American Experience

Walt Disney's First Failure

Clip: Season 27 Episode 8 | 2m 19s

After Walt Disney's distributor failed to pay, Disney had to come up with something "new and clever in animated cartoons" to save his Laugh-O-grams company. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.

Aired: 09/14/15

Rating: NR

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More Extras

Walt Disney, Part One
"Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15, 2015 at 9/8c.
Walt Disney
The complete biography of Walt Disney, premiering September 2015 on American Experience.
Walt Disney, Extended Preview
Walt Disney premieres September 14 & 15, 2015 9/8c. on PBS American Experience.
Visitors to Disneyland
Disneyland became a top destination for foreign dignitaries. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.
Walt Disney Preview
An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.
Why we Made "Walt Disney"
"The challenge is, Disney is both a person and a brand." Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS
Finding Rare Archival Footage
Assoc. Producer Matt Gavin tracked down rare archival footage for "Walt Disney."
Finding Rare Archival Footage
Assoc. Producer Matt Gavin tracked down rare archival footage for "Walt Disney."
Interview: Working for Walt Disney
Composer Richard Sherman recalls working with Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS
Interview: Working for Walt Disney
Composer Richard Sherman recalls working with Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS
Interview: Snow White as the Ideal 1930s Woman
Snow White was a reflection of American women during the 1930s. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.
Interview: Snow White as the Ideal 1930s Woman
Snow White was a reflection of American women during the 1930s. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.
Interview: Walt Disney the Storyteller
Animator Floyd Norman shares his experiences working for Walt Disney. Premieres 9/14 & 15
The Story of "Dumbo"
Watch an original interview with writer, Ron Suskind about "Dumbo." Premieres 9/14 & 9/15
Interview: Walt Disney's America
Media historian Susan Douglas explores Walt Disney's version of America. Coming Sep. 14/15
Interview: Musical Storytelling
Don Hahn discusses Walt Disney's use of music in his films. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c
Walt Disney Series Preview
An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.
The Creation of Mickey Mouse
In the late 1920s, Walt Disney Studios created a new animated star. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15
Working at Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney viewed his studio as a community. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.
Walt Disney Part 1, Chapter 1
The first chapter of Part 1 of "Walt Disney." Premiering Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS.
Walt Disney Part 2, Chapter 1
The first chapter in Part 2 of "Walt Disney." Premiering Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS.
Walt Disney's Hometown
To Walt Disney, Marceline, Missouri would always be home. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.
Walt Disney's Public Vs. Private Persona
Walt Disney recognized that he was different than his public persona. Premieres 9/14 & 15
The "Fearless Filmmaking" of "Bambi"
Everyone remembers Walt Disney's "Bambi" for that one traumatic scene. Premieres 9/14 & 15
Mickey Mouse's Big Break
"Steamboat Willie" blows audiences away with its use of sound. Airs 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.

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