Information
Date of document: July 12, 1935
Document writer: William Garity
Source: Walt Disney Archives (A2995), as reproduced in “Disney’s Grand Tour: Walt and Roy’s European Vacation, Summer 1935” by Didier Ghez
This letter to Roy Disney from William Garity, the studio manager, gives him a few studio updates during his absence while traveling Europe. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is of course mentioned as the big project that Walt will tackle upon his return. It is obvious that Walt’s absence is clearly felt, although work on two shorts at least, Music Land and On Ice is progressing.
In general, I have been gratified with the operation of the plant during Walt’s absence. There has been absolutely no friction in any quarter and production, while retarded slightly but not seriously, is progressing nicely. The retarding of production is probably due to the fact that the Directors are being a little over-cautious due to the fact that they necessarily feel the lack of Walt’s assistance and guidance.
We are recording Music Land today and will record the Ice picture the early part of next week. I really believe that this absence on Walt’s part will greatly facilitate Walt’s work on the feature if he chooses to start on that when he returns, because everyone is assuming his own responsibility and all are being forced into making decisions themselves which they would otherwise pass on for Walt.
