‘Snow White’ and Its Unexpected Connection to a Cinematic Classic

As the first-ever full-length animated feature film, Disney’s ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ is hailed as a cinematic milestone. Many in the industry, including some of his animators, questioned whether Walt Disney’s adaptation of the well-known fairy tale would be successful. As he had done with synchronized sound in Steamboat Willie, Disney pushed the idea with his 

trademark inventive energy in spite of scepticism. Finding the ideal voice for the eponymous princess was a crucial part of Snow White’s production, and 18-year-old Adriana Caselotti was selected for the part following a thorough search. Walt’s idea of an ethereal, otherworldly figure was fulfilled by her delicate, birdlike voice.

Image Courtesy: Disney Princess

It’s interesting to note that Caselotti’s voice also briefly appeared in MGM’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’, singing an off-screen line in the Tin Man’s song ‘If I Only Had a Heart.’ Walt Disney insisted that Snow White’s voice be exclusive to the movie, which hindered her career despite this cameo. Despite having small roles in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and a brief career as an opera singer, Caselotti found it difficult to acquire major roles following this exclusivity.

While peers like Peggy Lee were successful in suing Disney for similar reasons, Caselotti never took legal action against the firm for royalties. Nonetheless, Caselotti’s contributions are still recognizable; her voice can still be heard in the ‘Snow White Wishing Well’ at Disneyland. 

Image Courtesy: Medium

Even though ‘Snow White’ has served as the inspiration for numerous adaptations throughout the years, Disney’s next live-action version seeks to reinvent the character while keeping her essential qualities. Given her status as a trailblazer, Caselotti probably would have valued this development and acknowledged the princess’s lasting influence.

–Farheen Ali