Walt Disney

An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of one of America's most enduring and influential storytellers. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

In this short video, Executive Producer Mark Samels explains how American Experience was able to gain unprecedented access to the Disney archives in order to tell the in-depth story of Walt Disney -- without any editorial input or oversight from The Walt Disney Company. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS.

This recently re-discovered footage of Walt Disney and colleagues at a party was shot by Art Babbitt, regarded as one of the top animators at Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s and '40s. Decades later, associate producer Matt Gavin tracked down the footage through Babbitt's widow, Barbara Perry Babbitt, for use in American Experience's "Walt Disney" documentary.

"Walt had a very interesting way of complimenting you," says composer Richard Sherman. In this original interview, Sherman recalls Walt Disney's leadership style and how he drew great ideas out of his staff. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

"Snow White is the perfect embodiment of 1930s culture," says art historian Carmenita Higginbotham. In this original interview, Higginbotham explains how Walt Disney's Snow White was a reflection of American women during the Great Depression. "Walt Disney" premieres Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

"Walt just knew how to tell a story." In this original interview, animator Floyd Norman shares his experiences working for Walt Disney and why Disney may just have been "the world's greatest storyteller." "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

Walt Disney's fourth animated feature film, "Dumbo" premiered on October 23, 1941. Watch an original interview with writer, Ron Suskind where he explains how a "simple story" like Dumbo can still pack an emotional punch by addressing the common theme of "yearning to be part of the main." "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.

Media historian Susan Douglas explores how Walt Disney, through his television program and Disneyland, presented Americans with an idealized version of their country. "He's selling a version of America that's very flattering to the country," she says, "[But] it deludes you into thinking that there aren't problems that you have to confront." "Walt Disney" premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.

In this original interview, animator Don Hahn discusses the importance of music in Walt Disney's feature animations. "Those musical moments were knit so closely to the story points that they were one in the same," he explains. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

Over the course of his life, Walt Disney created an multimedia empire spanning film, television, amusement parks and more. Few creative figures before or since have held such a long-lasting place in American life and popular culture. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

After losing control of his first animated star, Oswald, Walt Disney brainstormed with his team to come up with a new cartoon character: a mouse named Mickey. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

Walt Disney viewed his studio as a community. He insisted the staff call him "Walt" and brought in experts from prestigious art schools to teach classes to his animators. Things were going well, but Walt Disney was growing restless to find his next big project. "Walt Disney" premieres on September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.