87 Years Later: ‘Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs’ Remains Ahead of Its Time
When ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ premiered in 1937, it faced considerable scepticism about whether animation could sustain a full-length feature. At that time, animated films were typically short subjects shown before the main movie, and Walt Disney’s studio had previously focused on animated shorts like the Silly Symphonies series. Disney’s ambition to create a feature-length animated film began taking shape in 1934, inspired by the 1812 Brothers Grimm fairy tale, ‘Schneewittchen’.
The film follows Snow White, a princess fleeing her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen. After the Queen orders her death, Snow White escapes to the forest and finds refuge with seven dwarfs. Despite her attempts to escape, the Queen disguises herself as an old peddler to deliver a poisoned apple, but Snow White is eventually revived by a prince and lives happily ever after. As the 2025 live-action remake aims to honour the original, it’s worth revisiting what makes the 1937 film timeless.
Image Courtesy: CBR
The animation in ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ was groundbreaking. The film used rotoscoping—tracing over live-action footage to achieve lifelike motion—for characters like Snow White and the Evil Queen. This technique, combined with traditional animation for more cartoonish characters like the dwarfs, created a seamless blend of realism and fantasy. The film’s vibrant colour palette also contributed to its impact, with bright colours highlighting Snow White’s innocence and darker tones emphasizing the Evil Queen’s malevolence.
The soundtrack and voice acting further enhanced the film. Adriana Caselotti’s lively portrayal of Snow White, coupled with Lucille La Verne’s dual performance as the Evil Queen and the Old Peddler, added depth and emotion. The film’s music, which integrates seamlessly with the animation, enhances the storytelling and emotional resonance.
Image Courtesy: Medium
While the film does have some dated elements, such as its portrayal of gender roles and the prince’s minimal role, its innovative techniques and storytelling ensure its lasting legacy. The upcoming remake faces the challenge of meeting or surpassing the original’s standards while adapting it for a new generation. Despite any shortcomings, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ remains a celebrated classic, a milestone in animation history that continues to captivate audiences.
–Farheen Ali
