Information
Sequence number: almost all sequences
Date of document: October 3, 1934
Topics covered: Snow White, bed building, Prince in dungeon, prayer, chase, Queen’s death, Sleepy in coffin
Meeting participants: Walt Disney, Richard Creedon, Larry Morey, Harry Bailey
Minute writer: Harry Bailey
In this brief three-page account of the meeting, there are several points of interest. First, the very important order that the dwarfs be called “men”, which is almost always the case in the final film. The word “dwarfs” is uttered only once, by the slave of the magic mirror. The Prince, who at this point is supposed to be locked in the dungeon by the Queen, has a ring or crest on his shirt that would reveal his identity. During the chase sequence, three dwarfs are supposed to look after Snow White, while four others pursue the Queen. Eventually, all set off in pursuit. But the manner of the Queen’s death had already been decided. The gag in which Sleepy escapes the fly by slipping into the coffin at the end was still being considered.
There’s a reference to the movie Tarzan the Ape Man when it’s mentioned that the dwarfs could swing from vine to vine to get back through the forest faster.
Birds put sleeves about SnowWhite when she sings to the dummy – first one, then the other……..
SnowWhite in the woods – finding dwarfs’ house…….
Dwarfs building bed – carving……
Names over beds of dwarfs…….
**CALL THEM SEVEN LITTLE MEN NOT DWARFS…….**
Dwarfs speak – – – – “Soup is good!” Floor cleaned – plate polished – reflection in plate……
Prayers taught – Sleepy falls asleep……
SnowWhite in curtained bed – all say good-night – falsetto voices – douse candle – spit ? Flip cap over flame…..
Identity of Prince revealed in dungeon – by ring, or crest on shirt……
Birds disturb dwarfs at work – “The Queen!” Wham! over rocks – thru’ the trees – swing on vines – “Tarzan” to the rescue – slip off log over stream – down cliffs – sand banks – – see Queen beating it – Four go after her – Three go to SnowWhite – find her – examination by Doc…….
Rush for water – excitement
Prince takes the road opposite one taken by Queen…….
Queen about to crush dwarfs – she goes over edge to her death in the gorge….
Buzzards – circle down – swoop……
Dwarfs back at house – “Too late.” Pull hats off – one leads in prayer –––– loud wail **SOBBING** – pierces hush –––––– all weep and sob……
Prince – through winter to spring – finds glade and glass coffin……
Sleepy out-wits fly at the end, by closing the lid of the glass coffin – fly can’t get at him……