Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Frank Luther (K-17) 1938

Story and songs

This very early album of three 78rpm discs tells the story of the tale of Snow White using the songs from the film. Frank Luther and his wife Zora Layman sing the songs with the Clubmen and whistler Robert MacGimsey.

It’s clear that, unlike the song rights, the film rights had not been secured for this recording. Not only is the focus placed squarely on the music—leaving little room for storytelling—but the plot diverges significantly from the film, and none of the dwarfs are named.

The album opens with an extended rendition of “Heigh-Ho.” Snow White then sings “I’m Wishing,” and the narrator tells us she is already in a little house—meaning everything that happens before she reaches the dwarfs’ cottage is omitted.

The dwarfs return home expecting dinner and entertainment. Meanwhile, “through the forest rides the Prince (…) looking for Snow White.” He hears her sing “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” and together they perform “With a Smile and a Song,” while the dwarfs head back to the mine.

The story culminates with a party thrown in Snow White’s honor, during which the Silly Song is performed—not only by dwarfs, but with the help of animals and whimsical sound effects (a seal, a kangaroo, and so on), neatly avoiding the need to name individual characters.

Finally, Snow White departs to be married. The dwarfs sing “Whistle as You Go” to the tune of “Whistle While You Work” and “Goodbye” set to the melody of “Heigh-Ho.”

The album was reissued on CD in 2025.