614. Walt Disney: The Great American Storyteller

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom delve into the cultural and technological impact of Walt Disney. They trace Disney's origins from a young man's hobby to a $200 billion empire, emphasizing key milestones like Steamboat Willie, Three Little Pigs, and Snow White. The hosts discuss Disney's influence on animation, his perfectionism, and the commercialization of characters like Mickey Mouse. They also explore the challenges Disney faced during the Second World War, his shift towards television, and the creation of Disneyland. The episode concludes with a discussion of the critical reception of Disney's work, particularly P.L. Travers's perspective on Mary Poppins, and teases the next episode's focus on Disneyland and a bonus episode on Disney at war.