History Daily

Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” Opens at the Box Office

Jan 29, 2025
In 1959, Disney’s 'Sleeping Beauty' flops at the box office, causing a shift in the studio's focus. Creatively fraught with budget overruns and intense competition, the film’s production was a high-stakes gamble for Walt Disney. The challenging collaboration led to delays and vague feedback, reflecting the pressures of the animation industry. Although it faced initial failure, this journey ultimately prompted a reevaluation of its legacy and reignited interest in Disney’s animated features.
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ANECDOTE

Disneyland Preview

  • Walt Disney nervously chain-smoked at Disneyland's preview event in 1955.
  • He prioritized children's reactions, finding their joy validating.
INSIGHT

Disney's Struggles

  • Despite Disneyland's success, Disney's animation studio faced challenges.
  • The studio's future depended on Sleeping Beauty's success due to high investment in Disneyland.
ANECDOTE

Sleeping Beauty Announcement

  • In 1950, Walt Disney announced Sleeping Beauty to revive the studio after financial struggles.
  • World War II and post-war critical failures impacted Disney's film releases.
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