untitledartgallery #animation #Courvoisier #CourvoisierGalleries #animationart #cel #animationdrawing #productiondrawing #DickieJones #MiltKahl #FrankThomas #OllieJohnston #Bach #SandyStrother #JoeGrant #HamiltonLuske #animationcel #WardKimball

Original Production Animation Cel of Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles from "The Three Caballeros," 1944

Original hand painted and hand inked production animation cel of Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles from "The Three Caballeros," 1944; Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Numbered 116 in ink lower right; Size - Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles: 4 1/2 x 7", Image 8 3/4 x 11 1/4"; Unframed.

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

"The Three Caballeros," 1944 is an animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Productions which premiered in Mexico City on December 21, 1944, in the United States on February 3, 1945, and in the United Kingdom in March. The film focuses on a fantastic adventure which occurs through  Latin America and is combination of both live-action and animation.

The film stars Donald Duck (voiced by Clarence Nash), who is joined by his old friend José Carioca, the cigar-smoking parrot from "Saludos Amigos," 1942 (representing Brazil); and later becomes friends with the pistol-packing rooster, Panchito Pistoles (representing Mexico). The film is laid out as a series of individual segments that are connected by Donald Duck opening birthday gifts from his Latin American friends. Several Latin American stars appear in the film including; singers Aurora Miranda (sister of Carmen Miranda) and Dora Luz, and the singer and dancer Carmen Molina.

Original production animation cel of Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles without the background.

Panchito's full name is Panchito Romero Miguel Junipero Francisco Quintero González III. Panchito or Pancho (as well as Paco or Paquito) are nicknames for Francisco, his fifth name. Panchito the rooster (who also rides on a horse called Señor Martinez) was animated by Ollie Johnston and Ward Kimball, and was voiced by Joaquin Garay.

José Carioca is a green Brazilian tropical parrot from Rio de Janeiro. His design is based on a parrot that Walt Disney spotted during his trip to Brazil. José is suave, cool, fun, and a ladies man. He was animated by Vladimir Tytla, Ward Kimball, Ollie Johnston, and Fred Moore. He was voiced by the Brazilian actor José Oliveira.

This is a spectacular original production animation cel of all three of The Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles. All three of the birds (duck, parrot, and chicken) are full figure, eyes and mouth open, and Donald has a great facial expression. It just doesn't get any better than this perfect vintage Disney image and would be a great addition to any animation art collection!

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