Pop Vault - Walt Disney Classics Rankings
The Silver Age
The Silver Age
The Silver Age of Walt Disney animated films refers to the movies most closely associated with classic Disney movies and childhood memories. A generation grew up with these and passed them on to their children, who in turn have passed them on to the next generation, and so on. This was also when Disney began its formula of happily-ever-after princess films.
This marked the beginning of Disney's entry into American pop culture. Through Post-War America, Walt would open Disneyland and start making live action films. The Disney name became synonymous with wholesome family fun.
Some major consequential films and characters in the Disney catalog were released during this era. Tinkerbell, who is as much a mascot as Mickey Mouse, first appears. Movies like Sleeping Beauty and One Hundred and One Dalmatians introduced us to notable villains like Cruella de Vil and Maleficent. Notably, this was the last era with a Walt Disney-controlled film, as he would pass away shortly before the release of the final movie in the era, The Jungle Book.
I love these movies like most, but there are a couple I was surprised I didn’t like as much as I thought I would. My all-time favorite Disney film is also in here - Sleeping Beauty.
Cinderella (1950)
Recently, this movie has gotten a lot of play in my household, as my daughter loves it. It sets up the formula we know of the Disney princesses and the “happily ever after” endings. It features a great soundtrack and some stunning animation. The mice add to the movie without detracting from the main character of Cinderella. There are also some great shots, especially with the evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine (voiced by Eleanor Audley, also the voice of Maleficent). Plus, there’s really well-written dialogue and comedy.
This movie was a success and got the Disney company rolling in what would be an excellent decade for them. To this day, even if modernized a bit, the fairy tale and princess formula dominates the Disney ideology and ethos, and it’s all thanks to this film.
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
I think this movie has some outstanding animation. It's clear that the animators had a lot of fun making this. Of course, we know all the memorable characters here, but I actually wasn’t super crazy about the movie overall. I think the middle part feels too much like filler, and the best part is the first and final acts. But this is still a must-watch movie with a huge legacy for the company. Additionally, this movie holds up remarkably well in terms of its themes and messages. The Queen of Hearts is scarily close to the narcissistic, horrible people we’ve seen in public life recently.
Peter Pan is one of the more famous movies of the era. From a legacy and pop culture standpoint, Peter Pan is extremely important to the company. Tinker Bell has become an integral part of Disney imagery, alongside Jiminy Cricket’s song and Mickey Mouse. Like most of the movies of the era, the animation and cinematography are beautiful.
However, the movie is also known for not aging well in its depiction of Native Americans. This will become increasingly jarring as time passes and newer generations watch it. Personally, I found the movie good but not great, and it’s mostly because I didn’t particularly like Peter Pan as a character. For whatever reason, I just kind of didn’t like him that much (lol). Like Alice in Wonderland, I think the first and final acts are the best part of the movie.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Famous for the spaghetti scene and one of the best romance films, especially in animation, Lady and the Tramp is a great film. The movie’s animation, writing, and characters are all top-notch. The only downside is the cats that don’t age well due to their insensitive characterization. This was a movie that Walt held near and dear to his heart due to his love for dogs. It’s one of those Disney films that people still remember today. The middle is probably the weakest part, but the overall story and the ending are A-grade.
I’m going to level with you; this is my all-time favorite Disney film. It has beautiful art, memorable characters, a great soundtrack, and the most famous Disney villain and final battle. Maleficent alone makes the film. Prince Phillip actually puts in the work, not just showing up and marrying the princess. The iconic final battle with Malificent’s dragon form is, in my mind, the best battle in animation. Unfortunately, this didn’t make the money at the box office it needed to, as the movie ran over budget.
The movie’s legacy endures, particularly in the theme parks. Walt was so confident in the film that he made Sleeping Beauty Castle the staple of Disneyland, even though it hadn’t been released yet. I have nothing but great things to say about this film; I love it.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
This is the movie that surprised me the most when I saw it. I actually didn’t love this movie, yet it’s one of the more famous ones from that era. Cruella steals the show. However, I think the pacing and the middle part could be a lot better. Even more annoying is the significant decline in animation quality. This was the first of a new style of animation that Disney employed to save money, which would later be known as the “scratchy films” due to their distinctive look. Don't get me wrong, it’s an above-average movie, but it’s not one I would rush to watch, despite having a great villain.
The Sword in the Stone (1963)
This is a very underrated film. I had a lot of fun with this one, and it is well paced and well written. I wish this one were discussed more and deserves a better legacy. There are also many valuable messages that still resonate and age well. Unfortunately, the art and animation have that scratchy look I’m not crazy about. However, I highly recommend that people give this movie a chance. Out of all the characters, Merlin is the one who emerged as the most popular and reused, leaving the others as mere products of the film. Still, a really fun one.
The Jungle Book (1967)
The final movie Walt was involved with and the last one of the Silver Age. This is a fun movie. The animation is still disappointing, but the catchy songs and plot make up for it. The movie feels like listening to a good music soundtrack inside of a good animated film. The characters and songs alone have become iconic parts of the Disney era. It’s also the first Disney film to feature a black animator, hired by Walt himself before his passing. While this would be Walt’s last film, he had a folder of ideas in his office that were later adapted in some way; Beauty and the Beast and Frozen are two notable examples.
With the boss gone, the studio would undergo a turbulent era, as old animators clashed with new ones, marking what would become known as the Disney Bronze Age. The company would enter rough financial times, and it would come close to being sold off as separate parts.
You mention a lot about pacing in the stories, and I think I agree. All these films, plus the earlier Disney films, all seems to have this plodding pace to them. Or that the actual story isn't that long so there are lots of filler moments. It's more about the spectacle and magic of their animation I think these films are remembered for, because that is what these all have in vast quantities.
Another great post!