Why we Made "Walt Disney"

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Why we Made "Walt Disney" American Experience

Premiered September 14, 2015

Why we Made "Walt Disney"

"The challenge is, Disney is both a person and a brand." Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS

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Episode Extras

The first chapter in Part 2 of "Walt Disney." Premiering Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS.

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Walt Disney Part 2, Chapter 1

Walt Disney wanted to create an amusement park for the whole family. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15

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Walt Disney's Next Big Idea: Disneyland

In May 1941 nearly half of Walt Disney's art department walked out. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15

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A Strike at Walt Disney Studios

Assoc. Producer Matt Gavin tracked down rare archival footage for "Walt Disney."

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Finding Rare Archival Footage

Don Hahn discusses Walt Disney's use of music in his films. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c

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Interview: Musical Storytelling

Media historian Susan Douglas explores Walt Disney's version of America. Coming Sep. 14/15

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Interview: Walt Disney's America

Everyone remembers Walt Disney's "Bambi" for that one traumatic scene. Premieres 9/14 & 15

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The "Fearless Filmmaking" of "Bambi"

In the late 1920s, Walt Disney Studios created a new animated star. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15

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The Creation of Mickey Mouse

In its first year, "Snow White" grossed more than any other film before it. Airs 9/14 & 15

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The Success of "Snow White"

Disneyland became a top destination for foreign dignitaries. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.

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Visitors to Disneyland

The first chapter of Part 1 of "Walt Disney." Premiering Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS.

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Walt Disney Part 1, Chapter 1

An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.

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Preview

Walt Disney Preview

An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.

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Preview

Walt Disney Series Preview

Despite his success, at home Walt Disney was just "dad." Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.

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Walt Disney the Father

Walt Disney proposes something that had never been done before. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.

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Walt Disney's Big Gamble: "Snow White"

To Walt Disney, Marceline, Missouri would always be home. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.

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Walt Disney's Hometown

Walt Disney recognized that he was different than his public persona. Premieres 9/14 & 15

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Walt Disney's Public Vs. Private Persona

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Why we Made "Walt Disney"

Walt Disney viewed his studio as a community. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.

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Working at Walt Disney Studios

Snow White was a reflection of American women during the 1930s. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.

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Interview: Snow White as the Ideal 1930s Woman

Animator Floyd Norman shares his experiences working for Walt Disney. Premieres 9/14 & 15

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Interview: Walt Disney the Storyteller

Composer Richard Sherman recalls working with Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS

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Interview: Working for Walt Disney

"Steamboat Willie" blows audiences away with its use of sound. Airs 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.

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Mickey Mouse's Big Break

Walt Disney shares his next big idea with his staff. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.

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Pitching "Snow White"

Watch an original interview with writer, Ron Suskind about "Dumbo." Premieres 9/14 & 9/15

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The Story of "Dumbo"

Walt Disney struggles to save his Laugh-O-grams company. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.

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Walt Disney's First Failure

Walt Disney premieres September 14 & 15, 2015 9/8c. on PBS American Experience.

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Preview

Walt Disney, Extended Preview

About the Program

American Experience

American Experience, TV's most-watched history series, brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

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Program Specials & Extras

In 1965, The Dow Company — best known for making Saran Wrap — began making Napalm.

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Napalm in Vietnam

In October of 1967, a massive protest at the University of Wisconsin turned violent.

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Police Tactics at the DOW Demonstration

In 1967, a demonstration at the University of Wisconsin sparked the antiwar movement.

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The Demonstration that Sparked