Walt and El Grupo Premiere
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2. The Walt Disney Company had produced two animated films simultaneously, Pinocchio and Fantasia, but neither one was popular in the theatres. This made it difficult for the Company in meeting the payroll. The new employees, who had been hired for the additional work created by doing two films, did not share the feelings that the original employees had of family with loyalty to Walt and the company. Some of them sided with labor organizer Herb Sorrell, and went on strike. This event hurt Walt personally and was something that he never really came to terms with. In a way, it was better for him to be in South America, rather than being in the midst of the ugliness and monumental change that would await him when he returned to a different Studio.

3. Last but not least Disney and his team gathered story material, while living in and learning the culture. They helped local artists, while exploring different South American cities. The end result was Saludos Amigos (which received three Oscar nominations) and The Three Caballeros (two Oscar nominations.) The films were a blend of both cultures in animation form.

Walt & El Grupo was filmed in five countries. The use of personal letters and drawings coupled with interviews of descendants and survivors, who spoke in the film brought the past into the present. Additionally newly discovered film from the trip itself was added to the film to lend even more reality to the documentary.

After the viewing was a panel discussion with Ted and Kuniko which was moderated by the well known Charles Solomon (critic and animation historian). Then the audience retired to the refreshment area for desserts and a discussion of the film.

Following are reviews of the film by two respected members of the animation community:

Alice Davis (Disney Legend and widow of famed Disney animator and Legend Marc Davis) �Marc never got the chance to go on the South American trip. However whenever he would get together with Mary Blair or Jimmy Bodrero talking about things, it would always end with talking about that trip. I had heard all the stories but had to imagine what it looked like. It was wonderful to see in the film the stories in motion, rather than in my imagination. This film brings to life the true history of Disney so Don't Miss Walt and El Grupo!"  

Maggie Richardson (Mary Blair�s niece and owner of magic of Mary Blair) �I found Walt and El Grupo a fascinating and meticulously made film.  For me, it was like looking at a live action family album.  I was captivated, not only by the images of my aunt and uncle (Mary and Lee Blair), but also of the larger �family� � those extraordinarily talented individuals hand -picked by Walt Disney to make this historic journey together."

The audience was treated to a very personal and human view of Walt Disney, the man, who, despite his grief over the recent death of his father and the burden of the Strike back home, truly enjoyed being in the company of �El Grupo�.   We felt the camaraderie and genuine affection between Walt and his artists as we watched their exuberant �play� together through wonderful scenes of dancing, bicycling, water skiing, playing local games and running on the beach.�

I especially enjoyed viewing the current footage of the places they visited superimposed over the old filmed images of those same spots�..and to see that they have hardly changed at all! � as if frozen in time.  It made me want to see and experience for myself the landscapes and people that became the catalyst for my Aunt Mary�s �explosion of color� which would change the course and expression of her art forever.�

Please check: www.waltandelgrupo.com for listing of theatres to see the film.

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-- Posted October 25, 2009
-- Text and Pictures by Scarlett Stahl