BAZA ZNANJA

Kurs: - Intermediate

Modul: Past Simple Tense

Autor: prof. Gordana Matorkić

Naziv jedinice: Walt Disney

WALT DISNEY

Here is the story of the man who was considered to be "the most significant figure in graphic arts since Leonardo."

The creator of Mickey Mouse and the founder of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Theme Parks was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1901. His father, Elias Disney, was Irish-Canadian. His mother, Flora Call Disney, was of German-American descent. Walt was one of five children, four boys and a girl.

Walt became interested in drawing at an early age, selling his first sketches to neighbours when he was only seven years old. From then on he improved his drawing skills to become a pioneer of one of the most fertile imaginations the world has ever known.

The first thing that crosses one’s mind when they hear the name of Walt Disney is Mickey Mouse. Mickey was created in 1928, and his talents were first used in a silent cartoon entitled "Plane Crazy." Before the cartoon could be released, however, sound burst upon the motion picture screen. Thus Mickey made his screen debut in "Steamboat Willie," the world`s first fully synchronized sound cartoon.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, the first full-length animated musical film was premiered in Los Angeles. The film got the Academy Award. The film is still considered one of the great feats and imperishable monuments of the motion picture industry. Walt made other full-length animated classics “Pinocchio”, “Dumbo”, and “Bambi”, which are greatly loved by both children and adults.

Not only a great animator and a film-maker, but also a great businessman, Disney created the whole world of imaginations. Disneyland, launched in 1955 as a fabulous $17 million Magic Kingdom, soon increased its investment tenfold and had entertained, by its third decade, more than 250 million people, including presidents, kings, and royalty all over the globe.

Walt Disney, along with members of his staff, received more than 950 honours and citations. He was also interested in establishment of California Institute of the Arts, a college-level professional school of all the creative and performing arts. Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966.

Walt Disney is a legend, a folk hero of the 20th century. His worldwide popularity is based upon the ideas his name represents: imagination, optimism, and self-made success in the American tradition. Walt Disney did more to touch the hearts, minds, and emotions of millions of Americans than any other man in the past century. Through his work he brought joy, happiness, and a universal means of communication to the people of every nation.